Honors the Late Senator Thomas’s Legacy & Protects Water Rights

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Barrasso, R-Wyo., has provided a boost for Wyoming tourism and honored the legacy of the late Senator Craig Thomas.  Barrasso has successfully guided the ‘Craig Thomas Snake Headwaters Legacy Act’ to the Senate floor.  The bill is now pending consideration by the full Senate.

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted to approve passage of the legislation introduced by Senator Thomas last May and enhanced by Senator Barrasso.

“Senator Thomas had a passionate vision for the Snake River .  His vision has been maintained, clarified and strengthened in this bill.  I have worked hard to add solid protections for existing property and water rights,” Barrasso said.

“ Wyoming folks and visitors from around the world experience unrivaled recreational opportunities including hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and boating along these stretches,” Barrasso said.  “That will continue, along with vital protections for existing water rights and land owners.  In short, private property rights will be protected.”

In response to community concerns, Barrasso was able to amend the original legislation to ensure that existing rights, including interstate water compacts, water rights in Wyoming and water rights held by the U.S. will not be affected.

The legislation was supported by the Wyoming Board of Travel and Tourism, Chambers of Commerce and a broad-based coalition of anglers, hunters, small business owners, outfitters, boaters, landowners and river users that recognize the importance of recreation and tourism to local economies.

Wyoming ’s most famous resident, Vice President Dick Cheney has previously provided support for the legislation.  In discussing the balance between energy development and protection, Cheney said, “…we get into the wilderness designation on the rivers…and designate the Snake River a wilderness river. I think that makes good sense.  And I do think that part of Wyoming needs to be protected."

“ Wyoming is a remarkable tourism destination.  These rivers generate millions of dollars annually to the state of Wyoming and will contribute to the economic stability of our local economies,” Barrasso said. “I really see this as a badge of honor for our rivers.”

The public won’t see any changes to management because the rivers are currently managed as eligible rivers.  The bill will have no effect on existing water rights and will guarantee that access, multiple-use, and private property rights are not restricted.

Approximately 96 percent of the river miles protected under the Snake Headwaters Legacy Act flow across public lands.

Key Barrasso provisions inserted in S. 1281

Number of Miles          387 miles designated as Wild, Scenic or Recreational

                                    No designations in Sublette County, Wyoming

                                    No designations south of the town of Alpine, Wyoming

Quantification of Federal Reserved Water Rights would occur in a State forum in accordance with Wyoming law.

Any Federal Reserved Water Right under the act would be junior to any existing rights.

Designates segments below Jackson Lake and Jackson Lake Dam , as either scenic or recreational, but not wild.

Requires owner consent to acquire any property within the boundaries of any river segment.  

Prohibits condemnation of property located within the boundaries of any river segment.

Provisions added to protect existing water rights, including those related to:

– All interstate water compacts in existence on the date of enactment of this Act (including full development of any apportionment made in accordance with the compacts) – italicized language requested by Wyoming State Engineer;

– Water rights in the States of Idaho and Wyoming – to address concerns of Idaho and Wyoming water right owners; and,

– Water rights held by the United States.

Management of the Dam and Lake will continue under existing plans.  

A savings clause is included that states “Nothing in the Act shall affect the management and operation of Jackson Lake or Jackson Lake Dam.