Pitkin County and regional partners approve Crystal River agreement to oppose new dams and diversions

Pitkin County commissioners unanimously approved an intergovernmental agreement April 22 with Gunnison County, the Town of Marble, the Colorado River Water Conservation District and the West Divide Water Conservancy District that commits the parties to oppose proposals for new reservoirs or out‑of‑basin diversions on the Crystal River.

County staff said the IGA grew from the stakeholder process around potential Wild and Scenic designation and related river‑protection work. Michael Gorman, campaign director at Wilderness Workshop, thanked the county and partners for the agreement, calling it “a really big deal for the Crystal River” and a stepping stone toward stronger protections. Zane Kessler of the Colorado River District said the district’s board had voted unanimously to support and execute the IGA and described the agreement as locally driven consensus after years of negotiation.

The IGA was discussed in public comment and at the board table as part of a multi‑year effort that also includes seeking interim flow protections and pursuing Wild and Scenic designation. Staff described two minor edits that were made after the packet: restoring a dropped word so the sentence reads that parties agree not to advocate for or support any project proposing “a new reservoir or impoundment of water on the main stem of the Crystal River,” and completing contact information in the document. Commissioners said the unified stance will help persuade state and federal legislators to back broader protections.

The resolution to approve the IGA passed unanimously at the board table. Board members and environmental groups framed the vote as an important local step while other, longer-term protections continue to be pursued.