HomeMy WebLinkAbout04 April 2023 packet
Agenda items are subject to change – Times are approximate and are also subject to change
Agenda | April 20, 2023
Site Visit: Sam Caudill State Wildlife Area, 2:45 PM
Boat Launch at Ironbridge, Intersection of Old State Hwy 82 and County Rd 109
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Meeting: Carbondale Branch Library, 4:15 PM
320 Sopris Ave, Community Room
Carbondale, CO 81623
2:45 PM Site Visit Sam Caudill State Wildlife Area, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Boat Launch at Intersection Old State Hwy 82 and County Rd 109 near
Ironbridge
TIME ITEM
Administrative Items
4:15 PM Board Comment Public Comment Additions/Deletions to Agenda Approval of Minutes Minutes March 16, 2023 Outreach/Education/Grants
4:30 PM Town of Basalt, Frying Pan River Pueblo Bridge Gauge Sponsorship
Request- Gregory M. Knott, Chief of Police, Basalt Police Department
4:45 PM WECo Sponsorship Request: Water Leaders Program; Water Educator
Network; and Headwaters Magazine- Jayla Poppleton, Executive Director,
Water Education Colorado
5:00 PM Sustaining CO Watersheds Conference, Oct 2-5, 2023 Grant
Request- Casey Davenhill, Executive Director, Colorado Watershed
Assembly; Julie Ash, Vice President, Colorado Riparian Association; Jayla
Poppleton, Executive Director, Water Education Colorado
5:15 PM Wilderness Workshop Grant Request for Crystal Wild and Scenic
Campaign- Will Roush, Executive Director, Wilderness Workshop
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Agenda items are subject to change – Times are approximate and are also subject to change
5:30 PM Roaring Fork Conservancy Grant Request for Watershed Education
Programs- Megan Dean, Director of Education, Roaring Fork Conservancy
5:45 PM RWAPA Grant Request for Outdoor Watering Efficiency Public Ed and
Outreach Campaign- April Long, Executive Director, Ruedi Water and
Power Authority
6:00 PM EcoFlight Overflights for Beaver Habitat and Public Education- Lea
Linse, Conservation Program Manager, Ecoflight Staff Reports
6:15 PM Healthy Rivers Staff Report- Lisa Macdonald and Lisa Tasker
6:20 PM Open Discussion
7:00 PM Adjourn
Upcoming 2022 Regular Meetings: May 18, Jun 15, Jul 20, Aug 17, Sep 21, Oct 19, Nov 16, Dec
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This product is produced and distributed by: Colorado Parks and Wildlife - GIS Group, 317 W. Prospect, Fort Collins, CO 80526. Information depicted hereon is for reference purposes only and is compiled
from best available sources. Mapped property boundaries may or may not reflect actual legal holdings. Please observe and respect all marked boundaries and signs on the property. Regulations are subject to
change - posted regulations at the individual SWA take precedence over any regulations referred to here. For further information, please see regulations brochures available at CPW offices or wildlife.state.co.us.
Sam Caudill State Wildlife Area - Garfield County
From Glenwood Springs, go south on HWY 82, turn right at mile marker 5 on CR-154.
This page was last edited: 11/27/2017
Wildlife Area Offers:
Fishing: Coldwater Stream
Recreation: Boating
Regulations:
In addition to or in place of those restrictions listed in regulation #900 the below listed provi-
sions or restrictions apply (see Ch. 9, http://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Regulations.aspx).
More Information:
CPW Office (Glenwood Springs): (970) 947-2920
CPW Website: http://cpw.state.co.us/
A. Camping is prohibited.
B. Fires are prohibited.
C. Discharge of firearms is prohibited.
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HEALTHY RIVERS AND STREAMS CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD
Regular Meeting March 16, 2023 4:00 PM 123 Emma Road, 2nd Floor Basalt, CO 81621 River Board members present: Wendy Huber, Chris Lemons, Kirstin Neff, Chuck Ogilby, Bill Jochems, Andre Wille, Chris Wheatley River Board members absent:
Attendees in addition to presenters: Lisa MacDonald, Lisa Tasker, Matt Annabel _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Board Comment: Mr. Ogilby provided an update for the Healthy Rivers presentation to Eagle County Commissioners. They are interested in hearing the presentation at an upcoming work session and have asked their staff to include the Eagle Water and San District along with the Eagle River Watershed Council. Staff will work with Eagle County to coordinate the meeting. Public Comment: Ray Pojman, a resident of the Crystal River Country Estates subdivision along the Crystal River in Carbondale presented the Board with information regarding the bridge into the subdivision. Mr. Pojman was advised to speak with the Board after a conversation he had with Gary Tennenbaum, Director of the Open Space and Trails Dept. Mr. Pojman is working with local engineers and a contractor on estimates and options for the deteriorating bridge abutments in the river. He’s looking for funding opportunities for the work. Staff will provide him contact information for our local river engineering team. If the results of preliminary in-channel or stabilization reports show that work performed could be a benefit to the river and it was suggested he come back to the Board through our grant process for possible funding in 2024. The Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Board Agreement with the Town of Carbondale Weaver Ditch Project Headgate Replacement Project Final Report was distributed to the Board. This is the final deliverable for the grant.
Approval of the Minutes 2.16.23
Mr. Wheatley moved to approve the minutes of February 16, 2023. Ms. Huber seconded the motion. The motion passed
7/0. Additions/Deletions to the Agenda: None Colorado Parks and Wildlife Partnership Opportunity – Matt Yamashita, CPW Wildlife Manager Mr. Yamashita presented a project that CWP is working on, at the Sam Caudhill property/boat launch also known as Ironbridge. CWP owns the park and approximately 3 years ago purchased a parcel upstream of the park with hopes of improving safety, roads and in-stream work at the launch site. They are seeking partners on the project and have met with the Roaring Fork Fishing Guide Alliance and will meet with Garfield County. Discussions ensued regarding improvement opportunities. Ms. Neff moved to move forward with exploring the feasibility of the project with CPW on the in-channel work contemplated by engaging RiverRestoration to perform a cursory study of what’s possible. Ms. Huber seconded the motion. The motion passed 7/0. The Board directed staff to set up a site visit to the property before our scheduled board meeting on April 20th.
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Healthy Rivers Board Grant Committee Survey Report and Discussion – Kirstin Neff, Wendy Huber, Chris Lemons The Grant Committee presented survey results that were sent to past grant recipients. Only four of the 21 surveys were returned. Discussions regarding dollar amounts, small dollar grants, the process of hearing the grants and decision times were all discussed. Ms. Neff will draft new templates and criteria for further discussion at the May meeting. The Board thanked the committee for the hard work on this.
Healthy Rivers Board Scholarship Committee – Andre Wille, Kirstin Neff Mr. Wille and Ms. Neff met to review and select winning applications. 20 applications were received from all eligible high schools. The winners are as follows: Gabriella Yturri – Aspen High School India Butchart – Basalt High School Andrew Sebastian Bartnik – Watershed Wide – Glenwood Springs High School Staff Report – Lisa MacDonald and Lisa Tasker Staff provided an update on projects and work as contained in the report in the Board’s packet. Open Discussion – None Chairman Lemons moved to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Huber seconded the motion. The motion passed 7/0. The meeting adjourned at approx. 6:45 pm
Approved: Attest:
______________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Chris Lemons - Chairman Lisa Tasker
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2023 Sponsorship Request
Pitkin County Healthy Rivers and Streams Board
Water Education Colorado is a 501c3 nonproflt providing policy-neutral news and
informational resources, engaging learning experiences, and empowering leadership
programs. We work statewide to ensure Coloradans are knowledgeable about key
water issues and equipped to make smart decisions for a sustainable water future.
Our vision is for all Coloradans to have access to resources and educational
programs that empower them to participate in local, regional and statewide water
resource decision-making processes, and also to engage in more sustainable
behaviors. Over the past 21 years, we have developed a trusted reputation and have
grown our programs to reach tens of thousands of individuals across the state each
year.
Thank you to the Pitkin County Healthy Rivers and Streams Board for your past
support. We rely on partners like you to make our work possible, and sincerely
appreciate your consideration of our 2023 sponsorship request for funding. Your
support for our mission and programs is vital!
We are honored to submit a request for a total of $5,000 in sponsorship support in 2023
for the programs outlined in this proposal. The Healthy Rivers and Streams Board’s
support will be recognized in WEco’s annual report, in addition to receiving the
following customized beneflts:
Project 1: $2,500
2023 Water Leaders Program
PROGRAM SESSION SPONSOR – SESSION 2
June 15-16, 2023 - Redstone, Colorado
Water Education Colorado’s Water Leaders program positively impacts the Colorado
water profession by developing a pipeline of dedicated, effective water leaders
across diverse flelds ready to chart the path forward to innovative and collaborative
water solutions in an increasingly complex world.
Participation is based on a competitive application process, in which 20 candidates
are selected annually. The program has trained more than 220 leaders since 2006.
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We are requesting that Pitkin County Healthy Rivers and Streams Board sponsor one
of our four 2-day program sessions, which will include the opportunity for a
representative to attend and speak at your sponsored session and distribute
organizational materials to participants, among other beneflts.
Program Session sponsors have the opportunity to:
Move beyond networking and build meaningful relationships
with tomorrow’s Water Leaders.
Position your organization as an industry leader committed to the
future of water in Colorado.
Bring value to your organization by supporting Colorado’s
premier leadership development program for the water sector.
Help WEco keep program fees low and make scholarships
available to qualifled applicants who otherwise would flnd
it difflcult to participate.
Program Session Sponsor Benefits include:
* Exclusive opportunity for one organization per session.
The invitation to attend lunch during your sponsored program
session and to speak during a time slot of your choosing
The invitation to distribute organizational materials to
participants at sponsored session
Brand recognition signage during full program session
Recognition on WEco social media channels, reaching 5,000+, in
conjunction with sponsored session
Recognition on WEco website, with a link to your website
Recognition in WEco communication to participants and all wider email promotions,
with a link to your website, reaching 5,000+
Organization logo on participant binder
Public recognition at flnal graduation ceremony
Organization recognized in an email to the 220-person Water Leaders alumni
network, welcoming the graduating class
2023 PROGRAM
Session 1
April 27-28
Silverthorne
Session 2
June 15-16
Redstone
Session 3
August 24-25
Steamboat
Session 4
October 19-20
Denver
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Project 2: $1,500
Water Educator Network - Project WET Educator Trainings and Facilitator
Support
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
Throughout 2023
Led by Water Education Colorado, WEN is a force of water education and outreach
professionals across the state, from professors, researchers and formal teachers to
local government employees, water utility professionals and nonproflt outreach
coordinators, who are enhancing the amount, quality and effectiveness of water
education throughout Colorado. Working locally but with a collective aim, WEN
members are moving the needle on water awareness and understanding across the
state.
WEco offers a number of in-person trainings and
webinars each year as professional development
opportunities and collaborations for WEN afflliates
(and prospective afflliates) looking to gain new tools
and increased effectiveness. One important aspect of
this work is to provide trainings and exposure to
Project WET (Water Education Today) curriculum.
Project WET activities are designed to be easy to use to
complement existing curricula rather than displace or
add additional concepts. Activities fulflll objectives and educational standards in the
sciences, as well as other disciplines, from flne arts to health. These curriculum
materials are designed for educators of all kinds—from classroom teachers and
informal educators like scout troop leaders and nature center interpreters.
For the past 5 years, WEco has served as Colorado’s
host institution for Project WET. After experiencing some
setbacks during the pandemic, we have renewed our
commitment to bringing multiple Project WET training
opportunities to Colorado educators each year. In 2023,
we will host two in-person educator trainings, one in
Steamboat and one in Denver. We will also host two
webinars to help educators understand all of the
curriculum opportunities available through Project WET
and how to localize them for their communities. In
addition to the trainings, WEco will also periodically convene trained Project WET
facilitators from across Colorado to share experiences, tips and best practices.
With Pitkin County Healthy Rivers’ commitment to educating young people on water,
we are proposing a Supporting Sponsorship for the Project WET training
opportunities WEco will provide in 2023, which will be a mix of in-person and virtual
offerings available to educators across the state.
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WEN/Project WET Sponsorship Benefits include:
Verbal recognition during all Project WET training opportunities
Recognition on WEco’s website registration page for training opportunities
Acknowledgment in WEco’s Annual Report
Recruitment of participants from Pitkin County, with 2 full event registrations offered
for each training opportunity as scholarships awarded in your name
An invitation to distribute organizational materials to program day participants
Brand recognition at training opportunities through signage
Logo placement on agenda, registration, handouts, and presentation title slide for
training opportunities
Public brand recognition before, during and after program days through WEco’s
communications channels including Headwaters PULSE e-newsletter (reaching
5,000+), and social media, reaching an additional 1,000+, as well as other public
media outlets
Recognition in follow-up e-mail communications to participants, with a link to your
website
Project 3: $1,000
Headwaters Magazine, Protecting and Restoring
Natural Infrastructure
CIRCULATION SPONSOR Summer 2023
Headwaters magazine is Water Education Colorado’s fiagship publication, covering the most pressing water issues with compelling, impartial reporting and storytelling. By providing timely, accessible coverage that considers diverse perspectives and value sets, Headwaters helps advance the dialogue and fosters innovative and collaborative solutions for Colorado’s water challenges.
