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Tribes Demand Voice in Colorado River's Future
15 Aug
Summary
- Tribes are calling for a delay in the Colorado River management plan.
- Consultation with 30 tribes holding significant water rights is lacking.
- Concerns rise over the impact on tribal water rights and cultural lifelines.
Tribal officials are calling on federal authorities to delay a critical 10-year management plan for the Colorado River, set to begin January 1. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's plan aims to preserve water levels in Lake Mead and Lake Powell, preventing 'dead pool' conditions that would halt hydroelectric production. The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT), Arizona's largest water rights holder, have issued a second request for a delay, seeking at least 45 days beyond the July 31 release of the final environmental impact statement for substantial discussions.
Collectively, 30 tribes in the Colorado River basin hold about 20% of water rights, yet some have yet to fully quantify or utilize their allocations. CRIT asserts that the agency's compressed review schedule denies them a meaningful opportunity for input and ignores promised government-to-government consultation. Tribal leaders emphasize that any plan must respect their senior water rights, honor federal trust obligations, and ensure the river's protection for cultural and spiritual as well as utilitarian purposes.
