The City of Durango’s effort to keep water in the Animas River is facing a major fight. Next week, the city and the nearly 50 organizations opposing recreational water rights on the Animas will give mediation one more chance. If the Aug. 6 effort fails, a trail is already scheduled for Jan. 7-18 in local water court.

The City has applied for up to 1,400 cubic feet per second of water to remain in the river for kayaking and rafting. As part of the application, the City has proposed numerous improvements to the whitewater park, near Santa Rita Park.

However, traditional water users are not smiling on the city’s application. Nearly 50 objectors, fronted by the Colorado

Water Conservation Board, have challenged the application. The City and the objectors are attempting to mediate their differences and will give it one more go on Aug. 6 before turning to litigation.

“The city is interested in coming to a successful resolution through mediation, but we’re also prepared to go to court,” said Cathy Metz, Durango parks and recreation director. “We’ll know on Aug. 6 if we have agreement or if we’re taking it to court.”

The objectors have two major criticisms of the application – the City wants too much water and the recreational water rights will affect future upstream development.

– Will Sands