From the Pagosa Sun (Chuck McGuire):
The San Juan River Workgroup (SJRW) became reality last Thursday evening, as approximately 50 individuals attended an organizational meeting at the Ross Aragon Community Center in Pagosa Springs. A few participants reportedly came from as far away as Denver and Silverton. According to program coordinators, interest ran high among a diverse crowd of ranchers and property owners, water service providers, photographers, anglers, whitewater enthusiasts, oil land gas developers, and conservationists concerned with protecting a wide array of intrinsic river values. To address their concerns on a local level, attendees agreed to form the SJRW and meet monthly through December…
Once the SJRW became official at Thursday’s meeting, the group discussed a three-phase process it will undergo, and how its program relates to the above-referenced forest management plan. Basically, anyone interested in the river will have a seat at the table and will be considered a stakeholder throughout the process. While respecting all opinions expressed, even when different than their own, group members will consider future actions that meet the interests and/or needs of a diversity of stakeholders and water users. All will receive factual information and tools necessary to lead productive talks resulting in creative problem-solving. Group discussions will be open and transparent, and everyone will be heard.
More San Juan Basin coverage here.