Residents of the Crystal River Valley met in Marble on Tuesday to learn more about what a federal Wild and Scenic designation on that river would mean.
Experts on Colorado water law and Gunnison County commissioners met with about 60 residents at the Marble Community Church. A group of residents who live along the Crystal have started a long process working toward securing a Wild and Scenic designation for the upper 39 miles of the river.
Such a designation would protect against future diversions and dams, but some Marble residents have voiced concern over federal control of the river, saying it might infringe on their private property rights.
Supporters say property rights should not be a concern because the law would state that landowners would keep control.
A timeline for the process is uncertain.