No other publication in Colorado targets the broad cross-section of interested citizens, community members and professionals from the water management, conservation, agricultural and business communities like Headwaters magazine. Each Headwaters issue has a distribution of 7,500+ through print copies and online reads, and each issue crosses multiple desks as it is circulated within offlces and repeatedly referred back to. Headwaters is also handed out at numerous conferences and events and is archived online and accessible indeflnitely, so your sponsorship support lasts for years to come.
The Summer 2023 issue, “Natural Infrastructure,” will focus on the utility and function of
natural river, riparian and wetland systems, tools for restoration and preservation, and
how to practice natural infrastructure restoration (particularly stream and riparian
restoration) in the context of water rights and prior appropriation.
Your sponsorship support will go directly toward supporting the production and
distribution of this issue of the magazine in order to accomplish the educational
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objectives of Water Education Colorado.
“Circulation” Level Sponsor Benefits include:
25 copies of Headwaters magazine to distribute to your own networks
Logo on back cover of Headwaters magazine in print and online
Special call-out on landing page for the Headwaters web landing page for your
sponsored issue
Business-card sized, full-color ad in magazine
Rights to reprint or reuse articles/graphics from Headwaters, subject to certain
limitations
THANK YOU TO PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS AND STREAMS BOARD FOR YOUR
CONTINUED SUPPORT OF WATER EDUCATION COLORADO!
Proposal Contact:
Jayla Poppleton, Executive Director, jayla@wateredco.org, (720) 325-1488
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Pitkin County Healthy Rivers and Streams Board
2023 Grant Request
Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference October 2-5, 2023
Partnership request benefitting:
Colorado Watershed Assembly
Water Education Colorado
Colorado Riparian Association
Program Funding Request Description
Together, the Colorado Watershed Assembly, Water Education Colorado, and the Colorado Riparian Association are
submitting a joint grant funding request for 2023 in the total amount of $7,500 to Pitkin County Healthy Rivers and
Streams Board. This support will be used to help fund the 2023 Sustaining Colorado Watersheds (SCW) conference,
which will be held October 2-5, 2023, at the Westin Riverfront Resort in Avon, Colorado. Pitkin County Healthy Rivers
will be highlighted as a “Sustaining” benefactor-level sponsor for the event.
In 2022, also with the support of Pitkin County Healthy Rivers, we convened our annual conference with the theme
“Bridging Connections: Learning from the Past, Investing in the Future,” focused on ways we inherit the systems and
legacies of the past, for better or worse, and what we might maintain, what we cannot control, what we can build from,
and what we must “fix.” Together, our presenters, sponsors, and attendees examined ways we can “bridge” toward new,
innovative methods that mimic natural systems for resiliency, including through major infrastructure investments on the
horizon nationwide. We considered how to embrace different visions for experiencing the earth, staying mindful of social
connections in our work. It was an engaging conference theme with the strong participation and exactly the kind of
powerful interactions this annual gathering seeks to deliver.
We are still developing our 2023 theme, aimed at inspiring another outstanding year with informative, compelling
presentations and abundant opportunities for learning and networking to re-energize our passions for stewardship of
Colorado watersheds. As in 2022, the 2023 conference will re-focus on an interactive live, in-person event format, with a
recorded virtual option made available following the live event for those who are unable to attend in person.
Conference History and Purpose
The Sustaining Colorado Watersheds (SCW) conference is a highly popular event that has been held annually for the
past 18 years, with the purpose of bringing together knowledgeable and engaged community members, scientists,
ecologists, water managers, educators, policy makers and regulators to discuss and collaborate on best practices in
watershed management. For the past 12 years, the partnership collaboration has included the Colorado Watershed
Assembly, Water Education Colorado, and the Colorado Riparian Association.
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The SCW conference expands cooperation and collaboration throughout our state for natural resource conservation,
protection, and enhancement by not only informing, but also engaging community members, agencies, nonprofit
organizations, consultants, and legislators on current issues. The strength of this annual gathering is its equal emphasis
on networking and inspiration, along with policy and technical content, so we weave targeted networking
opportunities into the schedule, fostering prospective partnerships, strengthening relationships, and encouraging
much-needed conversation about water issues across Colorado and beyond. With this purposeful format and thanks to
strong participation and powerful interactions from presenters, sponsors, and attendees, we are sent away inspired
and re-committed to stewardship of Colorado watersheds for another year!
2023 Conference Theme and Sub-Themes
The SCW planning committee is currently in process on 2023 theme selection. Participants from the 2022 conference
responded via survey with topic requests for 2023 and the stand-out suggestions were: (1) how to change public
perception to overcome water and restoration challenges, and (2) how to engage more cultures and subcommunities,
find advocates for programs that effect change, and generally place more attention on the people, process, and
leadership side of stewarding Colorado watersheds. With this input, we anticipate building a theme focused on changing
perspectives and paradigm shifts.
As always, within the selected theme, the conference will cover a cross-section of topics ranging from forest health to
flood risk management, stakeholder outreach to climate change, streamflow protection to land use planning, river
restoration to storm water management, project permitting to water quality protection, and more. Presentations will be
solicited from the community through an open “Call for Papers” beginning in early May.
Need for Support
There is no other conference like this in Colorado! The SCW conference has enjoyed continued growth over its years,
attracting attendees from across the state and beyond. Even for 2020’s purely virtual event, we had more than 250
individuals in attendance. In 2021, we had a combined turnout of 270 for our hybrid conference. In 2022, we once again
maxed out on physical, in-person attendance for our venue, with 257 individuals participating and a wait list that was
maintained after filling all available registrations. The three conference partners place great importance on continuing
to serve the incredible demand for this valuable conference.
Support from community partners such as the Pitkin Healthy Rivers and Streams Board allows us to provide this
compelling and valuable experience at an affordable registration fee. Specifically, your support for the 2023 conference
will help us attain the following measureable goals:
Continue to attract a diverse audience of professionals from the private and public sector to share knowledge
and develop productive working relationships. Compared to conferences of similar scope and caliber, we
continue to be able to offer a registration fee below market value, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and
grant partners. This ensures the conference is accessible by local elected officials, public agency staff, and
nonprofit leaders, and not just for organizational leaders, but also mid-level staff and other individuals newer to
the field and to their organizations (our next generation leaders!)
Target and grow attendance by younger participants to ensure learning and participation by upcoming
generations through scholarships. Grant and sponsorship support helps us to provide scholarships and
volunteer opportunities to students and young professionals. In 2019, the percentage of attendees under the
age of 35 was 20%. In 2020, it increased to 33%. In 2021, it was 31%. In 2022, it was 35%. For the past four
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years we were able to provide 25 full scholarships each year, and we are committed to providing at least 25 in
2023, with priority given to students and first-time attendees from nonprofit organizations. Targeted focus on
younger participants helps ensure sustained renewal through time of informed, inspired, and inspiring leaders
for our watersheds.
Program Budget
The SCW conference relies on revenue from three primary sources: registration fees, organizational contributions,
and community grants and sponsorships. The revenue collected must cover expenses incurred to plan and implement
the conference, including direct expenses such as food and beverage, audio/visual support, speaker fees, and printing
and marketing, as well as indirect expenses of staff time supplied by each of the partner organizations who spend
hundreds of hours putting the conference together.
In 2022, the Conference Planning Committee successfully raised $77,250 in community grant and sponsorship support.
This helped greatly in covering the increased cost of putting on the conference after a significant inflation year. We have
increased the sponsorship goal slightly to $80,000 for 2023. This sponsorship goal increase will offset rising costs that are
outside of our control (e.g., food and beverage, printing, etc.) while keeping registration rate increases to a minimum or
avoiding increases entirely, which has extra significance for 2023 because the Westin is increasing the room price offered
by our hotel room block by a higher percentage than we typically see from year to year. We will be approaching all grant
supporters and sponsors from the 2019-2022 conferences, as well as pursuing a number of additional opportunities to
seek support. The following community partners generously provided grant and sponsorship support in 2022:
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2023 Conference Budget
Actual Budget
2022 2023
Income
Sponsorships 77,250 80,000
Registrations 72,545 72,500
Contributions - other 0 0
Total Income 149,745 152,500
Expense
Hotel Food & Beverage 65,459 69,400
Audio Visual 9,834 10,500
Speaker Expenses
Partner Staff Time
591
64,500
750
64,500
Supplies 1,000 1,000
Program 1,176 2,000
Graphic Design 129 300
Printing/Registration 250 400
Merchant cc charges 3,500 3,500
Hospitality 0 0
Giveaways (conference cups) 1,708 1,800
Total Expense 148,147 154,150
NET REVENUE 1,648 -1,650
Measurable Goals and Results
Each year, the conference planning partners distribute a survey to conference attendees. The partners gather and
analyze the results of these surveys to determine such things as: the types of knowledge that have been gained by
participants from the conference, satisfaction levels for topics covered and for all additional aspects of the conference,
recommendations and suggestions for future conferences, and any additional open-ended feedback.
What we learn from participants helps to inform future conference planning. We are encouraged by the positive feedback
we receive and we welcome all comments from attendees who take the time to identify areas for improvement as well as
suggestions for future topics. This helps us continue to identify varied and timely topics that challenge our attendees to
explore a variety of perspectives and to make new connections.
A brief summary of the survey results from the 2022 conference and a number of participant quotes is included
below. The 2022 SCW Conference agenda is also attached for your reference.
Altogether we hosted 257 attendees. The “Bridging Connections” conference included 41 presentations from 84
presenters, as well as pre-conference workshops, poster presentations, and a field trip.
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2022 Conference Feedback Summary
Overall Value:
o 95% of respondents rated the overall conference value “Very High” or “High.”
99% are “Very Likely” or “Likely” to recommend the conference to others.
o 100% of respondents said the conference increased their understanding of challenges, best practices and
innovations in watershed and stream management to at least some extent.” 70% said to a “Great” or
“Very Great” extent.
o 94% of respondents said the conference increased their understanding of opportunities and practices for
engaging and communicating with stakeholders to at least some extent. 59% said to a “Great” or “Very
Great” extent.
o 98% of respondents said the conference increased their understanding of opportunities for collaboration
with other disciplines on watershed issues to at least some extent. 74% said to a “Great” or “Very Great”
extent.
Post Conference Field Trips
o 80% of those who attended the optional field trips rated them “Very Satisfactory” or “Satisfactory.”
Networking:
o 92% of those who attended the conference’s networking opportunities rated them “Very Satisfactory” or
“Satisfactory.”
Audience Demographics:
o Profession: The majority of respondents (37%) identify themselves “Private Water Professionals,” followed
closely by “Government Staff” (34%) and “Non-Governmental Organizations” (26%). After that, “Students,”
“Project Proponents,” “Water Rights Owners,” “Water Educators,” and “Interested
Citizens/Ratepayers/Taxpayers,” (each 4%), “Elected/Appointed Officials” (3%) and “Project Funders (1%).
Note participants were able to select all that applied and there was some overlap.
o Geography: Our registrations showed that attendees and speakers tuned into the conference from
throughout Colorado and from other states.
o Age: 51% of respondents were between the ages of 35 and 54; 35% were under 35; 14% were 55 and
older.
o Race/Ethnicity: 87% of respondents indicated they were of White/Caucasian ethnicity; 3% of respondents
were of Asian or Pacific Islander ethnicity; 0% were of Hispanic or Latinx ethnicity; 0% were of Black or
African American ethnicity; 10% preferred not to answer or preferred to self-describe.
Below is a sample of feedback from 2022 conference attendees, which continues to illustrate the need for and the
value provided by the SCW conference!
“This is the most engaging conference we have in Colorado. Keep it that way!”
“This conference is always very well thought-out and I always learn a ton from attending. Additionally, the talks
always align with my work.”
“I think this is THE conference on watershed management!”
“Great opportunity to meet with others working on similar issues, hear about latest work being undertaken by the
state and other professionals.”
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“I have some new contacts to reach out to that will help with collaboration.”
“Interesting and a great way to stay current with best practices, initiatives, and challenges.”
“I learned a ton, and the talks helped me regain some perspective and hope about the work being done to protect
our water resources in CO.”
“I love the small size of the event, and while people miss out due to size limits, attendees benefit from fostering
great relationships and good conversations. Do not increase the size!”
“Some information especially from ‘pre-conference’ workshops was repetitive to other sessions and it feels like
other information could have been covered.”
“The separate sessions were difficult to choose. All looked great. I would encourage more group plenary sessions
so content is not missed.”
“Networking is and has always been the best part of this conference! Lots of opportunities to engage.”
“This was actually some of the best relationship building I've experience at a conference.”
“I am currently working to scale up some work and some of the presentations and connections I've made are
guiding my approach.”
“Please make more field trip spots available.”
