The Water Quality Control Commission has voted to adopt "Outstanding Water" designations - which apply water quality standards designed to preserve the high-quality condition of some of Colorado' best and most important waters - for three native cutthroat trout streams in the Dolores basin. The new designation will ensure that water quality is maintained without degradation for the native Colorado River cutthroat trout in the Little Taylor, Rio Lado, and Spring Creek drainages. The Commission found that the waters supported high-quality water and had "exceptional recreational or ecological significance." Thanks to the Commission's decision, these fisheries will continue to thrive in the high-quality water that has kept them healthy in the past.
This success story was made possible through the efforts of the Dolores River Anglers committee of the 5 Rivers Chapter, with help from TU's Backcountry Coordinator Matt Clark. The Dolores River Anglers will soon be becoming a stand-alone chapter - TU's 24th in Colorado - and with this important victory for their local waters, they are already off to a great start. Congratulations!
