Lane Wyatt has been instrumental in protecting recreational stream flows by supporting Recreational
In-Channel Diversions and Instream Flow appropriations in headwaters regions of
Colorado. As manager of the Upper Colorado River Project, which preceded
Colorado’s State Water Supply Initiative (SWSI), Lane worked on numerous efforts to manage
streamflows to support Colorado's water dependent recreation economy. Lane is currently bringing
his 20 plus years of experience working with NWCCOG to the table as a stakeholder in the BLM
resource management plan revision process, and Wild and Scenic River study.
In an effort to identify and protect recreational and environmental water needs for sections of the
Colorado River stretching from Rocky Mountain National Park to Glenwood Springs, this group of
stakeholders has organized to assist the BLM in evaluating new management alternatives and Wild and
Scenic protection for the study area. Potential management alternatives would allow for
additional withdrawals of water from the Colorado River system, likely threatening existing and
future recreational and environmental water needs. In an effort to quantify recreational
needs, American Whitewater is working with representatives from Colorado Whitewater, the Colorado
River District, and the Colorado Basin Roundtable, and NWCCOG to identify and quantify the range of
flows necessary to support recreational use in the upper Colorado River basin. This month, we want
to recognize Lane for his contribution to the development and review of the AW's Upper Colorado
River Flow survey.
With Lane's help, the Upper Colorado River Flow survey was developed so individuals can report
their runs and represent recreational interests in the stakeholder proceedings. Our goal is to
utilize information from the survey to help us quantify flow preferences for whitewater boating,
which will identify low, acceptable, and optimum flows for whitewater recreation experiences. The
information will provide us with data necessary to evaluate user experiences and propose any
modifications to the Bureau of Land Management Resource Management Plan.
Click here to view the Flow Survey:
www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx
Colorado paddlers are fortunate to have knowledgeable advocates like Lane Wyatt working on the
cutting edge of streamflow management in Colorado, and volunteering his time and energy to help AW
protect our rivers. Thanks, Lane!