Here's an article from today's Denver Post about a new conservation easement in the San Luis Valley [November 27, 2005, "Accord protects 'special place'"]. From the article, "By permanently protecting their water rights in a deal finalized last month, the Perrys have helped ensure critical runoff forever into La Garita Creek, sustaining a whole network of wildlife-rich wetlands in the arid country...His agreement to place a conservation easement on the historic Dunn Ranch - and more importantly, the senior water rights tied to it - is being hailed as a significant environmental triumph, a perfect combination of agriculture and conservation, and a telling legacy for the transplanted Englishman who fell in love with the land...In a place that averages less than 6 inches of rainfall a year, the groundwater running off the property helps to feed ephemeral lakes and streams known as playas that gurgle to the surface in places such as the waterfowl- critical Mishak Lakes more than 10 miles away. The Perrys gave up their ability to sell off their prized senior water rights or develop the 1,240-acre ranch in exchange for cash grants totaling about half its market value, a perpetual tax break and a broad measure of satisfaction."
Howling At A Waning Moon: "Funds to help restore habitat and environment along the Arkansas River in Pueblo is included in the Energy and Water Development Bill, U.S. Rep. John Salazar, D-Colo., said Monday. Salazar secured $315,000 for the Arkansas River Habitat Restoration Project, designed to remove non-native plants like tamarisk and planting native trees, shrubs, willows and wetlands plants in terraces along the Arkansas River levee."
Category: Colorado Water
8:52:35 AM 
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