Opinion ID: 2600424
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Recreation, Fish, and Wildlife Uses

Text: Trout Unlimited also contends that the districts failed to demonstrate the requisite specific plan and intent for a number of the uses listed in the decree, specifically recreation, fish and wildlife, and aesthetic purposes. The decree provides that water appropriated by the districts could be used for recreation (including releases to benefit decreed recreational in-channel rights), piscatorial and wildlife preservation . . . and aesthetic purposes. Recreational use of stored water in and on a reservoir is a recognized and frequent beneficial use in this state. § 37-92-103(4), (C.R.S.2007). The districts satisfied the intent requirement for these uses to be confirmed in the conditional decree for recreation in and on Dry Gulch Reservoir. During the water court proceedings, PAWSD board member Karen Wessels testified that the reservoir would be useful for recreation and the districts were actively seeking to make recreational, wildlife and fish, and aesthetic uses of the stored waters. The districts' pursuit of facilities and agreements for such purposes in association with the Dry Gulch Reservoir can be evaluated in future diligence proceedings. [13]