Use of water resources requires a balance of rights between private landowners and citizens. Colorado law protects the rights of boaters to use navigable rivers and streams, since it defines private property as including river bands and beds, but not the water that runs through them. This means that rafters, kayakers and other boaters can float through private property without trespassing, since the water is a public resource, as long as they do not tough private property. While Colorado law requires boaters to keep to the river while traveling through private lands, it also makes it illegal for private landowners to obstruct use of the river--by creating gates, fences, or other obstacles.

For a copy of the original article contact the WIP at (970) 247-1302 or stop by the office at 841 East Second Avenue in Durango.