Reservoir tour celebrates 100 years

Courtesy Photo Rio Grande Reservoir

SOUTH FORK—In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Rio Grande Reservoir, Water 2012 in the Rio Grande Basin invites everyone interested in the early history of water in the San Luis Valley to take a caravan tour of the historic Rio Grande Reservoir on Saturday, July 14.

The tour is co-sponsored by the San Luis Valley Irrigation District, the Colorado Field Institute and the Rio Grande Interbasin Roundtable. Hosts of the tour include Travis Smith of the San Luis Valley Irrigation District and other special guests.

The theme for the Reservoir’s 100th Anniversary is the past, present and future of Rio Grande Reservoir. A walking tour of the Reservoir and a presentation of the Rio Grande Cooperative Project will be made.

Construction on the Rio Grande Reservoir began in 1912 and was completed in 1914. The Reservoir provides storage for agricultural needs and is used for compact compliance, fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, and flood control.  

The reservoir has been in operation since 1912 as the only pre- compact on channel reservoir on the Rio Grande main stem. The reservoir has endured many issues during the last 100years including many facelifts. Rio Grande Reservoir represents the vision and determination of the Landowners of the San Luis Valley Irrigation District.

The tour will begin at 10:30 a.m. in South Fork at the Visitors Center and caravan up to the Rio Grande Reservoir via Highway 149, arriving at 11:30 a.m. From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., there will be a walking tour of the Reservoir.

From 12:30-2 p.m., lunch will be served and the San Luis Valley Irrigation District will give a presentation on the history of the Reservoir. Lunch will be provided by the San Luis Valley Irrigation District.

Remember, Rio Grande Reservoir is in the high country(approximately 10,000 ft) please bring a light jacket and a hat

The tour will be capped at 30 people and all participants must register online at www.rgwcei.org, www.water2012.org, or www.coloradofieldinstitute.org. To register, click on “Calendar of Events” , select “July 14th Tour” and follow the registration instructions. Contact Leah Opitz with any questions or comments at lopitz15@gmail.com or 307-258-8255.