As I said already, the whole story is not what was printed in the paper or the PLF press release. How do you think EPA and Corps of Engineers got wind of Johnson's dam? The only people who had any way to know about it are his neighbors - think about it.
Folks' claims on the Colorado are based on how much water there is in the river, from flow measured at points just above the big reservoirs, or by measuring the level of Lake Mead. Arizona and California get a lot less than they could use, because that's all there is, especially during the current drought. About a month ago, Lake Mead reached the lowest level it has seen since it was filled in the 30's.
Thanks, the water rights of the Colorado River are well known Magoo. We are talking about a stock pond in Wyoming.
Perhaps the entire story hasn't been printed in the paper, but you are more than willing to speculate and tell the story as you imagine it to be.
The known facts remain, the pond stays, the EPA goes back to DC and no fines or penalties are administered, a few trees get planted and temporary fence is put into place.