On March 4, 2024, the States of the Upper Division of the Colorado River Basin (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming) acting through the Upper Colorado River Commission (UCRC) took the historic step of approving a memorandum of understanding with the Tribal Nations (Jicarilla-Apache Nation, Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Indian Tribe, and Shivwits Band of Paiutes) to engage and cooperate on Colorado River issues of shared interest.
The proposed agreement is a culmination of a year and half of meetings and discussions between the Governors’ representatives of the four Upper Division States and Tribal Leaders. The shared goals of the States and Tribes are to seek common understanding and cooperation on interstate Colorado River issues. Tribal leaders have hosted meetings with the UCRC Commissioners on their homelands to share their personal perspectives and experiences regarding Colorado River management and identify issues of concern. The next step is for the Tribes to consider approving the MOU. The full execution of the MOU between Tribes and the UCRC is expected to take place in April.