State Land Board buys Simillion Spring water right to secure supply for Routt County trust lands
Summary
The board approved purchase of the Simillion Spring water right (tributary to Dry Creek, Yampa/White basin) for up to $30,000 to protect livestock and wildlife water supply on state trust land after staff discovered the right had been privately owned though it originates on state property.
The Colorado State Board of Land Commissioners approved staff's recommendation to acquire the Simillion Spring water right and associated infrastructure in Routt County for a price not to exceed $30,000, paid from the board's investment and development funds.
Water program manager Justin B. told commissioners the spring historically supplies grazing and wildlife on the Emerald Mountain state parcel near Steamboat Springs. Staff discovered that an adjudicated conditional domestic/wildlife water right had been held in private ownership even though the spring originates on state trust land and some hydrants and infrastructure sit on state property. That private ownership created a risk that the state could lose reliable access for lessees and wildlife.
Staff calculated the purchase price by comparing the cost to the alternative — drilling an exempt livestock well — and confirmed $30,000 as a reasonable estimate with a local well driller. The board voted unanimously to acquire the right and associated infrastructure and to clear the title so state trust lands retain reliable beneficial use.