Public Relations
Between the three nonprofit partners, we will reach tens of thousands of people across Colorado with information
about the 2023 conference. News and information about this conference will continue to have a deep reach across a
wide variety of audiences throughout Colorado and beyond. We will continue marketing the 2023 SCW Conference via
primarily, but not limited to, the following channels:
Consistent and ongoing email communications, including e-blasts and newsletters, to all supporters and
members of the three nonprofit partners, reaching thousands
Posts on Social Media from all three nonprofit partners (Facebook, Twitter, Blog Postings, Etc.), reaching
thousands
Information displayed prominently on all three partner websites
Print information in partner materials and publications, reaching thousands
Other supporting partners around the state will be promoting the conference within their own channels and
networks, reaching thousands more
We will also take advantage of additional promotional opportunities as they develop between now and the
launch of the conference.
Impact of Support
The annual SCW conference is a trusted source of timely and useful information for watershed groups, restoration
professionals, environmental scientists, interested citizens, land use planners, educators and more. The combination
of presenters, workshops and field trips provides opportunities for partnership development and practical
collaboration for the benefit of Colorado’s water resources. Community support remains vital for ensuring this
conference can continue to be held. Importantly, the funds provided by Pitkin Healthy Rivers and other organizations
helps to keep registration costs significantly lower than they would otherwise be, making this exciting event more
accessible to more people.
We always have a strong presence of attendees from the Roaring Fork Watershed and Pitkin County, and we receive
great feedback year after year on the multiple sessions that teach attendees about conservation, restoration, and
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other relevant topics within the Roaring Fork Watershed. Again last year, the agenda featured many workshops and
sessions relevant to the valuable projects and programs in which the Pitkin County Healthy Rivers and Streams Board
has invested.
Pitkin County Healthy Rivers and Streams Board has been a dedicated supporter of this conference for many years,
and we look forward to a continued partnership. We will work with the Pitkin County Healthy Rivers and Streams
Board to discuss what additional recognition for your grant support would be appropriate in addition to the following
benefits:
Opportunity to welcome conference attendees
Organization name or logo on conference lanyards
Full conference registration for up to 5 attendees
Guaranteed exhibitor space in a prominent location
Opportunity to provide “Sponsor video spotlight” to be played before first plenary session
Sponsorship highlighted with a special verbal call out throughout conference, including during conference kick off,
happy hour and conference closing
Your organization’s logo on dedicated signage displayed prominently at registration/welcome table, plus during
evening social events
Your organization’s logo displayed prominently on conference media screen during all conference sessions
Sponsorship recognized in all partner promotional emails for conference distributed to 6,500+ members and
highlighted in partner e-newsletters during the month following the conference
Your organization’s logo with “top billing” on conference registration web page
Thank you for the opportunity to request program support for the 2023 conference, and thank you for
your support of expanding awareness, knowledge and understanding of water challenges and solutions for the
future of Colorado! Your support continues to be fundamental to SCW conference growth and continued success.
Proposal Contacts:
Jayla Poppleton, Executive Director, Water Education Colorado, jayla@wateredco.org, 720-325-1448
Casey Davenhill, Executive Director, Colorado Watershed Assembly, casey@coloradowater.org
Julie Ash, Vice President, Colorado Riparian Association, jash@stillwatersci.com, 720-618-5032
29
Page 1
5:00 - 7:30 pm
8:00 am - 12:30 pm
8:00 am - 5:00 pm Registration in the Hotel Lobby
8:30 am - 11:30 am
Gondola B
Designing for Disturbance in River
Restoration
Hosted by
Colorado Riparian Association
Riverside Salon III
Building Your Leadership Skills
Hosted by
Water Education Colorado
Riverside Salon IV
Navigating the Funding Streams
Hosted by
Colorado Watershed Assembly
11:30 am - 12:45 pm
1:00 - 2:45 pm
2022 SUSTAINING COLORADO WATERSHEDS CONFERENCE
Bridging Connections: Learning from the Past, Investing in the Future
October 11 - 13, 2022
Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa in Avon, CO
Monday, October 10
Early Registration and Vendor Tabletop Set-up in the Hotel Lobby
Tuesday, October 11
Exhibitor Tabletop set-up in Riverside Foyer Area
Concurrent Pre-Conference Workshop Options:
Lunch in Stoke and Rye Restaurant and Terrace
Conference Welcome
&
Plenary Session 1
Riverside Ballroom
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law at Year One:
A Once-in-a-Generation Investment in Water Infrastructure and Climate Resilience
Moderator: Alex Funk, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
Karen Kwon, Colorado River Sustainability Campaign
Anna Mauss, Colorado Water Conservation Board
Amy Moyer, Colorado River District
Nate Pearson, Colorado Department of Natural Resources
30
Page 2
2:45 - 3:00 pm
3:00 - 4:30 pm
4:30 - 5:00 pm
5:00 - 6:15 pm
6:15 - 7:30 pm
7:30 - 8:30 pm
8:30 pm -10:00 pm
6:30 - 7:30 am
7:00 - 8:15 am
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Gondola B RIVERSIDE SALON III RIVERSIDE SALON IV
Moderator:
Jessica Doran, EcoMetrics
Moderator:
Caitlin Coleman, Water Education
Colorado
Moderator:
Jordan Parman, Metro Water Recovery
Islands in the Stream: A Missing River
Restoration Opportunity
Travis Stroth, Stillwater Sciences
Reframing Reservoirs as Resources
Rather Than Restrictions
April Long, Ruedi Water and Power
Authority
Kendra Tully, Blue River Watershed
Group
Richard Gytenbeek, Trout Unlimited
Andy Rossi, Upper Yampa Water
Conservancy District
Holly Kirkpatrick, Upper Yampa Water
Conservancy District
Colorado’s Updated Nonpoint Source
Management Plan (2022)
Estella Moore, Colorado Department of
Public Health and Environment
Can a River Be Too Alterted to Be
Restored?
Johannes Beeby, Stillwater Sciences
Canyon Creek Culvert Fish Passage
Retrofit
Scott Schreiber, Wright Water
Engineers
Drake Ludwig, Wright Water Engineers
Richad Van Gytenbeek, Trout Unlimited
Agencies Connecting to Manage the
Urban Water Cycle:
the Denver One Water Plan
Dave Jula, City and County of Denver
Plenary Session 2
Riverside Ballroom
Learning from the Past with a Vision Forward
Dr. Derek Booth, University of California Santa Barbara
Lessons Across Research and Design and a Decade-Long Restoration Monitoring Study
Peter Skidmore, Walton Family Foundation
Restoring Riverscapes to Help Us Adapt to Climate Change
Plenary Wrap-Up Discussion with Dr. Derek Booth, Peter Skidmore, and Alex Funk
Network & Pre-Cocktails Break—Visit Exhibitor Displays
Cocktail Hour in the Library and Lobby Terrace
Network Break—Visit Exhibitor Displays in the Rapids Room
Evening Dinner and Awards in the Riverside Ballroom
8:30 - 10:00 am
Keynote Address
Eeland Stribling, Outdoor Educator & Biologist & Comedian
with introduction by Kelly Romero-Heaney, Department of Natural Resources
Casual Fireside Chat on Stoke and Rye Terrace
Wednesday, October 12
Dance Class in Riverside I - Remember 10,000 Emerald Pools!?! That was fun…
Breakfast in the Stoke and Rye Restaurant
Concurrent Tracks
in the Gondola and Riverside Ballroom Salons
Registration in the Hotel Lobby
31
Page 3
Implementing Low-Tech Process-Based
Restoration to Sustain Mountain
Watersheds With Beavers
Allison Del Gizzi, Gunnison Beaver-
based Restoration Group
Mark Beardsley, EcoMetrics
Ashley Hom, US Forest Service
Platte River Recovery Implementation
Program: Using Existing Infrastructure
to Restore River Flows for Threatened
and Endangered Species
Seth Turner, Headwaters Corporation
Searching for Unicorns through the
Urban Stream Framework:
Mary Powell, Mile High Flood District
Brian Murphy, River Works
10:00 - 10:20 am
GONDOLA B RIVERSIDE SALON III RIVERSIDE SALON IV
Moderator:
Chris Sturm, Colorado Water
Conservation Board
Moderator:
Paul Lander, University of Colorado,
Boulder
Moderator:
Casey Davenhill, Colorado Watershed
Assembly
Colorado’s Stream Corridor
Construction Guide
Michael Blazewicz, Round River Design
Using a Century of Infrastructure and
Existing Water Rights to Improve
Streamflow
Kate Ryan, Colorado Water Trust
Making Art About Water: How Art &
Science Partnerships Can Stimulate
Action
Patrick Mueller, Control Group
Productions
How much space do rivers need?
Quantifying floodplain connectivity
and extent to assess river health and
guide restoration and management
decisions
Brian Clarke, Geomorphic Science
Solutions
How Digital Diversion Demand
Management Systems can Benefit
Water Administrators and Water Users
Martin Sarley, Colorado Citizen
Ian Ferrell, Colorado Citizen
Teaching Belonging: Place-Based
Education in the Colorado River Basin
Jeff Wagner, Groundwork
Using History to Plan for the Future in
the Coal Creek Stream Corridor
Katie Jagt, Watershed Science and
Design
Can Water Administration Evolve to
Support Conservation and Habitat
Restoration?
Noah Greenberg, SWCA
Maya MacHamer, Boulder Watershed
Collective
Adam Kremers, Brown and Caldwell
Ribbons of Life: Protecting Riparian
Corridor Networks in the Southwest
Randall Navarro, Hispanics Enjoying
Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors
(HECHO)
How Does Stream Corridor Restoration
Influence Local Water and Thermal
Energy Fluxes?
Joel Sholtes, University of Colorado
Boulder, Colorado Mesa University
Reimagining Management of Two
Southern Colorado Reservoirs for
Multiple Benefits through Creative
Partnerships
Heather Dutton, San Luis Valley Water
Conservancy District
Decolonizing Colorado History to
Understand Current and Future
Colorado River Management: A Case
Study
Amorina Lee-Martinez, University of
Colorado Boulder
12:00 - 1:30 pm
GONDOLA B RIVERSIDE SALON III RIVERSIDE SALON IV
Moderator:
Kim Lennberg, Alba Watershed
Consulting
Moderator:
Brendon Langenhuizen, Colorado River
District
Moderator:
Karlene Thomas, Pinyon Environmental
Flood Hazards in Colorado as Identified
Using the Flood Potential Method
Steven Yochum, U.S. Forest Service,
National Stream and Aquatic Ecology
Center
Presenting a Framework for Prioritizing
Low-Head Dams in Colorado
Rachel Bash, Lynker
Hattie Johnson, American Whitewater
10:20 am - 12:00 pm
1:30 - 3:00 pm
Network Break—Visit Exhibitor Displays
Lunch in the Stoke and Rye Restaurant and Terrace
Soil Moisture the Great Unknown... Or
Is it?
Elise Osenga, Aspen Global Change
Institute
Ryan Banta, US Geological Survey
Madison Muxworthy, Yampa Valley
Sustainability Council
Nicole Pepper, Yampa Valley
Sustainability Council
Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Jen Shanahan, City of Fort Collins
Julie Baxter, City of Steamboat Springs
Sean Cronin, St. Vrain and Left Hand
Water Conservancy District
April Long, Ruedi Water and Power
Authority
32
Page 4
Building a Collaborative Sustainable
Watershed Sediment Management
Plan Twenty Years Post-Fire
Alison Witheridge, Denver Water
Mary Huisenga, SWCA
A Problem for All Takes All to Solve:
Transforming Partnership through the
Rocky Mountain Restoration Initiative
Tara Umphries, US Forest Service
Elizabeth Dowling, National Wild
Turkey Federation
3:00 - 3:30 pm
GONDOLA B RIVERSIDE SALON III RIVERSIDE SALON IV
Moderator:
Dr. Derek Booth, University of
California, Santa Barbara
Moderator:
Hally Strevey, Coalition for the Poudre
River Watershed
Moderator:
Lisa Tasker, Pitkin County Healthy
Rivers Program
Developing High Resolution,
Frequently Updated Wetland Maps for
Colorado Using Machine Learning
Techniques
Sarah Marshall, Colorado Natural
Heritage Program
A Collaborative Approach to Diversion
Improvements: Robinson Diversion
Modification Project
Quinn Donnelly, RiverRestoration
Maximizing Ecological Outcomes in
Stream Design
Brad Johnson, Johnson Environmental
Consulting
The Purgatoire and Cucharas
Watersheds Community Stewardship
and Forest Health Project
Julie Knudson, Purgatoire Watershed
Partnership
Carrie Adair, Arkansas River Watershed
Collaborative
Olympia Vida, Mile High Youth Corps
Changing Hydrographs, Changing
Approaches, and Creating Resiliency: A
Case Study of Urbanizing Watersheds
Joshua Eldridge, Matrix Design Group
Wildfire Ready Watersheds: Statewide
Post-Fire Impact Susceptibility and
Framework
Chris Sturm, Colorado Water
Conservation Board
Investments in Relationships for the
Future: San Miguel River Stakeholder
Approach to Stream Management
Planning
Stacy Beaugh, Strategic By Nature
5:00 - 5:30 pm
6:15 - 8:00 pm
8:00 pm
7:00 - 8:15 am
8:00 - 8:15 am
3:30 - 5:00 pm
Exhibitors and Posters Close Down
Thursday, October 13
Light Continental Breakfast in the Gondola Foyer
Field Trip for those who signed up
Kerstin Paulsson, Scripps Institution of
Oceanography at UC San Diego
Duncan Axisa, Scripps Institution of
Oceanography at UC San Diego
Network Break—Visit Exhibitor Displays
Beavers as Wildland Firefighters:
Leveraging Federal Funds to Integrate
Wetland Restration and Wildland Fire
Projects
Jill Ozarski, Walton Family Foundation
Abby Burk, Audobon Rockies
Caroline Nash, CK Blueshift, LLC
Fay Hartman, American Rivers
Emily Olsen, National Forest
Foundation
Break & Poster Set-up in the Riverside Ballroom
POSTER SOCIAL EVENT IN THE RIVERSIDE BALLROOM AND TERRACE
33
“Going wild since 1967”
Federal Tax ID Number 74-1900412
Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper
March 30, 2023
Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Board
530 E. Main St Ste 301
Aspen, CO 81611
Dear Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Board grant review committee:
Thank you for the opportunity to submit our grant proposal to the Pitkin
County Healthy Rivers Board. Wilderness Workshop Respectfully requests
a grant of $35,000 to support our campaign for the protection of the
Crystal River with a Wild and Scenic River designation.
