The Bureau of Reclamation has announced the scoping period as they update the 2007 Interim Guidelines for the Colorado River Management Operations. The 2007 Interim Guidelines creates the planning direction for the BOR to determine how much water to release and store in both Lake Powell and Lake Mead. These guidelines expire in 2026, and so the process they are doing now will determine how the reservoirs are managed from 2026 forward.
You can register for the scoping meetings below to learn more about this process from BOR:
- Monday, July 17, 2023, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. (MDT) – Register
- Tuesday, July 18, 2023, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. (MDT) – Register
- Monday, July 24, 2023, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. (MDT) – Register
We have already been analyzing their proposal since these management guidelines will direct the future of Lake Powell, Lake Mead and all other reservoirs in the Colorado River Basin for decades to comes. BOR needs to strongly consider recreation interests as they are developing these plans. BlueRibbon Continues to support the Path to 3588′ as well as the states recent proposals, which will only determine guidance until 2026.
Millions of people rely on water in the reservoirs for farming, food, jobs, drinking water, electricity and recreation. Sustaining the reservoirs throughout Colorado, Arizona, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, and Nevada is crucial for millions of people’s everyday life. It would be catastrophic to the entire Western United States if even one of these reservoirs was removed. Groups are continually advocating to drain Lake Powell which would hurt more than just family traditions and memories made every year.
Although Lake Powell, Lake Mead, and other reservoirs along the Colorado River provide jobs and resources for people to use, it is time the federal government recognize the important social benefits that come from having these recreational resources. Once you experience a day on the lake, you get it. There is a reason why millions of people flock to these lakes each year for the family reunions, corporate retreats, and vacations. These reservoirs are invaluable to our history and culture.
Submit a comment by August 15, 2023 letting the BOR know that sustaining water levels in the reservoirs through smart management is important and recognizing recreation interests is crucial.
