HomeMy WebLinkAbout09 Sept 2023 packet
Agenda items are subject to change – Times are approximate and are also subject to change
Agenda | September 21, 2023
River Park Center
Second Floor Conference Room
123 Emma Road, Basalt CO 81621
TIME ITEM
Administrative Items
4:00 PM Board Comment Public Comment Additions/Deletions to Agenda
4:10 PM Approval of Minutes August 17, 2023 Outreach/Education/Grants
4:15 PM EcoFlight Grant Application- Aerial Advocacy for Protecting the Crystal
River-Jane Pargiter, Executive Director, EcoFlight; Lea Linse, Conservation
Program Manager, EcoFlight
4:45 PM East Mesa Ditch- Richard McIntyre, Representing the East Mesa Ditch Water
Company.
5:15 PM Speaker Series Discussion and Ideas- Healthy Rivers Board
5:45 PM Community Reads Initiative Discussion and Ideas- Healthy Rivers Board Staff Reports
6:15 PM Healthy Rivers Budget- Lisa Macdonald and Lisa Tasker
6:30 PM Healthy Rivers Staff Report- Lisa Macdonald and Lisa Tasker
6:45 PM Open Discussion
7:00 PM Adjourn
Upcoming 2023-24 Regular Meetings: Oct 19, Nov 16, Dec 21, Jan 18, Feb 15, Mar 21, Apr 18,
May 16, Jun 20, Jul 18, Aug 15, Sept 19, Oct 17, Nov 21, Dec 19
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HEALTHY RIVERS AND STREAMS CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD
Regular Meeting August 17, 2023 4:00 PM 123 Emma Road, 2nd Floor Basalt, CO 81621 River Board members present: Wendy Huber, Chris Wheatley, Andre Wille, Bill Jochems Chuck Ogilby, Chris Lemons appreared via Zoom River Board members absent: Kirstin Neff
Attendees in addition to presenters: Lisa Tasker, Lisa MacDonald, Diane Schwener, Dan Brogan _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Board Comment: Mr. Jochems brought up the recent discussions/articles about the Upper Basin’s delivery obligations to the Lower Basin states related to the Colorado River Compact. He said he has always heard the Upper Basin states had an obligation to deliver 7.5 MAF on average over 10 years. Becky Mitchell, now the state’s Commissioner to the Upper Colorado River Commission, is promoting the idea that we do not have a fixed delivery option, but that our obligation is to not consume more than 7.5 MAF over a ten-year period. Mr. Jochems states that to date the Lower Basin States have not expressed agreement with this, but he believes this interpretation of the Colorado Compact of 1922 is more favorable to the Upper Basin. According to Mr. Jochems, the Compact itself allows for Ms. Mitchell’s interpretation. Public Comment: None Additions/Deletions to the Agenda: Chair Huber asked for more time for the budget discussion portion of the agenda. The Board agreed to allocate 45 minutes if needed.
Approval of the Minutes 4.20.23 and 7.20.23
Mr. Wille moved to approve the minutes of April 20, 2023 with the meeting date correction. Mr. Ogilby seconded the
motion. The motion passed 6/0. Mr. Wille moved to approve the minutes of July 20, 2023. Mr. Wheatley seconded. The motion passed 6/0, Integrated River Program-Marble Charter School Grant Request- Gina Mile, Director of the Marble Charter School, and Nikki Beinstein, Finance Manager/Lead Middle School Teacher, Marble Charter School. Per the Board’s request Ms. Mile and Ms. Beinstein attended the meeting to further discuss supplemental information provided for the funding request. The Board has a line item reserved in its budget for a youth education program and rather than use grant funding it was recommended use of the education earmarked funds would be more appropriate.
Mr. Ogilby moved to recommend funding of $40,000 for the Integrated River Program at the Marble Charter School for
the 2023-24 school year from the earmarked line item. Mr. Jochems seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0. Healthy Rivers 2024 Draft Budget - Staff provided 2024 budget information to the Board. Sales tax estimates will be known later in August. Staff will bring back a detailed worksheet at the September meeting for Board approval. Staff Report – Staff provided an update on projects and work as contained in the report in the Board’s packet.
Open Discussion –
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Chris Lemons asked again if the board should take a position on the proposal by OST to create a trail from the AABC to Brush Creek and Hwy 82 intercept lot. A joint meeting with the BOCC and OST was suggested. Staff will look into dates in order to further this discussion and voice the Board’s concerns. Mr. Wheatley moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Wille seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0. The meeting adjourned at approx. 6:00 pm
Approved: Attest:
______________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Wendy Huber – Chair Lisa Tasker
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EcoFlight Application for Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Board 2023 Fall Grant Cycle
Organization:EcoFlight
Address:307 L AABC,Aspen,CO 81611
Contact:Jane Pargiter,Executive Director –jane@ecoflight.org,970-429-1110
Grant project title:Aerial Advocacy for protecting the Crystal River
Amount requested:$35,000
EcoFlight is requesting $35,000 from Pitkin County Healthy Rivers to continue overflights
of the Crystal River,with emphasis on garnering media coverage that educates the broader
public about Wild &Scenic and the stakeholder process,ensuring decisionmakers from involved
counties and municipalities are engaged,and building understanding between conflicting
viewpoints.EcoFlight staff will continue to engage in community meetings and the Steering
Committee.Photo and video materials will be shared and updated and used to promote public
participation opportunities and demonstrate grassroots support for the facilitated stakeholder
process and protecting the Crystal River.
