The first phase of the Animas-La Plata Project - a settlement of Native American water-right claims - is over, and starting March 1, the federal agency in charge is concentrating on filling the reservoir that is part of the project. "This is a transition period between construction and filling and finalizing operations and maintenance contracts," Rick Ehat, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation construction engineer, told The Durango Herald Editorial Board on Wednesday. "There are a number of near-term and long-term issues to consider in the next 18 months." In addition to filling the reservoir, the agency is planning the associated recreational activities.

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