Crystal Reservoir Conveyance (H.R. 5911)

Summary

Gives the Crystal Reservoir and about 45 acres of federal land from the Forest Service to the City of Ouray, Colorado, for public use.

What problem does this solve?

The City of Ouray, Colorado, needs direct control over a local water source and recreational area currently managed by the federal government. This bill transfers ownership of the Crystal Reservoir and surrounding land to the city, giving them full responsibility for its management and upkeep.

What does this bill do?

Transfers federal land to the City of Ouray

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to give the Crystal Reservoir, Full Moon Dam, and about 45 acres of surrounding Forest Service land to the City of Ouray, Colorado.

Requires land to be kept as open space

Mandates that the city must keep the land open to the public for recreation, like fishing, forever. The city cannot charge a fee for recreational access.

Prohibits development on the land

Forbids any commercial operations or new construction on the land, except for work needed to maintain or repair the dam and reservoir.

Transfers water rights to the city

Gives the City of Ouray all U.S. government water rights associated with the land, including those for the Full Moon Ditch and Reservoir Number 10.

Makes the city responsible for all costs

Requires the City of Ouray to pay for all future repairs, operations, maintenance, and safety compliance for the Full Moon Dam and its related structures.

Includes a reversion clause

Allows the land to be returned to the U.S. government if the city does not follow the rules set in the bill, such as keeping it as open space.

Divides costs of the transfer

States the federal government will pay for most costs of the land transfer, but the City of Ouray must pay for any land surveys needed.

Who does this affect?

Residents of Ouray, Colorado
U.S. Forest Service
Recreational users of Crystal Reservoir

What is the real world impact?

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Promotes local control over resources

Gives the City of Ouray direct management over a key local water source and recreational area. This allows the community to make decisions about the reservoir's use and maintenance, ensuring it meets local needs.

When does this start?

The land transfer will happen as soon as possible after the bill becomes law, with one specific deadline for correcting misuse.

Land Reversion Period

If the city misuses the land, it has a 90-day period after receiving a written notice to fix the problem before the land can be taken back by the U.S. government.