Bennet, Hickenlooper Celebrate Senate Passage of Their Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act

Oct 1, 2026 | Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, and John Hickenlooper, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, celebrated the Senate passage of their Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act. This legislation transfers 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 Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act is a common-sense piece of legislation that will protect Ouray's water supply and a beloved recreation asset for future generations," said Bennet. "Senate passage is a critical step forward, and I urge the House to pass it upon their return in November. Coloradans should get the water access they deserve."

"This is a big win for Ouray, which deserves control over its own water resources," said Hickenlooper. "This legislation will unlock Crystal Reservoir's potential, boosting recreation and strengthening local water supplies."

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 commercial development on the property, requires compliance with Colorado water law, and maintains public access to the reservoir and nearby trails for outdoor recreation and wildland fire response.

Bennet visited the Crystal Reservoir in the fall of 2024, 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, wildland firefighters, 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.

The bill has resounding support from the Ouray area and adjacent communities, including: 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; and the Six Basins Project.

In September 2025, Bennet and Hickenlooper introduced the Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act. Representative Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) introduced a House companion in November 2025. In July 2026, Bennet and Hickenlooper celebrated the bill's unanimous passage out of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

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

###