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Commissioners press state on Tropic Reservoir order as local leaders warn of recreation and irrigation loss
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Summary
Garfield County commissioners discussed a state engineer order to drain Tropic Reservoir, detailed local concerns about lost irrigation and recreation, and described ongoing county efforts to negotiate gate control and pursue showing beneficial use of stored water.
Garfield County commissioners devoted extended discussion to a dispute over Tropic Reservoir after a recent state engineer order requiring the reservoir be emptied before the state will negotiate control of the gate. Commissioners said the order risks drying a reservoir that has stored water for the Tropic and Bryce Valley area since the 19th century and could eliminate summer recreation and fisheries use.
“Now the commissioners met with the state engineer… and we were told… that at least that company could control the gates starting May 1,” one commissioner said, explaining that the county had negotiated an emergency agreement but that state action has left the reservoir empty. The commissioner warned that without gate control and water pressure, the reservoir will resemble the old Hatchdown Dam site and will not be able to hold acre-feet for irrigation.
Commissioners and staff said county water resources staff, including Dave Dodds, have been engaged in efforts to show beneficial use of the water and to pursue rebuilding infrastructure that could help retain stored water. “We are, heavily involved trying to help them save that reservoir,” the commissioner said, describing the county’s outreach to state officials and the governor’s office.
Officials described how the drained reservoir will affect recreation, the Forest Service campground, fisheries stocking and local hay production. “When people go to Tropic Reservoir in July…and they’ve been kayaking and using the Forest Service campground and fishing… it’s gonna be dry unless we can do something,” a commissioner said. The commission also noted that the county lacks municipal authority and philanthropic resources that incorporated municipalities can sometimes access.
Commissioners stressed science and hydrology concerns: county leaders said the water released through the outlet will not reach downstream irrigation users and instead will seep into a “pristine aquifer” before reaching the end of the valley, which complicates claims that the diverted flow will be put to irrigation use. They said litigation and administrative processes will be difficult and that the county and stakeholders are pursuing all available local, state and federal avenues.
The commissioners asked staff to continue pressing relevant state officials, pursue engineering and legal options for reconstructing or repairing historic structures (including the Hatchedown Dam), and keep the public informed. No formal county action or vote on specific litigation was recorded during the meeting; commissioners emphasized ongoing negotiation and advocacy.
Provenance: commission discussion during board reports and a dedicated water update segment; county staff identified and described ongoing efforts to pursue beneficial-use demonstrations and infrastructure repairs.