Dispute Closes Public Access to Two Southeastern Colorado Reservoirs, Affecting Local Economies
A dispute between Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Fort Lyon Canal Company has led to the closure of public access to two reservoirs in southeastern Colorado, impacting local fishing economies and businesses.
Denver, CO, July 25, 2026 —
Public access to two reservoirs in southeastern Colorado has been closed due to a dispute between Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and the Fort Lyon Canal Company. The closure directly impacts recreational fishing and the businesses that rely on tourism in the area.
The specifics of the dispute, including the exact timeline and the nature of the disagreements between CPW and the Fort Lyon Canal Company, were not immediately available. However, the outcome has been the cessation of public access to the reservoirs. This action is expected to have significant repercussions for the local fishing economies, which depend on these waters for tourism and related activities.
Local businesses, particularly those involved in bait and tackle sales, lodging, and dining, are anticipated to feel the economic effects of the reservoir closures. Anglers who frequented these locations will now need to find alternative fishing sites, potentially shifting their spending to other regions. The duration of the closure and the terms required to reopen access remain unclear.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has not yet released a detailed statement regarding the resolution of the dispute or the conditions under which public access might be reinstated. The Fort Lyon Canal Company’s involvement suggests the dispute may be related to water rights, access agreements, or operational issues concerning the reservoirs, which are often managed by canal companies for irrigation purposes.
Further details regarding the cause of the dispute and the potential economic impact on the region are pending. The situation highlights the complex relationship between resource management agencies, private companies, and public access to natural resources in Colorado.
Story summarized from the original created by Tracy Ross and Tamara Chuang on coloradosun.com, see more information here.
