Ouray County has filed a statement of opposition to the state’s proposal for an instream flow water right in Cow Creek, joining the Ouray County Water Users Association and Tri-County Water Conservancy District as well as others opposing the filing.

Instream flow water rights are used to keep water in streams, for various uses including wildlife. In this case, the 7.4-mile stretch of Cow Creek the state wants to protect includes habitat for bluehead sucker fish and other species.

But an unre...