Bennet, Hickenlooper Introduce Legislation to Convey the Crystal Reservoir to the City of Ouray

Sep 10, 2025| Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper introduced legislation to transfer ownership of the Crystal Reservoir and the associated dam and water infrastructure from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to the City of Ouray (the City).

"The City's water supply and hot springs depend on Crystal Reservoir," said Senator Bennet. "This common-sense legislation will refill and reopen the Reservoir, protecting its recreational and environmental benefits for future generations."

"A refilled Crystal Reservoir will boost outdoor recreation and provide much-needed water storage to fight extreme drought and better manage wildfires," said Senator Hickenlooper. "Through this transfer, Ouray can unlock that potential to make repairs and maintain the reservoir."

The bill would convey approximately 45 acres of federal land, including the Crystal Reservoir, Full Moon Dam, and Full Moon Ditch. 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 conveyance prohibits development on the property and requires compliance with Colorado water law.

"Colorado water is one of our most precious resources and this new bill from Senator Bennet will restore local water, land access, and management to the community that knows the watershed best," said Governor Jared Polis.

"Longterm stewardship of natural resources, especially water supply, is critical for the local communities that are experiencing increasing drought conditions and reduced precipitation which are particularly profound in Southwestern Colorado," said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. "This narrowly focused and locally supported legislation is a good step towards helping the City of Ouray secure part of their future water supply, while also protecting public access, current recreational uses and wildlife habitats."

"For over 90 years, Crystal Reservoir has been a part of a colorful history, and a favorite recreation location in the San Juan mountains of Colorado," said Ethan Funk, Ouray Mayor. "Until it was drained recently, the reservoir also provided critical water storage and augmentation for the City of Ouray. Crystal reservoir is deeply missed by all who knew her, and we want her back. The City of Ouray, along with our many partners, seek to repair and restore this beautiful body of water so she can continue on for many more generations. I fully support the conveyance of Crystal Reservoir to the City of Ouray. We will return the love she has given us, by restoring her to her home in the Ironton Valley."

"Thank you Senator Bennet for understanding how essential Crystal Reservoir is and introducing this legislation," said Lynn Padgett, Ouray Commissioner. "Swiftly enacting the proposed Conveyance Act will allow the City of Ouray to repair, refill, and operate Crystal Reservoir and Full Moon Dam to restore it as the essential and unique water supply, public recreation, wildlife habitat asset it previously was. The City of Ouray will take on the role and responsibility of managing it in perpetuity while keeping this incredibly beautiful gem along the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway full of water, free, and open to the public in perpetuity. The importance of Crystal Reservoir to Ouray citizens and visitors is impossible to describe. For 90 years this little 40-acre lake has been an iconic destination for human-powered recreation in all seasons. Generations of locals and visitors have fantastic stories and photographs from fishing, hiking, wildlife watching, weddings, hunting, cross-country skiing, picnics, stargazing, and even snowkiting and dog sledding."

"I fully support the conveyance of Crystal Reservoir and Full Moon Dam to the City of Ouray and any efforts to refill this critical resource," said Justin Perry, Ouray County Sheriff. "While I'm an avid fisherman and value the reservoir for recreation, my priority is the safety and protection of our county. The vital role of Crystal Reservoir in wildfire response became all too clear during the recent Snowshed Fire in the Ironton-Red Mountain area. Thankfully, the fire didn't grow larger, but had it spread even slightly, we would have faced serious challenges in securing water from alternate sources for aerial support and water drops. Crystal Reservoir is a crucial water source for fast, effective fire suppression in the Ouray and Red Mountain Pass areas. To ensure we're prepared for future emergencies, it's imperative that we refill this reservoir and make it a key asset in our wildfire response strategy."

"Crystal Lake is one of the most iconic scenic locations in the entire state of Colorado, with its backdrop of the gorgeous Red Mountain range in the background," said John Clark, Ridgway Mayor. "I fully support the City of Ouray's attempt, with the help of Senator Bennet, to transfer the property from Federal to City ownership. Not only is it a hugely popular location for outdoor recreation, it also served as a critical backup water supply for the City. I'm hopeful that the Federal transfer process can proceed with haste, and be successful in the end."

"The image of the Red Mountains reflected in Crystal Lake has been one of Ouray County's top tourist destinations for more than 80 years," said Don Paulson, Ouray County Historical Society. "To lose this iconic view would be a blow to tourism in Ouray County."

"I could not do better than quote District Ranger Jim Free in a Press Release from Dec.18, 2003, when we closed on the purchase: 'This land is one of the crown jewels in the Red Mountain area," said Bob Risch, former Mayor of Ouray. "'It has world-class mountain views, outstanding ecological, recreational, and historical values. Now, we have a great opportunity to manage it in the public interest.' Given its placement upstream and economic impact on the economy, it will be most efficiently managed by the City of Ouray."

"Crystal Lake, with its Full Moon Dam, is a national treasure and anchors a fragile alpine ecosystem unique to Colorado," said Karen Risch, Former President of the Ouray Trail Group. "Four historic hiking trails are accessible from Full Moon Dam. These scenic trails are beloved and well used: Hayden Mountain, Mears, Full Moon, and Beaver/Belfast. Be assured that the citizens of the City of Ouray will restore Crystal Reservoir and continue to treat this treasure with respect and care."

Bennet visited the Crystal Reservoir last fall, where he was joined by leaders from the City of Ouray, Ouray County, and the USFS. The USFS drained the reservoir in January 2024, leaving the City, local hot springs, and downstream agricultural producers without a critical water supply. The reservoir is also a well-loved recreation attraction and a needed water source for aerial wildland firefighting. To ensure the continuation of these uses, the City is willing to take on the cost and liability of repairing and maintaining the dam, in order to refill the reservoir.

This legislation is supported by: the City of Ouray; the Towns of Ridgway and Silverton; Ouray and San Juan Counties; Ouray County Sheriff; Ouray County Department of Emergency Management; Colorado River District; Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership; Hydrowest Inc.; the Trust for Land Restoration; Ouray and San County Historical Societies; Red Mountain Project; Ouray Trail Group; Ridgway Ouray Community Council; Ouray and Ridgway Area Chambers of Commerce; Great Old Broads for Wilderness; RIGS Fly Shop Guide Service; Six Basins Project.

The text of the bill is available HERE. The legislative map can be found HERE. Letters of support can be found HERE.

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