Background
Vail Associates acquired property along Hat Creek which was conveyed to the Forest Service. Upon request from the Forest Service, Hat Creek water rights were conveyed to Colorado Water Trust to support instream flows and native cutthroat trout habitat on the river.
Tool
Permanent Projects
Irrigation rights on the creek were changed to Instream Flow use, leaving the only remaining water use on Hat Creek as an Instream Flow, permanently protecting the water in the creek for fish and wildlife.
Partners
Colorado Water Conservation Board, Vail Associates, United States Forest Service, Western Land Group, Town of Eagle