Outdoor Enthusiasts Rally At Capitol To Protect Upper Colorado River

DENVER (CBS4) - A group of outdoor enthusiasts are calling on Gov. John Hickenlooper to protect the Colorado River.

On Wednesday a group of fishermen, rafters and other sportsmen rallied in front of the state Capitol. They want the governor to protect the Upper Colorado River from the Windy Gap and Moffat water diversion projects.

The group says 60 percent of the river water is already being sent back to the thirsty Front Range, and the new diversions would siphon off even more.

"People go there for recreation and fishing and the economy centers on the river," Drew Peternell with Trout Unlimited said. "The communities depend on the Upper Colorado; all these things are at risk if it becomes dry."

The group also says studies done by water agencies do not accurately reflect actual stream flows.