Wilderness Workshop is dedicated to educating, advocating, and
connecting with our community on important issues affecting our wild
places. We are deeply grateful for your time and consideration of our
grant application.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions at 970-963-3977 or
emily@wildernessworkshop.org.
Sincerely,
Emily Kay
Philanthropy Director
emily@wildernessworkshop.org
P.O. BOX 1442
CARBONDALE, CO 81623
TEL (970) 963-3977
FAX (970) 963-8447
www.wildernessworkshop.org
info@wildernessworkshop.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ALLYN HARVEY
President
LINDSAY GURLEY
Vice President
ANDY WELGOS
Treasurer
DENALI BARRON
Secretary
MARY DOMINICK
CICI FOX
CHARLES HOPTON
PETER LOORAM
CRAIG MACKEY
MICHAEL MCVOY
ARON RALSTON
JILL SOFFER
MICHAEL STRANAHAN
KARIN TEAGUE
PETER VAN DOMELEN
ELIZABETH VELASCO
TED ZUKOSKI
FOUNDERS
JOY CAUDILL*
DOTTIE FOX*
CONNIE HARVEY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
WILL ROUSH
*Deceased
34
Wilderness Workshop
2023 Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Grant Proposal
Wilderness Workshop Campaign for a Wild and Scenic Crystal River
Grant Request to the Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Board
March 31, 2023
Organization: Wilderness Workshop
Mailing Address: PO Box 1442, Carbondale, CO 81623
Phone Number: 970-963-3977
Contact information: Emily Kay, Philanthropy Director
Email: emily@wildernessworkshop.org
www.wildernessworkshop.org
A. Goals of the Healthy Rivers Board
The extent to which the proposed grant request/project meets the stated goals, objectives and
on-going projects/priorities of the River Board.
1. Must be complete, clear and concise, with specific dollar amounts in total and for each
element of the project;
2. Must fulfill the intent of the ballot language.
Wilderness Workshop respectfully requests a grant in the amount of $35,000 from the Pitkin
County Healthy Rivers Board to support our advocacy, organizing and communications work
for the campaign to protect the Crystal River with a Wild and Scenic River designation. A Wild
and Scenic River Designation would provide durable protections for the Crystal River by
ensuring that no dams or out of basin diversions could be built, and that the river is managed to
preserve the amazing recreational, ecological and scenic values of the river corridor. Wilderness
Workshop will be working to protect 39 miles of the Crystal River from its headwaters in the
Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness to a point just above the first major agricultural diversion–
the Sweet Jessup irrigation canal below the confluence of Avalanche Creek.
The Crystal is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in Colorado. The Colorado Water Plan
indicates a need for development of 400,000 acre-feet of additional water storage to meet
increasing demand, or roughly a 45% increase from current water storage in the state, making
the Crystal River a major target for water developers. This threat means that we may see
proposals for dams and/or out-of-basin diversions to siphon off the Crystal’s flows. And the
possibility remains for existing irrigation water rights to be bought up by water developers,
agricultural lands dried up, and existing river flows to be further diminished if transferred to
storage rights in reservoirs.
A 2016 Crystal River Management Plan shows the Crystal River has extensive existing
adjudicated water rights. These legal water rights allow for diversions that occur during the
irrigation season between the months of May and October. While the existing rights to water
diversions are large, during spring runoff the Crystal’s flows exceed these diversion rights.
Historically from May to mid-July (as gauged by the USGS above Avalanche Creek near
Redstone), peak flows extensively exceed the existing rights to water diversions. These un-
35
Wilderness Workshop
2023 Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Grant Proposal
adjudicated flows are what new water development proposals are likely to target and are of
greatest concern to any entity concerned about the ecological health of the Crystal River. These
ecologically critical high flows are highly important to the overall health of the Crystal River.
Any new outflows of water from the basin or dam proposals would likely target these flows and
impact the health of the river, the myriad of species that depend on it, and the lifestyles of the
surrounding communities.
This grant meets the objectives and language of the ballot language of the Healthy Rivers and
Streams Board. Specifically it would maintain water quantity within the Roaring Fork
watershed, by preventing future dams and diversion which would reduce water quantity in the
Crystal. Additionally a Wild and Scenic designation is likely to establish a new water right to
protect flows in the Crystal River. Protection of the Crysal River is a clear priority of the Board
and the work described in this grant will signicantly complement and support the ongoing work
of the Board. Wilderness Workshop looks forward to our continued close partnership with the
Board on this important initiative.
B. Viability of the Project
The extent to which the proposed grant request/project is practical, will be completed as
proposed and/or may require other resources to be fully completed, and the extent to which the
project can be repeated in other locations such that it will not be limited to a single event.
1. Must address an essential need;
2. Demonstrates collaboration and/or partners with other agencies.
A Wild and Scenic designation for the Crystal River would permanently protect the main stem
of the Crystal from dams and out-of-basin diversions, ensuring current and future generations
are able to benefit from the clean water, wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities and scenic
beauty of the Crystal Valley. It also ensures the Crystal Valley won’t be flooded by future dams
and seasonal flows won’t decrease to a trickle by out-of-basin diversions.
Now that Pitkin, Gunnison, Marble and the Colorado River District are working together as co-
chairs to host a collaborative stakeholder process, there is an increased need for and benefit
from dedicated grassroots and grasstops engagement and advocacy. While Pitkin County and
the other co-chairs will primarily be focusing on leading a robust process, Wilderness Workshop
and coalition allies will build critical support from the outside. This includes educating the
community about the stakeholder process from an advocacy perspective, supporting Wild and
Scenic supporters in their participation in the process and working with activists to
demonstrate the broad and diverse support for Wild and Scenic designation throughout the
stakeholder process. After building a foundation for this campaign over the last two years, we
are well positioned to ramp up advocacy, organizing and communications work as a key
complement to the stakeholder process.
Wilderness Workshop has been regularly coordinating with our key partners Healthy Rivers and
Pitkin County, American Rivers, American Whitewater and CVEPA on this campaign and will
continue that coordination as our organizing activities increase. We have a long history of
36
Wilderness Workshop
2023 Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Grant Proposal
working collaboratively with the Forest Service, state agencies, local governments, ranchers,
recreation interests, communities and other stakeholders in the region. For example, our
decade plus of work to protect the Thompson Divide from oil and gas development has earned
us strong relationships and credibility with the local ranching community as well as our
members of Congress who will be instrumental in securing protections for the Crystal River. We
also collaborate regularly with national and local conservation partners.
Additionally, we participated in the stakeholder process working to achieve Wild and Scenic
designation for Deep Creek, near Dotsero. Our experience in this process gives us expertise,
relationships, innovative ideas and lessons learned that we will apply to our work on the Crystal
River.
C. Public Need, Accessibility, and Appreciation
The extent to which the proposed grant request/project will be seen, appreciated and/or used
by the public.
1. Does not duplicate existing services or programs;
2. Must serve and be appreciated by people who live and/or work in Pitkin County and
the Roaring Fork watershed;
3. Includes a specific Public Relations strategy;
4. Demonstrates an appropriate need for public funding.
The threat of dams and out-of-basin diversions on the Crystal River would impact the residents,
visitors, recreation enthusiasts ecology, and wildlife throughout the the Crystal River Valley. We
will contribute to the robust community-driven effort to secure Wild and Scenic designation for
the Crystal River by bringing our expertise and capacity for community organizing, grassroots
advocacy, communications and engaging on legislative protections to the broader campaign.
Specifically, Wilderness Workshop will work with our partners over the next year to support a
fair and robust stakeholder process and demonstrate the broad community support while the
process is ongoing. We will continue to build out a more robust set of communication tools
including long-term storytelling assets, updated printed and digital messaging content for the
coalition and templates for activist engagement like letters to the editor. We will create
opportunities for advocacy in support of Wild and Scenic protection by hosting and attending
community events and participating in tabling opportunities. We will continue to leverage
community organizing activities, including focused communications and grassroots networking,
hosting a shared photo library and hosting field trips along the River, to educate community
members on the benefits of a Wild and Scenic designation for the Crystal River, the importance
of engaging in the stakeholder process and how they can take action in support of protecting
the River.
Permanent protection for the Crystal River will serve the people who live and work in Pitkin
County by ensuring current and future generations are able to benefit from the clean and
abundant water, recreation opportunities, wildlife and scenic beauty of the Crystal Valley. Our
local communities value protected public lands and waters in our backyard for these reasons,
37
Wilderness Workshop
2023 Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Grant Proposal
and we will focus our messaging on that shared value and on the diverse set of stakeholders
that have come together to protect the Crystal River.
Over the past two years, we have invested heavily in the Crystal Wild & Scenic campaign, and
laid a critical foundation for a long-term effort. We helped develop the Crystal Wild & Scenic
Coalition, hosted numerous community events from Marble to Carbondale, built and
maintained a new website for the campaign, created and continue to maintain a public petition
that has over 1000 signatures, engaged key partners, stakeholders and elected officials, and
centered the Crystal campaign in Wilderness Workshop’s communications, organizing and
outreach. Over the next year, we will continue these efforts focusing on the following activities:
• Educate community members on key parts of the stakeholder process, and the benefits
of Wild and Scenic;
• Provide the public with opportunities to engage in the campaign, such as public
meetings and action alerts;
• Host informational and action-oriented events that educate and engage local
community members;
• Secure new and updated statements of support from local organizations and
businesses;
• Outreach conservation, recreation, private landowners, and other community
partners to participate in advocacy efforts;
• Activate diverse allies to write letters to the editor and op-eds and meet with
decisionmakers;
• Activate community members to speak up on behalf of Wild and Scenic, and support a
fair and productive stakeholder process;
• Implement robust grassroots and grasstops organizing efforts;
• Earn local and state-wide media attention of our efforts and the benfits and support for
protecting the Crystal River with a Wild and Scenic designation;
• Continue to build on the extensive list of supporters for a Wild and Scenic designation
for the Crystal River and leverage that list for calls to action.
A renewed grant from the Healthy Rivers Board would specifically fund the following:
• Host two events to energize public support for Wild & Scenic designation;
• Provive public education on Wild and Scenic designation and promote engagement in
current stakeholder process;
• Drive grassroots and grasstops engagement and support throughout the formal
stakeholder process, including but not limited to engaging in the Crystal Wild and Scenic
Coalition.
• Update and create communications assets for the current phase of the campaign,
including messaging toolkits for the Coalition, supportive LTEs, and story-telling
elements for the website and a tabling kit for activist to utilize.
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Wilderness Workshop
2023 Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Grant Proposal
D. History of the Requesting Party
The extent that the requesting individual/entity has been successful in other projects or efforts
and is known in the community.
Founded in 1967, Wilderness Workshop’s mission is to protect the wilderness, water, and
wildlife of Western Colorado’s public lands. We work directly with the US Forest Service,
Bureau of Land Management, and other local and national groups to protect public lands and
waters from industrialization like fossil fuel development, logging and dams, reduce carbon
emissions from public lands, create equity in public land management and access, and advocate
for responsible recreation and land stewardship throughout our region. We focus on the
monitoring and conservation of air and water quality, wildlife species and habitat, and natural
communities. Finally, we advocate for adding lands of wilderness quality to the National
Wilderness Preservation System. We also advocate and organize on national public lands issues
as they relate to, or have the potential to affect, Colorado public land policy and management.
