United States Department of the Interior
Bureau of Reclamation
Washington, D. C. 20240
In Reply Refer To:
W-6333 June 17, 2003
ADM-13.00
Mr. Owen T. Lammers
Executive Director, Living Waters [Rivers]
P.O. Box 466
Moab, Utah 84532
Dear Mr. Lammers:
Thank you for your letter to Secretary of the Interior Gale A. Norton dated March 14, 2003, regarding Colorado River issues. The Secretary has asked that I respond to you on her behalf. Similar to other Western rivers, the Colorado River Basin has experienced four dry years, some of which having been among the driest on record. With such a significant part of the nation dependent on water supplies from the Colorado River, it is truly fortunate that we continue to enjoy the benefits of our existing water supply facilities that help to mitigate to make up for these tough years of insufficient moisture.
As you point out in your letter, these issues are complex and sometimes contentious, and it gives me a perfect opportunity to mention the Secretary's n ew initiative, entitled Water 2025: Preventing Crises and Conflict in the West. Water 2025 recognizes the realities we face in dealing with water issues, such as explosive population growth, increasing needs for water for environmental and recreational uses, and the national importance of food and fiber production from Western. irrigated agriculture. Water 2025 sets forth a strategic plan to facilitate a vigorous and educated public discussion in key Western communities, including those that rely on the Colorado River, where the likelihood for conflict and crises over water exists or can be predicted to occur by the year 2025. I invite you to attend and participate in any of the eight regional consulting sessions hosted by the Bureau of Reclamation. The information on these sessions is located on our website, www.doi.gov/water2025.
Again, thank you for your comments and concerns about Colorado River issues. The Colorado River has been and will continue to be a top priority for our agency, and I look forward to working with you and your organization in the constructive and positive manner set forth in Water 2025.
Sincerely,
John W. Keys, III
Commissioner
