Hickenlooper, Bennet Introduce Bill to Transfer Crystal Reservoir to Ouray, Boost Water Storage, Outdoor Recreation

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet introduced the Crystal River Conveyance Act, which would transfer ownership of the Crystal Reservoir and the associated dam and water infrastructure from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to the city of Ouray.

"A refilled Crystal Reservoir will boost outdoor recreation and provide much-needed water storage to fight extreme drought and better manage wildfires. Through this transfer, Ouray can unlock that potential to make repairs and maintain the reservoir," Hickenlooper said.

"The City's water supply and hot springs depend on Crystal Reservoir," said Bennet. "This common-sense legislation will refill and reopen the Reservoir, protecting its recreational and environmental benefits for future generations."

The bill would convey approximately 45 acres of federal land, including the Crystal Reservoir, Full Moon Dam, and Full Moon Ditch, without any cost to the city. In exchange, the city would assume responsibility for the operations, maintenance, and repairs of the Full Moon Dam and Full Moon Ditch. It prohibits development on the property and requires the city to comply with Colorado water law.

In January 2024, the U.S. Forest Service drained the reservoir, cutting off a critical water supply for the city, local hot springs, and downstream farms. The reservoir also serves as a popular recreation spot and a vital water source for fighting wildfires. The city has agreed to assume the cost and liability of repairing and maintaining the dam so the reservoir can be refilled.

The text of the bill is available HERE. The legislative map can be found HERE. Letters of support can be found HERE.

"Longterm stewardship of natural resources, especially water supply, is critical for the local communities that are experiencing increasing drought conditions and reduced precipitation which are particularly profound in Southwestern Colorado," said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. "This narrowly focused and locally supported legislation is a good step towards helping the City of Ouray secure part of their future water supply, while also protecting public access, current recreational uses and wildlife habitats."

"For over 90 years, Crystal Reservoir has been a part of a colorful history, and a favorite recreation location in the San Juan mountains of Colorado," said Ethan Funk, Ouray Mayor. "Until it was drained recently, the reservoir also provided critical water storage and augmentation for the City of Ouray. Crystal reservoir is deeply missed by all who knew her, and we want her back. The City of Ouray, along with our many partners, seek to repair and restore this beautiful body of water so she can continue on for many more generations. I fully support the conveyance of Crystal Reservoir to the City of Ouray. We will return the love she has given us, by restoring her to her home in the Ironton Valley."

"I fully support the conveyance of Crystal Reservoir and Full Moon Dam to the City of Ouray and any efforts to refill this critical resource," said Justin Perry, Ouray County Sheriff. "While I'm an avid fisherman and value the reservoir for recreation, my priority is the safety and protection of our county. The vital role of Crystal Reservoir in wildfire response became all too clear during the recent Snowshed Fire in the Ironton-Red Mountain area. Thankfully, the fire didn't grow larger, but had it spread even slightly, we would have faced serious challenges in securing water from alternate sources for aerial support and water drops. Crystal Reservoir is a crucial water source for fast, effective fire suppression in the Ouray and Red Mountain Pass areas. To ensure we're prepared for future emergencies, it's imperative that we refill this reservoir and make it a key asset in our wildfire response strategy."

"The image of the Red Mountains reflected in Crystal Lake has been one of Ouray County's top tourist destinations for more than 80 years," said Don Paulson, Ouray County Historical Society. "To lose this iconic view would be a blow to tourism in Ouray County."

"I could not do better than quote District Ranger Jim Free in a Press Release from Dec.18, 2003, when we closed on the purchase: 'This land is one of the crown jewels in the Red Mountain area," said Bob Risch, former Mayor of Ouray. "'It has world-class mountain views, outstanding ecological, recreational, and historical values. Now, we have a great opportunity to manage it in the public interest.' Given its placement upstream and economic impact on the economy, it will be most efficiently managed by the City of Ouray."

"Crystal Lake, with its Full Moon Dam, is a national treasure and anchors a fragile alpine ecosystem unique to Colorado," said Karen Risch, Former President of the Ouray Trail Group. "Four historic hiking trails are accessible from Full Moon Dam. These scenic trails are beloved and well used: Hayden Mountain, Mears, Full Moon, and Beaver/Belfast. Be assured that the citizens of the City of Ouray will restore Crystal Reservoir and continue to treat this treasure with respect and care."

This legislation is supported by: the City of Ouray; the Towns of Ridgway and Silverton; Ouray and San Juan Counties; Ouray County Sheriff; Ouray County Department of Emergency Management; Colorado River District; Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership; Hydrowest Inc.; the Trust for Land Restoration; Ouray and San County Historical Societies; Red Mountain Project; Ouray Trail Group; Ridgway Ouray Community Council; Ouray and Ridgway Area Chambers of Commerce; Great Old Broads for Wilderness; RIGS Fly Shop Guide Service; Six Basins Project.

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