Many local residents are familiar with Wilderness Workshop’s work to protect the Thompson
Divide. It provides hundreds of thousands of acres of mid-elevation habitat, federal grazing
allotments for local ranching operations, and amazing and undeveloped recreation
opportunities. Over a decade ago, Wilderness Workshop catalyzed efforts to protect this
landscape. Today WW continues to lead the campaign to protect the Thompson Divide from oil
and gas development. The campaign has achieved several important successes. Most notably,
after years of administrative and legal advocacy by WW, BLM canceled 25 illegally issued leases
in the area— the first time BLM had ever canceled so many leases over the objections of
leaseholders. Based on broad-based public support for protecting the area, the U.S. Forest
Service also administratively protected about half the area in a recent land use plan.
Due in large part to our efforts and those of our partners, WW staff had the honor of joining
President Biden at Camp Hale in October 2022 where he established our country’s newest
National Monument (and the first of his presidency) protecting over 53,000 acres of spectacular
Colorado public lands surrounding Camp Hale and in the nearby Tenmile Range. At the
announcement of the Camp Hale – Continental Divide National Monument, Biden also
announced steps to protect the Thompson Divide by kicking of a process to establish a 20-year
administrative mineral withdrawal for 225,000 acres in the Thompson Divide, preventing all
future oil and gas leasing and mining in this amazing place. For over a decade and a half
Wilderness Workshop has been at the forefront of the efforts to protect these two amazing
places. Both of these landscapes are within the CORE Act, and we continue to work to pass this
legislation to secure new Wilderness designations and other permanent protections.
The experience, successes and relationships (importantly with national conservation partners
and our federal elected officials) on these major campaigns as well as numerous other
conservation initiatives provide a proven track record and community preccesnse that will
ensure we are able to deliver effective, high-quality and strategic work in the effort to protect
thw Crustal River with a Wild and Scenic Designation.
39
Wilderness Workshop
2023 Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Grant Proposal
The work for this grant will be led by our Campaign Manager Michael Gorman, and overseen by
Executive Director Will Roush and Policy Director Juli Slivka. Our Communications Director,
Field Coordinator and Advocacy Director will also contribute significantly to our work on this
campaign. This team has decades of experience in protecting public lands, including through
proactive designation efforts and defensive legal and policy work.
E. Budget, Measurements and Accountability
1. Demonstrates financial stability and presents accurate budgets and financial reports,
measurements and accountability;
2. Specific measures of progress and success;
3. Reporting plan to the River Board/others.
Wilderness Workshop is seeking to create a lasting, permanent impact on the Crystal River
Valley, its citizens, land owners, wildlife, and the entire community in the Roaring Fork Valley.
We receive financial support from numerous individual donors throughout western Colorado,
national nonprofit foundations, governments and private family foundations. Funding from the
Healthy Rivers and Streams Board will ensure we can effectively carry out our work thoroughly
and effectively to designate the Crystal as Wild and Scenic River.
To date, we have received commitments totalling $60,000 to support our work on the Crystal
River, including a 3-year commitment from the Mighty Arrow Foundation made in 2022, and
plan on asking a private donor to renew their support at the $20,000 level. While this is not the
entire funding required to complete the campaign (see attached budget), it will play a huge part
in enabling our work for a Wild and Scenic Crystal River.
The short answer to how we evaluate success is the extent to which our efforts result in
legislation which in turn will protect the Crystal River with a Wild and Scenic designation. Here
are some metrics we use along the path to achieving that permanent protection: number of
community contacts made through newsletters, email alerts, social media contacts, public
presentations; support for the stakeholder process, number of public comments and letters we
generate in support of a Wild and Sceinc designation; earned media amplifying our messages
and/or in favor of our issues; and support and collaboration from elected officials including
resolutions, introduction of bills, public statements and official letters to decision-makers.
We would be happy to report and present on our progress to the Board on an annual or semi-
annual basis, and we are flexible based on the desires of the Board and requirements of its
grant recipients. We also closely collaborate with the Healthy Rivers staff and are always happy
to update them on our work through our bi-weekly coordinating meetings or other
communication.
40
Wilderness Workshop
2023 Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Grant Proposal
Wilderness Workshop – 2023 Project Budget
Wild and Scenic Designation on the Crystal River
Expenses
Description Amount
Staff time (salary & benefits)
Campaign Manager $27,500
Policy Director $13,500
Advocacy Director $21,500
Communications Director $18,000
Field Coordinator $15,000
Executive Director $14,500
Total Salary and Benefits $110,00
Hard costs
Travel $2,500
Advertising $3,000
Branding and marketing $2,500
Events and Organizing $2,500
Total Hard Costs $10,500
Total Expenses $120,500
Revenue
Source Status Amount
Anonymous Committed $25,000
Anonymous – Private Foundation Requesting 2023 $20,000
Private Foundation Committed $20,000
Mighty Arrow Foundation Committed $15,000
Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Fund Requested $35,000
General Support (unrestricted gifts to WW) Received $5,500
Total Revenue $120,500
41
Pitkin County Healthy Rivers and Streams Board
123 Emma Rd, Suite 204
Basalt, CO 81621
March 30, 2023
RE: Request for Support of Watershed Education Programs
Dear Board Members,
Please accept the attached documents as Roaring Fork Conservancy’s (RFC)
request to fund and elevate our watershed education programs. We are poised
to advance education projects, all aimed at creating a connection between
water users and healthy rivers and streams. Revitalizing our education
curriculum, continuing to offer high quality watershed field programs, and
sustaining the Watershed PenPal program will increase general water fluency
and conservation across the Roaring Fork watershed and beyond.
RFC is requesting $33,000 in funds from Pitkin County Healthy Rivers and
Streams for a Watershed PenPals Program, curriculum enhancement and
creation, teacher training, and program delivery at the River Center and
throughout the Roaring Fork Watershed.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Megan Dean
Director of Education
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Pat McMahon
President
George Kelly
Vice President
Michelle Schindler
Secretary
Jennifer Sauer
Treasurer
Ted Borchelt
Stephen Ellsperman
David Knight
Jim Light
Rick Lofaro
Executive Director
Rana Dershowitz
George Kelly
Larry Yaw
Jeff Conklin
Diane Schwener
PROGRAM STAFF
Rick Lofaro
Executive Director
Heather Lewin
Watershed Action
Director
Christina Medved
Director of Community
Outreach
Megan Dean
Director of Education
Chad Rudow
Water Quality
Programs Manager
Matthew Anderson
Water Quality Techmician
Sheryl Sabandal
Director of
Development
Elliott Audette
Office Manager
Alexis Hiterroth
Watershed Educator
Shaylun Austin
Science & Policy Intern
A
42
Roaring Fork Conservancy: Watershed Education Programs
Grant Request to Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Board
March 31, 2023
A. Goals of the Healthy Rivers Board
PROJECT SUMMARY
Roaring Fork Conservancy (RFC) requests $33,000 from the Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Board (HRB) to
update and enhance education programs. As rivers encounter more pressure from expanding populations,
our goal is to expand and enrich educational opportunities, to the general public and K-12 school students.
This programming will provide watershed education to maintain and improve water quality and quantity
within the Roaring Fork Watershed. Our goal is to continue to develop new and revitalized programming,
including the successful Watershed PenPal Program. This will connect students in and beyond the Roaring
Fork Valley to their headwaters and watershed, creating current and future river stewards. Our request is
broken into three elements described below.
1. Continued program revision to update, revitalize, and create new curriculum to incorporate
discovery of current water issues in the Roaring Fork Watershed and Colorado River Basin using
best instruction practices. Due to continued demand for our updated programs, RFC strives each
year to enhance and update watershed education programs. Schools have shown confidence in the
ability of RFC to adapt to student needs by not only consistently asking for past programs, but
expanding their experience by booking new and adapted programs. This allows RFC educators to
accomplish the goal of getting students outside and connecting them to our rivers. As student needs
continue to change, and the demographics of our valley change, we need to adapt. The ability to
respond to specific teacher and school requests to make our programs relevant and in sync with
district goals, insures the continuance of watershed education. Updating programs allows RFC to
continue the goal of creating river stewards while educating about current river issues and needs.
Examples of ongoing revisions are creating activities that are built around students using visual aids
showing recent natural events and data, creating and purchasing field tools to make independent
discoveries, and utilizing videos before field programs to introduce concepts. Practices that allow
students to discuss, observe, and reflect on their experiences through small group sharing and
carefully crafted questions and visual aids create deeper understanding, ownership, and connection
to rivers. Students struggle to stay engaged if there is a lot of teacher talk. Specific techniques,
training, and field resources can reduce the time students are listening and increase the time they
spend actively doing. Programs will also include developmentally appropriate actions that students
can use to create best practices in their communities, focusing on positive change. Requesting $7,000.
See details on pg. 6 ($3,200 Staff Training, $3,200 Program development, $600 Creating Visual Aids, materials,
and Field Journals)
43
2) Instruct education programs at the River Center and field sites throughout the valley, focusing on water
quality, water quantity, riparian habitat, and water use. Includes scholarship funds to reduce cost barriers
for classes facing tight classroom budgets. Increasing field sites gives students experiences at multiple
riparian sites and allows them to connect the complexity and diversity of our watershed. Offering multi-class
series at different locations helps students gain a deeper understanding of the need for water conservation
and protection. Increased coordination and communication with schools, program preparation, and educator
training and instruction, is also essential for successful watershed programs.
RFC’s education staff will engage in site surveys throughout the Roaring Fork Valley to allow for increased
field instruction at sites close to schools so busing is not always required. Increasing equipment kits allows for
smaller group instruction and safer environments. Our general school and adult education program offerings
focus on watershed science, water rights, and usage, all of which help the HRB accomplish its goals of
advancing these issues. Requesting $11,500 see details on pg. 6. ($8,000 Program delivery at scholarship rate, $3,500
administrative support such as coordinating, scheduling, tracking, training, etc.)
3) . Continue the Watershed PenPal Program to connect water users on both sides of the Continental
Divide to their headwaters, promoting water fluency and conservation. This program connects students in
Aurora, Colorado to students in the Roaring Fork Watershed. Basalt Middle School Students and Vista Peak
Exploratory Students will develop an understanding of where their water comes from while learning about
another 5th grader that lives in a very different cultural and geographical area. Student’s will be guided
through images, activities, videos, and prompts to understand what their shared headwaters look like and
how water travels to their cites from the head waters of the Roaring Fork Watershed. They will also learn why
it is important to value, conserve, and protect our rivers.
Students will develop a relationship through old fashioned letter writing by sharing information about their
hobbies, interests, and personal connection to water. As part of the program, students will get an
opportunity to meet their pen pal through Google Meets. Roaring Fork Conservancy (RFC) will design and
manage the shared Google Slides that each classroom will use to guide the program. RFC will also establish
and coordinate all required communications between the schools. RFC will travel to Aurora, Colorado to
introduce the program to the 5th grade students and cooperating teachers, personally connecting the two
groups through photos, maps, and videos.
Basalt Middle School Students will gain real river experience through rafting. The rafting experience creates a
foundation and love of rivers that they will share with their pen pals across the divide. Most of the 5th grade
Basalt Middle School students have never been on a raft, not only will students experience the thrill of rapids,
but they will also learn about river ecology and water chemistry during this field experience.
This program creates an invaluable opportunity to shape and create river stewards on both sides of the
continental divide, showing through communication and positive relationships that conservation is essential
in water use. Requesting $14,500 see details on pg. 6 ($800 Management and development of Google Slides and
programming, $4,960 development and coordination with teachers, schools, and Aurora Water, $4560 to fund rafting
experience for Basalt Middle School (BMS) 5th graders, $2,400 delivery of RFC classes to BMS, $1,480 Introduction to the
Watershed PenPal Program for Aurora Students and Teachers, $300 mailing, and letter supplies)
44
B. Viability of the Project
A critical step in protecting water quality and water quantity in the Roaring Fork Watershed, is that of
educating the youth and the public to create connection and positive relationships. Knowledge is power and
a populace that is aware of the demands on our water and river systems is essential to achieving the goals
identified by the HRB. RFC is a stable, proven organization capable of completing the objectives laid out in
this grant. We seek support from HRB to fulfill our new potential and meet ever-increasing demands for
relevant water education taught by highly qualified staff. Viability of each element is provided below:
1.) Update and revitalize existing curriculum by incorporating skills highlighted in Best-Instruction
practices. RFC needs to create lessons that allow for students be actively engaged by making discoveries and
feeling ownership of their connections and ideas. An example of this is creating field kits that students use
during group work to assess the physical, chemical, and biological health of the river. Students then share
their findings and ideas with their classmates. Educators act as guides and experts for specific questions, but
do not lecture students or direct all of their actions. Creating separate and unique field kits for elementary,
middle, and high school allows students to go deeper into their learning as they move through grades.
Problem solving activities that leave students with a sense of empowerment will create positive actions in our
communities. Support from HRS would ensure that funds are available to support this work and supplement
part of the cost of the development, materials, and training.
2) On-site instruction at the River Center and field sites in the Roaring Fork Valley. RFC works hard to keep
our programming costs low for schools even as programming costs rise. Scholarships through grant funding
and private donations allows us to keep our rates the same each year despite inflation, we also use these
funds to provide programs to groups that need full scholarships. Schools face staffing, transportation, and
funding challenges, RFC does not want lack of funding to prohibit students from experiencing watershed
education.
