News Release Archive

Bureau of Reclamation to Host Open House to Discuss Recreation, Public Use and Public Safety at Vallecito Reservoir Recreation Area

Media Contact: Mark Chiarito, (970) 385-6577, 05/20/2011 08:58
Justyn Hock, jhock@usbr.gov

For Release: May 20, 2011

The Bureau of Reclamation's Western Colorado Area Office, has scheduled a public open house at 7 p.m., June 1, 2011, at the Vallecito Community Center, 17252 County Road 501. The purpose is to discuss the roles and responsibilities of the various agencies involved in recreation, public use and public safety at Vallecito Reservoir Recreation Area. Discussion will also include volunteer work and community involvement in recreation at the reservoir.

The meeting will be hosted by Reclamation in cooperation with the Pine River Irrigation District which is the non-federal recreation manager for Reclamation lands at Vallecito Reservoir. Representatives from San Juan National Forest, La Plata County, Upper Pine River Fire Protection District, Colorado Division of Wildlife, and Colorado State Parks will participate in the meeting to discuss their respective roles and responsibilities in recreation, public use and public safety at the reservoir.

Pursuant to a long-term recreation management contract with Reclamation, PRID is authorized to collect user fees for the administration, development, operation and maintenance of Reclamation lands for water-based recreation purposes. However, all the agencies and the local community must continue to collectively work together to provide recreation, tourism and economic benefits for the area.

For more information, contact Mark Chiarito, Bureau of Reclamation, at 970-385-6577, or Hal Pierce, Superintendent, Pine River Irrigation District, at 970-884-2558.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.