Group opposes Pine River water district expansion

August 28, 2007

By Dale Rodebaugh | Herald Staff Writer

Opposition is mounting to a proposal that could put the Pine River Irrigation District in the water business far beyond its current involvement.

On June 19, the district, known as PRID, applied to the 6th Judicial District water court to lease Vallecito Reservoir water for household and other uses in areas outside the district, including the Florida River drainage and part of the Animas River basin.

On Monday, Caryl Helmin-Schmid filed a statement of opposition to PRID's application with the water court.

"I encourage individuals and ditch companies to protect their water rights," Helmin-Schmid said in an interview. "If this (PRID) application is approved it could destroy agriculture."

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