We seek financial support to lower barriers for school groups, increase inclusion, and encourage the public to
visit the River Center, conservation easements, and protected public spaces. Students often do not have safe
and supervised access to rivers and riparian areas. Promoting water education and conservation in an
environment that showcases the ability to create healthy riparian areas within rural and urban settings is key
to creating positive public use and support. With support from HRB we can keep program fees minimal and
offer programs that guide participants through the beautiful riparian sites in our valley, creating connection,
value, and protection of the Roaring Fork Watershed.
3.) Continue the Watershed PenPal Program to connect water users on both sides of the Continental Divide
to their headwaters, promoting water fluency and conservation. This project aims to connect water users to
their headwaters. It also creates relationships and communication between east slope and west slope water
users. Through shared experiences students and teachers will learn water ethics together creating a common
ground for conversation and connection to the importance of water quality and quantity. Many Aurora
students do not have access to riparian areas and rivers, this project will guide them through experiences
that illuminate why healthy rivers and headwaters are important. The personal relationship that they make
with their pen pal from BMS will create a concrete and real-world experience with someone else, that
depends on the same water they do. RFC has partnered with Basalt Elementary, Vista Peak Exploratory
(Aurora Public Schools), and Aurora Water Environment Education and Outreach team.
45
C. Public Need, Accessibility and Appreciation
As our population grows and water supply shrinks, it is important to create communication, experiences, and
relationships that embrace water conservation. The programs included in this grant will be highly accessible
to all sectors of the public and expand our reach to a variety of populations as outlined above. Programs will
also be highly visible to the public, not only through media exposure and direct public communications, but
also to commuters through Basalt and users of the Basalt River Park trails, Old Pond Park, and the Roaring
Fork River. Students experiencing our programming are encouraged to share their knowledge with their
families and communities. Educating students and families on the front range who receive water from the
Roaring Fork Valley creates awareness of the need for water conservation.
All three elements in this grant promise to fill specific gaps identified in our education programming and all
benefit the youth, directly and indirectly through education, development, outreach, and accessibility. We
believe this is an appropriate and necessary use of public funds as education and connection are at the heart
of action. These efforts also coincide with goals of the Colorado Water Plan to increase water education for
the public, highlighting the importance of public funding for these projects. To that point, RFC has already
received funding and support for watershed education from private donors, Pitkin County Open Space and
Trails, Garfield County, Eagle County, and public schools. We will include information and recognition of HRB
in programs and publications supported by this grant. RFC has a strong base of supporters and established
public relations including but not limited to press releases, social media, traditional media, e-mail, listservs,
community calendars, public radio, and printed newsletters.
D. History of the Requesting Party
RFC is well-known locally and statewide as a watershed organization with proven success not only in water
planning, policy, research, and restoration projects, but also in providing high quality educational classes to
Roaring Fork Valley residents and visitors. In its 27th year, RFC is the only local organization focused solely on
water and watershed related issues and prides itself on incorporating current water issues into its education
programs. In the year 2022, RFC taught 297 education programs making over 6,200 contacts.
RFC has twelve staff members and a strong network of contractors, associates, partners, interns, and
volunteers that collectively fulfill its mission to inspire people to explore, value and protect the Roaring Fork
Watershed. Megan Dean, the Director of Education, comes from a background in water resources and
science education. She has been an educator in the valley for 24 years. She worked as a classroom teacher
with RFC in the early years of its educational programs, consistently bringing RFC programs to her students.
As the Director of Education, she has been able to bridge the gap, enveloping the needs of students and
schools into RFC programming and education. Through long term relationships and contact with students,
staff, and administration, she incorporates a love for learning and rivers into positive programming and
activities that empower students of all ages. RFC is supported by individual contributions, program and
consulting fees, grants, special events, and in-kind support. RFC is a Colorado nonprofit corporation in good
standing with §501(c)(3) status.
Partnerships
RFC’s partners include local, regional, state and federal governments, private interests, nonprofits, school
districts, utilities, universities, and individuals. (Full list: www.roaringfork.org/about-us/rfc-partners)
RFC is an active member of Water Education Colorado (WECo) and the Water Educator Network. As
collaborators, RFC and WEC co-hosted workshops on the Western Slope and communicate regularly to
educate others across the state on notable issues in the Roaring Fork Watershed. RFC stays up to date on
46
national and state education issues through the Colorado Science Educator Network and regularly
participates and presents at the annual Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education conference. RFC
provided a review and feedback on the State Water Education Action Plan (SWEAP), Advises Colorado Basin
Roundtable Public Education Participation and Outreach (CBRT PEPO) for its efforts implementing the
Colorado Water Plan’s education goals. RFC also served on an advisory board for the Colorado State
University (SPUR) campus design and development.
Strong relationships exist between RFC and area schools, teachers, camps, towns, and agencies. These
relationships indicate both the caliber of our instruction and existing support and confidence in our future
successes. Locally, RFC mentors, informs, and partners with education groups including:
• Roaring Fork School District
• Aspen School District
• Independent Schools
• Pitkin County and Garfield County Libraries
• Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
• Roaring Fork Environmental Educators listserv
• Middle Colorado Watershed Council
• Eagle River Watershed Council
• City of Aspen, Town of Basalt, Town of
Carbondale, City of Glenwood Springs
• Pitkin County (Open Space and Trails,
Engineering Dept., Water Dept., and Healthy
Rivers)
• Youth Entity
• Basalt Library
• Rafting companies and fly-fishing guides
throughout the valley
• CORE
• Access Afterschool & Afterschool Enrichment
• Roaring Fork Audubon
• Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers
• Colorado River Watch
• Colorado River District
• Aspen Global Change Institute
• Colorado Mountain College
E. Budget, Measurements and Accountability
RFC requests $33,000 from HRB to support our watershed education programs (See Attachment 1: HRB
Watershed Education Program - Project Budget). RFC receives financial support from many partners for our
water education programs but foresees additional funds needed to balance the budget in 2023 (please see
Attachment 2: RFC Education Program Budget). We hope you choose to help elevate our watershed
education programs and expand our reach to new, critical audiences in the coming year.
RFC will provide a progress report to the HRB at or around the six-month mark and present a final report and
presentation at the one-year mark. This may include progress reports, statistics, financials, teacher feedback,
and the deliverables listed below.
47
Attachment 1: HRB Watershed Education Program - Project Budget
River Center Education
Programming
Details Total Cost Breakdown of Cost Deliverables/Measures of Success
1. Continued updating to existing
curriculum to incorporate discovery
of current water issues in the
Roaring Fork Watershed using best
instruction practices ex: teachers
talk less, students talk and discover
more, create visual aids for new
language learners, school requests
Staff time, collaboration
with state-wide groups
and educators, site visits,
training educators on
new program
components and
methods.
$7,000 $3,200 Staff Training (40 HR)
$3,200 Program development
(40 HR)
$600 Creating visual aids
Updated list of RFC water education
programs, field journals, and visual aids.
New programs developed to highlight
current water and riparian needs along with
successful ways to conserve water.
2. Instruct education programs at
the River Center and field sites
throughout the valley, focusing on
water quality, water quantity,
riparian habitat, and water use.
Includes scholarship funds to reduce
cost barriers for classes facing tight
classroom budgets.
Coordination with
schools to ensure
programs are tailored to
meet their needs,
program preparation,
administration, and
instruction. Site visits for
increased field
instruction to provide
opportunity for students
to experience multiple
destinations in our
watershed.
$11,500 $8,000 Program delivery at
scholarship rate
$3,500 Administrative support
(scheduling, tracking, site visits,
development, etc.)
Documentation of scholarship rates received
and at least 100 hours of instruction with
documentation of program details: Student
numbers, topics, hours. HRS logo on
scholarship program rates.
3. Continue the Watershed PenPal
Program to connect water users on
both sides of the Continental Divide
to their headwaters, promoting
water ethics, fluency and
conservation. Increase availability to
more classes to expand impact.
Coordination with
Aurora Public Schools
and Aurora Water.
Managing shared google
slide guiding letter
writing. In person
programing and
activities.
$14,500 $800 Development and
management of Google Slide
and Instruction Program (10Hr)
$ 4,960 Development and
Coordination with teacher
partners, schools, and Aurora
Water (Hr)
Documentation of number of participants,
number of classes, and pictures of programs.
HRS logo on Google Slides and Instruction
materials.
48
$4,560 Rafting to experience
Roaring Fork Watershed for BMS
and CCS students totaling 114
students and teachers
$2,400 Roaring Fork
Conservancy led class programs
and class materials including a
Google Meet (20 Programs)
$1,480 Introduction to
Watershed PenPal Program at
Aurora Public School (Vista Peak
Exploratory 4 classes) RFC will
deliver introduction program to
Aurora students and do a short
training with teachers.
$300 Mailing and Letter Supplies
TOTAL $33,000
49
Attachment 2: Projected RFC Education Budget, 2021
REVENUE
Funding Sources: AMOUNT
Pitkin County Open Space & Trails $43,000
RFC Program Fees $9,000
Eagle County $20,000
Garfield County $1,000
Individual donors (pending) $210,000
Healthy Rivers Board (pending) $33,000
Total:
$316,000
EXPENSES
TYPE DESCRIPTION TOTAL
Human Resources (3 education staff and
support staff)
Staff time and administrative overhead for
programs: curriculum development, class
preparation, instruction, marketing, public
relations, transportation time to/from
program sites, professional development,
community programs, events, website
management, mileage reimbursement for
off-site and field programs. $218,900
Building Use, Overhead, Equipment &
Supplies
Building use and overhead, replacing,
replenishing, and translating education
materials, copies of handouts, printing, art
and science products, etc. $96,980
Publication and Educational Outreach
Biannual newsletter and website hosting
and management (hard costs), weekly
snowpack and river reports, general RFC
public relations, monthly e-newsletter. $26,049
Total: $341,929
50
Ruedi Water and Power Authority
P.O. Box 565
Basalt, CO 81621
Pitkin County Healthy Rivers and Streams Board
Grant Application:
Outdoor Watering Efficiency
Public Education and Outreach Campaign
Submitted By:
April Long, Executive Director
Ruedi Water and Power Authority
March 31,2023
Requested Amount:
$10,000
51
Ruedi Water and Power Authority
P.O. Box 565
Basalt, CO 81621
Project Statement
To implement a large-scale, watershed-wide education and outreach campaign that provides
information on recently adopted regional baseline watering standards and promotes efficient
outdoor planting and watering best practices to conserve water in the Roaring Fork watershed.
Background, Necessity, and Alignment with HRSB
Facing decades of drought, limited upstream water storage, and a drier future, the Roaring Fork
Watershed must explore all options for using less water. Much of the water provided by
municipal water providers goes to outdoor watering in the summer months (irrigation of lawns
and landscapes). The EPA reports that 50% of water put on lawns nationwide is lost due to
wind, evaporation and runoff caused by inefficient irrigation methods. As identified in each
water providers’ Municipal Water Efficiency Plan, as well as in the Regional Water Efficiency
Plan (RWEP) developed in 2015, water providers in the Roaring Fork Watershed prioritized the
need for a coordinated Public Education and Outreach Campaign that could explain how to
efficiently irrigate a lawn in this area, without wasting water, thereby reducing water use and
preserving water resources for environmental, recreational, agricultural, and other uses
throughout the watershed. RWAPA owns and implements the recommended actions of the
RWEP for the watershed.
In 2020, as RWAPA sought to begin an education and outreach campaign, it became clear that
outdoor watering requirements and allowances vary across the different water providers within
the watershed, creating communication challenges, particularly for the many residents who live
and work in the different cities and towns of Aspen, Basalt, Glenwood Springs, Snowmass
Village, and other unincorporated areas of Eagle and Pitkin counties. The group of staff from
the municipal water providers agreed it was necessary to seek a common, unified baseline
watering standard, as to create a consistent message to help alleviate confusion and increase
compliance. RWAPA received a Project Accelerator Grant from WaterNow Alliance in 2022 to
develop regional, unified, watering standards for Roaring Fork water providers. Those
standards are currently being presented to decision-making bodies of our water providers for
adoption. As referenced in the RWEP and throughout the development and adoption of the
baseline watering standards, the success of these standards and of any outdoor watering
reduction relies heavily in education of and outreach to our watershed’s residents, landscape
companies, and water users.
52
Ruedi Water and Power Authority
P.O. Box 565
Basalt, CO 81621
As part of the WaterNow Alliance Project Accelerator, consultants were asked to research and
advise on a potential scope of work for an effective education and outreach campaign. Their
recommendations are included, in part, here:
Option A: Hire External PR Firm: The outreach campaign could be developed and implemented with
support from a consulting firm specializing in public relations and communications. In order to hire this
firm, the project team recommends that RWAPA apply for grant funding to develop this campaign. This
grant funding would likely need to be supplemented by matching funds from RWAPA agencies. While the
development of this campaign would benefit from this external support, it would still rely on water
providers for their support in disseminating campaign information through traditional outreach channels
(e.g. websites, social media, newsletters, bill inserts, etc.). If this approach is taken, RWAPA would be in
charge of engaging the PR firm and handling all contract administration.
