H.R. 5911: Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act

The Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act (H.R. 5911) is a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on November 4, 2025, by Representative Jeff Hurd of Colorado. The bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer ownership of the Crystal Reservoir and surrounding federal land, totaling approximately 45 acres, from the U.S. Forest Service to the City of Ouray, Colorado. This transfer includes all associated water rights and infrastructure, such as the Full Moon Dam and Full Moon Ditch. The City of Ouray would assume responsibility for the maintenance and operation of these facilities and is required to keep the land as open space accessible to the public for recreational activities without charging fees. The bill also stipulates that the land cannot be developed or used for commercial purposes, except for necessary maintenance and operation of the reservoir and related infrastructure. If the City fails to adhere to these conditions, ownership of the land would revert to the federal government.

While specific media coverage on H.R. 5911 is limited, the bill is likely to be viewed positively by local stakeholders in Ouray, Colorado. The transfer of the Crystal Reservoir to local control could be seen as a means to enhance local management and maintenance of the reservoir, potentially leading to improved recreational opportunities and economic benefits for the community. The stipulation to maintain the area as open space for public use aligns with community interests in preserving natural resources and promoting tourism.

Although direct negative media coverage of H.R. 5911 is scarce, potential concerns may arise regarding the financial and logistical responsibilities placed on the City of Ouray. Assuming maintenance and operational duties for the reservoir and associated infrastructure could strain local resources and budgets. Additionally, some environmental groups might express apprehension about the transfer, fearing that local management may not uphold the same conservation standards as federal oversight, potentially leading to environmental degradation or mismanagement of the natural resources.

There appears to be a low risk of conflicts of interest between the sponsor's donors and the bill's subject matter. The sponsor, Jeff Hurd, has received significant donations from the Health Professionals and Retired industries, but there is no direct overlap with the subject matter of the Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act. The lobbying activity in the bill's policy area is also not directly related to these industries. The largest disclosed lobbying amount in this policy area is $120,000 from the American Rivers Action Fund, but it is not clear whether this has any direct influence on the bill or the sponsor. The lack of disclosed amounts from most lobbying groups makes it difficult to fully assess the potential influence of these groups.

Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.

Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026

Top industries funding Jeff Hurd, ranked by total contributions.

Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)