Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act

This bill would transfer Crystal Reservoir and approximately 45 acres of surrounding federal land from the U.S. Forest Service to the City of Ouray. The U.S. Forest Service drained the reservoir in 2024, leaving the city and local agricultural producers without a critical water supply. The bill would enable Ouray to take ownership, repair Full Moon Dam, and refill the reservoir—restoring an essential water source, wildfire response asset, and beloved recreation destination.

The conveyance would occur at no cost to the City, in exchange for its assumption of responsibility for the operations, maintenance, and repairs of the Full Moon Dam and Full Moon Ditch. The bill includes strong protections for permanent free public access for recreation, fishing, and trails, and no commercial development except for dam operations. The conveyance prohibits development on the property and requires compliance with Colorado water law. If enacted, the bill would allow the small mountain town of Ouray to restore a water source critical for drinking water, wildfire suppression, and recreation while keeping the land open to the public.