Audience and Content: To ensure the success of the unified watering schedules, it will be paramount to
target residential and commercial customers, property managers, landscape professionals, and others
involved in water or irrigation management (i.e., municipal staff) in the RFV. Specific outreach strategies
such as direct calls to companies and HOAs, fliers at nurseries and hardware stores, and providing
materials that are available in both English and Spanish could be useful for communicating the new
watering schedules. Additionally, working closely with local non-profit education organizations, such as
the Roaring Fork Conservancy, to further promote materials and engage residents and landscape
professionals could be advantageous.
The project team recommends that the outreach materials produced in the campaign embody a message
that is unifying and resonates among all stakeholders in the watershed. For example, using language
such as “guidelines” or “schedules” may be more favorable among residents than “restrictions”.
Additionally, using language that is clear and accessible and avoiding technical language or jargon will
enable RWAPA and the municipal water providers to communicate these schedules in a way that is
understandable and relatable to their customers, landscape professionals, property managers, etc.
Important topics to provide education upon should include but is not limited to: plant selection, benefits
of appropriate watering (root depths), local benefits of water conservation, different water sources could
mean different water management (municipal water vs ditch water, sprinklers and zones vs hand
watering), irrigation systems, etc. The campaign could include a tailored logo, color scheme, and slogan,
to create recognizable and consistent branding for this campaign.
In addition to the content specifically developed for the updated watering standards and schedule, the
project team recommends that RWAPA, the municipal water providers, and other water
conservaƟon oriented organizaƟons in the RFW work together to increase their current water
conservation programming efforts for customers (residential and commercial), landscape professionals,
property managers, etc. on outdoor landscaping and water use best practices. This educational
programming may include producing additional materials such as fact sheets or brochures, hosting
educational events and workshops (i.e., QWEL), creating demonstration gardens, providing free or
discounted smart irrigation controllers, and more. The goal of this increased conservation programming
53
Ruedi Water and Power Authority
P.O. Box 565
Basalt, CO 81621
is to better educate the community on outdoor landscaping and water use best practices including
appropriate plant selection, plant water requirements and irrigation controller programming, and big-
picture RFW and Colorado River system challenges. Although outside the scope of this specific project, all
of the water providers in the Valley identified this need of increased education on outdoor water
conservation and efficiency best management practices as a short-term goal.
Outreach and Notifications: To successfully convey the content and messaging produced in the outreach
campaign, the project team recommends a heavy outreach push during the first year of the newly
adopted watering standards, specifically during the start of and throughout the irrigation season (April
through October). Outreach tactics such as bill inserts, e-newsletters and email notifications, cardboard
and/or electronic signage, fliers and/or brochures posted at local stores and or events, and website
updates (many of which are outreach methods that RFW providers already employ) would be effective at
disseminating the updated watering schedules. After the first year of the campaign, the project team
recommends that the municipal water providers work closely with RWAPA and other local water
conservation organizations in the watershed to further refine the outreach plan for subsequent years.
Campaign Checklist: As described above, below is a summary checklist of items to consider including in
the development of education and outreach campaign:
Tailored campaign branding (logo, slogan, color scheme, etc.)
Bilingual materials (English and Spanish)
In addition to watering standards, additional educational materials on water efficiency and
conservation (i.e., RFW water supply sources and challenges, importance of water conservation,
local benefits of water conservation, outdoor watering best practices, plant selection, soil health,
etc.)
Content creation for different outreach channels (i.e., social media, newsletters, highways signs,
City websites, radio ads, newspaper ads, etc.)
Detailed scope and timeline of campaign (i.e., who, what, when, and where)
The following water providers in the valley have experienced interest in participating in and
supporting a regional outdoor watering efficiency public education and outreach campaign:
City of Aspen
Snowmass Water and Sanitation District
Town of Basalt
Mid-Valley Metro District
Town of Carbondale
City of Glenwood Springs
54
Ruedi Water and Power Authority
P.O. Box 565
Basalt, CO 81621
While each water provider currently can and does provide outdoor watering guidance materials
to their customers, they recognize the potential benefits of a much larger, regional, shared
partnership with their neighboring water providers. Therefore, RWAPA is seeking assistance
from the Pitkin County Healthy Rivers and Streams Board (HRSB) in an endeavor that will benefit
the entire watershed by a reduction in outdoor water use, and that also aligns with HRSB’s goals
and objectives as detailed here:
1. Maintain and improve water quality and quantity within the Roaring Fork watershed.
The RWEP estimates annual water savings from effective implementation of a regional
education and outreach campaign in the Roaring Fork watershed to be 90-120 acre-
feet/year by 2050.
2. Working to secure, create, and augment stream flows in conjunction with non-profits,
grant agencies, and appropriate State and Federal agencies to ensure ecological health,
recreational opportunities, and wildlife and riparian habitat, promoting water
conservation.
In general, a reduction in the amount of outdoor water used in the Roaring Fork
watershed could result in decreased diversions from our rivers, thereby leaving more
water in the river. In some instances, water providers could dedicate that conserved
water to programs that maintain in-stream flows for environmental benefits or could
allow for other more beneficial use of that water by junior water rights holders that may
otherwise fall short.
Project Details – Tasks, Budget, Measurements, and Accountability
Based on information provided by consultants from WaterNow Alliance and Western Resource
Advocates, RWAPA is requesting HRSB funding assistance of $10,000 for the execution of a
$25,000 Education and Outreach Campaign. RWAPA intends to seek funding assistance of
approximately $1,000 from each water provider in the watershed. Additionally, if approved,
HRSB’s funding will assist in showing support and contributing funds for application to the
Colorado River District’s Community Funding Partnership. For this project RWAPA agrees to
provide the in-kind service of the Executive Director in project management of the consultant
chosen.
55
Ruedi Water and Power Authority
P.O. Box 565
Basalt, CO 81621
RWAPA will issue a Request for Proposals for the following anticipate scope of work, with
potential add-ons, depending on final funding available. Exact scope, tasks, and costs are
currently unknown – to be determined by successful funding securement and winning proposal.
Task Unit Cost Subtotal
Task 1 – Key Message Identification and Content
Prep
Stakeholder Meetings to determine messages,
formats, audiences, etc.
Research on message success
Content Development
Task 2 – Brand Development
Stakeholder Meetings
Graphic Design
Task 3 – Message Delivery (may include in-person
events)
Task 4 – Templates for out-years
Additional Items – Irrigation Audits,
Programmable Irrigation Control Giveaways,
Rain Sensor Giveaways
Total
$25,000
RWAPA will notify and request participation of the Healthy Rivers and Streams Board directors
at stakeholder meetings and will supply the Board with the successful proposal. RWAPA will also
provide HRSB with final report after Education and Outreach Campaign completion (end of 2023).
History of RWAPA
Ruedi Water and Power Authority: Mobilizing resources and influence to benefit the waters and
communities of the Roaring Fork Valley.
Ruedi Water and Power Authority (RWAPA or the Authority) is a regional council on water for the
Roaring Fork watershed offering planning, coordination, and technical assistance to its members;
coordinating and administering programs and planning at a regional level; and providing
communication between local governments and other regional, state, and federal agencies. Our
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Ruedi Water and Power Authority
P.O. Box 565
Basalt, CO 81621
direction is provided by a Board of Directors (the Board) comprised of an elected official from
each of the jurisdictions within the watershed: Aspen, Snowmass Village, Basalt, Carbondale,
Glenwood Springs, Pitkin and Eagle Counties. Pitkin County’s current Director is Greg Poschman.
RWAPA was founded in 1981 in response to an opportunity to develop hydropower at Ruedi
Reservoir. Public Service of Colorado (now Excel Energy) had filed for a permit to develop a
forebay at Ruedi to provide peaking power. That plan would have resulted in the inundation of
another two miles of the Fryingpan Valley downstream of the existing dam and would have led
to other fundamental changes in Ruedi operations and management. RWAPA was formed to
block that effort by taking advantage of the federal ‘municipal exemption’ which would have
allowed RWAPA to pre-empt the PSC application. As it turned out, the municipal exemption could
only be exercised by an actual municipality. Therefore, Aspen and Pitkin County formed a Joint
Hydropower Department to gain the permit and develop the hydropower plant. In the meantime,
the intergovernmental communication and cooperation that were fostered by the first few
meetings of the RWAPA Board proved to be sufficient reason to maintain the Authority.
An Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the participating entities, as well as the
Authority’s bylaws, details RWAPA’s purpose, scope, authority, operations, and management.
RWAPA has an annual operating budget of approximately $45,000, which provides for 30-40
hours per month for an Executive Director as well as other expenses and services such as financial
and legal consultation and general administrative expenses.
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EcoFlight Spring 2023 Grant Request
Organization:EcoFlight
Address:307 L AABC,Aspen,CO 81611
Contact:Jane Pargiter,Executive Director –jane@ecoflight.org,970-429-1110
Grant project title:Overflights for beaver habitat assessment and public education
Amount requested:$7,500
EcoFlight is requesting funds for overflights that will support habitat assessment research,and help
identify when,where,and how beaver reintroduction can best be used to improve river and watershed
health and resilience in the White River National Forest and beyond.Flights are requested specifically by
the Sierra Club and Colorado State University’s Colorado Natural Heritage Program to assist with
on-the-ground and GIS-based habitat assessment programs.EcoFlight is also in discussion with other
organizations including the U.S.Forest Service (USFS),Roaring Fork Conservancy,Colorado Parks and
Wildlife (CPW),Watershed Biodiversity Initiative,Pitkin County Healthy Rivers,and others to collaborate
on flights to aid research,public outreach and good communication between diverse entities.
Flights with the Colorado Sierra Club in the summer of 2022 were important for the early stages of their
campaign to foster beaver reintroduction efforts and improve data on habitat.Since then,EcoFlight is
thrilled by the growth in community interest on this topic,and by Pitkin County Healthy Rivers’
leadership and continued commitment to the health of our watersheds.EcoFlight is excited to learn that,
in addition to the Sierra Club’s efforts,research by the U.S.Forest Service (with Pitkin County’s support)
is currently underway to better understand current beaver populations and habitat availability.EcoFlight
will contribute to this effort by conducting overflights in its six-seater airplanes with scientists,media,
decisionmakers,land-managers,nonprofit community organizers,and other stakeholders,providing an
aerial platform for data collection and verification in remote rugged areas that are difficult to
ground-truth,generating accurate and positive data and media coverage,attending meetings among
collaborating entities,capturing photos and videos that can be used for analysis and educational
purposes,and providing a platform for education and collaboration to happen from the air.
A.Goals of the Healthy Rivers Board
EcoFlight will provide overflights that are responsive to the evolving needs of the broader effort to
restore native beaver populations to high-elevation watersheds in the White River National Forest,as
discussed in the stakeholder meeting on March 9th,2023 in Basalt.Specifically,overflights will support
current habitat assessment research -flights are requested by Colorado State University’s Colorado
Natural Heritage Program,and will be made available to other partners participating in this effort -by
providing an aerial data gathering and verification platform.Flights will also contribute to public
outreach and education efforts including Pitkin County Healthy Rivers’“beaver inventory”project by
giving collaborating organizations a positive media hook and objective informative platform for public
education.Flights will always be led by an expert or “talking head,”especially with media on board,to
ensure that messaging shared on the flight is accurate and consistent with current project goals.
Overflights will additionally enhance collaboration and sharing of expertise between the many agencies,
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nonprofits,and researchers interested in White River National Forest beaver restoration by providing an
opportunity to collaborate on messaging and,of course,fly together.
Overflights as a platform for media coverage and public education:The immense ecosystem benefits
provided by beavers do not negate the need for careful and strategic messaging around beaver
restoration efforts.Misconceptions about beavers,beaver reintroduction,and laws and policies
protecting beavers abound.Historically,these misconceptions (and the tendency for beavers to interfere
with some ranching operations like irrigation)have led to the intentional extermination of the species
from many Western watersheds.This rocky history highlights the need for an education strategy that
clarifies misconceptions and highlights the necessity of beavers for watershed health and resiliency.
Overflights provide a uniquely effective platform for education of the press and the general public.Flight
is a positive media hook,and while in the air,reporters engage directly with experts who can answer
questions and quell misconceptions before they arise.Furthermore,overflights can highlight threats to
watersheds such as wildfires and drought,and can take reporters and photographers over remote
watersheds to highlight the benefits and potential of restoring beaver populations.This positive
messaging combats historic misconceptions of beavers as a nuisance species and builds community
buy-in for potential future reintroduction of the species.
Overflights as a tool for data collection and verification:In conjunction with the USFS’s utilization of
on-the-ground data collection and GIS analysis,overflights give a big-picture perspective of watersheds
in the White River National Forest and an efficient means to visually inspect multiple sites in a short
period of time.The holistic perspective air-truthing provides is critical for assessing potential and existing
beaver habitat,and understanding broader ecological context,and examining proximity to human
infrastructure.EcoFlight will use flights to support ongoing data collection,as needed.As data needs
evolve,EcoFligth will remain responsive to collaborating agencies’data needs and will be ready to
provide the plane as a platform to support data-gathering efforts.Further,subsequent to the March 9th
meeting,flights were requested by the Colorado Chapter of the Sierra Club and Colorado State
University’s Colorado Natural Heritage Program to assist with data collection.Overflights will provide a
preliminary overview of potential/current beaver habitat,followed strategically by on-the-ground
assessments to maximize the benefits of both approaches.
