S. 2754: Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act

The Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to transfer ownership of specific federal land and water rights associated with Crystal Reservoir in Ouray County, Colorado, from the federal government to the City of Ouray. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

Definitions

• City: Refers to the City of Ouray, Colorado.
• Federal land: Includes the Crystal Reservoir and its associated features, such as the Full Moon Dam, spillway, outlet, Full Moon Ditch, and approximately 45 acres of surrounding land managed by the Forest Service.
• Map: A specific map prepared by the Forest Service that outlines the area being conveyed.
• Secretary: Refers to the Secretary of Agriculture, representing the Forest Service.

Conveyance of Federal Land

The bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer all rights, title, and interest of the United States in the specified federal land and any related water rights to the City of Ouray as soon as practical after the bill becomes law. This includes:

• The Crystal Reservoir and its associated infrastructure.
• Water rights linked to the reservoir and adjacent water sources, clarified by specific decrees from the State of Colorado.

Requirements for the Conveyance

The transfer will be executed through a quitclaim deed and will come with certain stipulations:

• All existing rights and the reversionary interest (if the land is not used per the conditions) must be respected.
• The City will not incur costs except for any necessary survey costs, which it must pay.

Terms and Conditions

As a part of the conveyance, the City must agree to several conditions:

• Grant an easement for existing trails or roads on the conveyed land.
• Take responsibility for the operation, maintenance, and repair of infrastructure like Full Moon Dam.
• Maintain the land as open space for public recreational activities, ensuring free access without fees.
• Avoid any developmental activities outside of necessary maintenance and not expand the physical footprint of the reservoir in a way that impacts local wetlands.

Water Rights and Management

The City is allowed to use the Crystal Reservoir for water storage and other beneficial water uses, adhering to Colorado's water laws. This includes managing the water rights connected to the reservoir.

General Provisions

The Secretary of Agriculture must finalize the map and legal description of the land to be conveyed soon after the act is enacted. The City may also make emergency repairs to the dam or other features before the land conveyance occurs, if approved by the Secretary.

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