B.Viability of the Project
This is a viable project,as demonstrated by EcoFlight’s enduring involvement in Roaring Fork Valley
conservation initiatives such as the Crystal River Wild and Scenic Campaign,Thompson Divide Mineral
Withdrawal,and over twenty years of flying for conservation.EcoFlight’s goal for the nascent beaver
inventory project and possible restoration initiative is to provide a small number of overflights where
they are needed most -especially for public education and media communication purposes,with a
secondary focus on data collection -and remain responsive as this effort evolves.
The airplane is a neutral platform,and EcoFlight is an organization uniquely poised to foster
collaboration between diverse entities.All overflight events are developed in collaboration with one or
more entities involved in the beaver restoration efforts.In providing media flights that positively
promote Pitkin County Healthy Rivers’beaver inventory,EcoFlight will also coordinate with other
organizations running parallel public education campaigns such as Roaring Fork Conservancy.Bringing
these organizations together for overflights under a singular media hook helps avoid duplication of
efforts and ensure that messaging is complementary and not contradictory.
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C.Public Need,Accessibility and Appreciation
The sustainability and resilience of beloved Roaring Fork watersheds is a focus which unites diverse
community members up and down our valley.Beavers contribute significantly to watershed health,and
research into the potential for restoring native populations brings notable public benefits.Beaver dams
and channels have been shown to create natural fire breaks,store carbon,provide fish and wildlife
habitat,and improve year-round instream flows,helping recreational,municipal,and agricultural water
users downstream.EcoFlight will help ensure that these benefits are realized by providing a unique aerial
resource,accessible to all collaborating partners.
EcoFlight will participate in upcoming stakeholder meetings,bringing a strong public relations strategy
that uses flights as a positive media hook and platform for sharing accurate and targeted messaging.
With input from Pitkin County and other collaborating partners,EcoFlight will refine this strategy around
flights in summer 2023.Better than a simple press release or single-sided interview,flights are a way for
reporters to engage with multiple organizations and experts and gain an appreciation for the importance
of the project and landscape-level benefits.From past experience,EcoFlight knows that reporters are
eager to fly,it is a fun and exciting experience for them that also gives them something newsworthy and
positive at the same time.
D.History of the Requesting Party
EcoFlight has been flying for conservation for over twenty years,partnering with over four hundred
organizations annually in Colorado and across the West.In 2021,overflights informed beaver restoration
on the May Valley Farm in Lamar,CO,and a video produced by EcoFlight was shown at the Colorado
Beaver Summit.Prior to that,EcoFlight has flown numerous beaver and wildlife restoration projects,
dating back to beaver restoration on the Escalante River in 2012!Most recently,in August 2022,
EcoFlight partnered with the Sierra Club for overflights of streams near and above timberline on
Independence Pass with scientists,community leaders,and press to “air truth”these sites and confirm
their suitability.Photos and video were captured to aid in analysis of the terrain,vegetation,and
surrounding human infrastructure.Feedback from ecologist Delia Malone confirmed that this air truthing
was extremely helpful to the reintroduction efforts and that the data collected was very informative.
These flights informed a subsequent request for more flights in summer 2023.A portion of these flights
were conducted with the generous support of the Aspen SkiCo Environment Foundation,support which
is coming to an end in Spring 2023.
E.Budget,Measurements and Accountability
EcoFlight measures progress and success based on quantitative and qualitative factors.The number of
flights and the number of flight passengers are key metrics for tracking progress.However,EcoFlight also
works closely with partner organizations to identify priorities and target passengers so that seats are
filled with the most important target audience.EcoFlight tracks published articles and photos following
flights,assessing not only the number of articles published and photos shared,but also the consistency
of messaging in those articles with campaign goals.
At the end of the grant period,EcoFlight will report to the Healthy Rivers Board with a narrative of flights
and outcomes,as well as quantitative metrics (number of flights,number of passengers,number of
positive media pieces).Additionally,EcoFlight will continue to participate in any collaborative meetings
of stakeholders,and will provide in-person updates at these meetings.
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Project Budget
Itemize expenses:
DESCRIPTION AMOUNT
Flight planning,coordination $1,300
Fixed airplane expenses (insurance,maintenance,parking,etc.)$9,000
Airplane fuel $5,600
Pilots $2,100
Aerial photography and editing (in-house multimedia production)$1,050
Post-flight follow-up outreach and messaging,distribution $950
TOTAL COST (A)$20,000
Funds or in-kind donations available for project:
SOURCE AMOUNT
McBride Family and Airport Business Center Foundation $4,000 expected
Andrew Sabin Family Foundation $3,000 received
Local Individual Donations $1,100 expected
TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE (B)$11,100
Balance Required:$11,900
Amount requested:$7,500
Attached:
-2022 income/expense
-2022 balance sheet
-2023 Organizational Budget
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Accrual Basis EcoFlight
Income and Expense
January through December 2022
Jan - Dec 22
Ordinary Income/Expense
Income
Donations
Corporations 3,362
Foundation 679,434
Fuel 1,256
Government Grants 68,866
Individual 303,260
Membership 31,254
Total Donations 1,087,432
Interest Income 25
Total Income 1,087,457
Gross Profit 1,087,457
Expense
Automobile 15,925
Bank Charges 52
Board of Directors 4,955
Contract Labor 40,904
Contributions / Donations 930
Executive Compensation 134,712
Staff-Office 123,486
Flight Expense 253,887
Fundraising 86,612
Health Insurance 46,108
Insurance 2,030
Internet 1,989
Licenses & Fees 1,042
Memberships & Dues 814
Office Expense 13,129
Office Rent 16,651
Office Supplies 2,792
Outreach 11,469
Payroll Taxes 37,255
Photography 7,802
Postage & Shipping 3,246
Professional Fees 10,800
Retirement Benefit 54,000
Subscriptions to Publications 754
Telephone 7,612
Training & Education 4,470
Travel 29,107
Total Expense 912,533
Net Ordinary Income 174,924
Other Income/Expense
Other Income
Schwab Unrealized Gain (Loss)1,962
Total Other Income 1,962
Other Expense
Bonus Payments 107,500
Total Other Expense 107,500
Net Other Income -105,538
Net Income 69,386
Page 1 of 1
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EcoFlight
2023 Budget
Page 1 of 1
2023 Budget
Ordinary Income/Expense
Income
Donations
Corporations 3,000
Foundation 660,000
Fuel 2,000
Government Grants 35,000
Individual 180,000
Special Event-20 year Gala
Membership 6,000
Total Donations 886,000
Interest Income
Hightower Interest & Dividends
US Bank Money Market
Total Interest Income 4,000
Total Income 890,000
Expense
Automobile 10,000
Bank Charges 100
Board of Directors 6,000
Contract Labor 73,000
Contributions / Donations 500
Executive director compensation 66,000
President ent Compensation 79,000
Staff-Office 106,500
Flight Expense 280,000
Fundraising 25,000
Health Insurance 55,000
Board Insurance 1,800
Internet 3,000
Licenses & Fees 100
Memberships & Dues 100
Office Expense 8,000
Office Rent 17,000
Office Supplies 2,500
Outreach 9,000
Payroll Taxes 40,000
Photography 4,000
Postage & Shipping 3,000
Professional Fees 10,000
Subscriptions to Publications 400
Telephone 8,000
Training & Education 2,000
Travel 20,000
Retirement 60,000
Total Expense 890,000
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EcoFlight
Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2022
Dec 31, 22
ASSETS
Current Assets
Checking/Savings
US BANK - CHECKING ACCOUNT 300,138
Total Checking/Savings 300,138
Total Current Assets 300,138
Fixed Assets
Equipment
Acc Depreciation -25,305
Camera Equipment 2,327
Computers 18,158
Total Equipment -4,820
Total Fixed Assets -4,820
Other Assets
Board Designated Endowment
Charles Schwab-Hightower
Hightower General Fund 525,625
Hightower New Plane Fund 200,000
Charles Schwab-Hightower - Other 53,844
Total Charles Schwab-Hightower 779,469
US Bank Money Market #7111 249,962
Total Board Designated Endowment 1,029,431
Total Other Assets 1,029,431
TOTAL ASSETS 1,324,749
LIABILITIES & EQUITY
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable
Accounts Payable 1,356
Total Accounts Payable 1,356
Credit Cards
Visa #0465 10,910
Total Credit Cards 10,910
Total Current Liabilities 12,266
Total Liabilities 12,266
Equity
Retained Earnings 1,243,095
Net Income 69,387
Total Equity 1,312,482
TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 1,324,748
Page 1 of 1
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530 East Main Street Suite 301 - Aspen, CO 81611
970 920 5191 office - 970 379-8654 cell
pitkincountyrivers.com
MEETING DATE: April 20, 2023 TO: Healthy Rivers Board FROM: Lisa Tasker and Lisa Macdonald CC: John Ely and Laura Makar
AGENDA ITEM: April Staff Report A summary of projects and work is provided below. Administrative: By-law amendments will be formally adopted at the April 26th regular BOCC meetings. Staff is working with the Back 40 Stories team on standard sign designs and has met with fabricator to work on signage for the Whitewater Park. Cost estimates have been provided and will be discussed internally. As needed support for the Crystal Wild and Scenic efforts is being provided by staff with Back 40 Stories informational slide presentation being used for educational events. Standing bi-weekly meetings continue. Projects and Infrastructure: Fisherman’s Park Improvements Contractor is working with the quarry on the stairs to the boardwalk. Construction completion is estimated to be wrapped up in the next few months.
Beaver and Cutthroat Project with the USFS Staff and others continue to seek housing opportunities for the interns. Discussions are ongoing about a future citizen science element and what that looks like. Wild and Scenic Efforts A Community Summit will be held April 27th at 5:00 pm at the Marble Firehouse. The Board received the poster with a link to an interest form that seeks stakeholders to be on a steering committee with plans to convene May through December 2023. Back 40 Stories created the informational and inspirational poster was then published in the April edition of the Crystal Valley Echo and distributed to members of the Crystal Wild and Scenic Coalition.
Crystal River Restoration Project – Town of Carbondale Partnership on Project The BOCC approved the budget supplemental at its March 22nd regular meeting after a site visit to the project area on March 20th. Staff continues to attend pre-construction meetings and remains involved. The last meeting of local partners was organized by River Restoration on March 24th.
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530 East Main Street Suite 301 - Aspen, CO 81611
970 920 5191 office - 970 379-8654 cell
pitkincountyrivers.com
Outreach/Education/Grants
Staff continues to work with the Comms Team regarding the Board’s request to expand our radio presence on KDNK and KMTS. Ads are now being run on KDNK and KMTS in addition to APR. Content suggestions are always welcome. Contracts and invoicing have occurred.
Beaver Education Campaign details are ongoing. Social media and other avenues discussed in February are moving forward. Please check our website for current updates pitkincountyrivers.com
5 grant applications were received for the 2023 Spring Cycle
2 sponsorship requests are included in the April meeting
Scholarship recipient’s counselors have been notified at Basalt, Glenwood Springs and Aspen High Schools. Award ceremonies are GWS on April 12th, Basalt on April 20th, and Aspen on June 1st. Kirstin will attend the Aspen award event. Andrew Sebastian Bartnik of Glenwood Springs High received the At-large award. The other recipients will be shared here following their notice of award at their ceremonies. Education and Training 2023:
Colorado Water Congress Winter Conference end of January - Huber, Makar, Neff and Tasker
Stream Restoration SR23-270, Colorado Water Congress Subcommittee- Tasker
Audubon/DNR- two sponsored webinars supporting Stream Restoration Bill efforts - Tasker
Webinar: The Upper Colorado and San Juan rivers endangered fish recovery programs: What's at stake as reauthorization looms? Tasker
Webinar: Climate Change & Water in the West with Dr. Imtiaz Rangwala, Research Scientist, CU
UPCOMING- Watershed Collaborative Seminar May 11th Third St Center Carbondale more info to follow
ONGOING- Staff continues to participate and collaborate with the following groups: - Roaring Fork Wildfire Collaborative - Watershed Collaborative Meetings; Board is on listserve
- Colorado Basin Roundtable meetings every 2 months
- Crystal River Wild and Scenic Core Group, Collaborative, and Coalition/Advocacy
- Colorado Water Congress State Affairs Committee 8AM Monday mornings when in session
- Local Beaver group including CPW, USFS, BLM, RFC, Sierra Club, EcoFlight, The Roaring Fork Biodiversity Initiative, National Forest Foundation and others - Lincoln Creek/Grizzly/Ruby Mine stream impact discussions via Zoom with Pitkin, EPA, CPW, USFS, DNR, RFC, Trout Unlimited, Twin Lakes Reservoir and Canal Co; next one May 1
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