We applaud Pitkin County’s long-term commitment to attaining a Wild &Scenic River
designation for the Crystal River,and very much appreciate Healthy Rivers’ongoing recognition
of EcoFlight’s critical role in moving the needle forward,uniting stakeholders and providing
encompassing education about what is at stake.We look forward to hopefully continuing this
partnership,and are happy to discuss any questions or suggestions you may have for this
coming grant period.
Goals,Viability,Need,and History:
EcoFlight’s mission is to educate and advocate for the protection of remaining wild lands
and wildlife habitat using small aircraft.EcoFlight has become a fixture in the Wild &Scenic
advocacy process,and has a long history and deep understanding of previous iterations of the
campaign.Bruce Gordon,EcoFlight’s founder,and Jane Pargiter,EcoFlight’s Executive Director,
have been bringing stakeholders together over the Crystal River for most of EcoFlight’s
twenty-one years in existence.EcoFlight’s Conservation Program Manager Lea Linse grew up in
Carbondale,got her conservation start advocating for protection of the Thompson Divide while
she was in high school,and brings her education in environmental policy as well as her local
knowledge to the table in the Steering Committee,CORE Team,and Wild &Scenic Coalition
meetings.Other members of EcoFlight’s team bring communication expertise,professional
photography and videography skills,and a deep dedication to preserving the wild and scenic
qualities of the Crystal River for generations to come.
A federal Wild &Scenic River designation is the gold standard for permanent protection
of a free-flowing river,and the beloved Crystal River deserves nothing less.Overflights are key
to achieving Pitkin County’s stated goal of a Wild &Scenic River designation for the Crystal
307 L AABC,Aspen,CO 81611
Phone:(970)429-1110 |www.ecoflight.org
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River,and provide several important opportunities in conjunction with the facilitated
stakeholder process guided by Wendy Lowe and Jacob Bornstein.With a concrete timeline for
the Steering Committee in hand,overflight strategy can be outlined as follows:
1.Media overflights in advance of the October Community Summit:The Steering
Committee has enjoyed several months of focused work without substantial press
coverage,as members of the committee got to know each other,built trust in the
process,developed a thorough understanding of next steps,and worked to put past
differences behind them.The usefulness of this quiet period is waning,and EcoFlight will
provide an important resource for local news media from the Roaring Fork Valley,
Crested Butte,and Gunnison to understand the Steering Committee’s work.EcoFlight
will work to ensure the press is educated and accurately represents the vision of the
Steering Committee and Wild &Scenic Coalition,and thereby avoid circulation of
misconceptions and inaccurate information.At this key moment in the stakeholder
process,flights provide a unique media “hook”to preemptively educate reporters by
connecting them with knowledgeable passengers and Wild &Scenic advocates on
overflights in order to best represent the special wild,scenic,recreational,and
community values of the Crystal River.Additionally,flights with media are important for
generating community engagement for the upcoming Community Summit.
2.Ongoing media flights:Following the Community Summit,media overflights will
continue to serve as a key educational tool for keeping media and broader public abreast
of the Steering Committee’s progress and the Wild &Scenic Coalition’s grassroots work
throughout the coming year.
3.Flights with elected and agency officials:The plane is a uniquely accessible platform for
engaging elected officials and connecting them with grassroots advocates and their
constituents.EcoFlight always works to be accessible to officials by scheduling flights
from airports closest to them and at times that best fit their busy schedules.
4.Flights with Steering Committee and Coalition members:EcoFlight is dedicated to
providing a neutral space within the Wild &Scenic advocacy movement where
community members can build trust and gain knowledge.Flight is the antidote to
suspicion and distrust;flying shoulder-to-shoulder with someone is inspiring and
disarming,and political differences evaporate when seatbelts click and headsets go on.
That fact means cockpit conversations are an ideal time for stakeholders to learn and
understand perspectives that may contradict their own;Wild &Scenic Coalition
members get to know Wild &Scenic skeptics and vice versa,in a way that would be
nearly impossible in formal on-the-ground meetings.Even after the fact,having flown
over the Crystal with EcoFlight is a shared experience that brings community members
together,even if they participated in different flights.Flights are a unifying force that
support the consensus-building work of the Steering Committee facilitators and
strengthen the grassroots coalition immensely.In the coming months,EcoFlight aims to
fly all of the Steering Committee members who have not yet flown,along with Wild &
Scenic experts and advocates.Flights with Steering Committee and Coalition members
307 L AABC,Aspen,CO 81611
Phone:(970)429-1110 |www.ecoflight.org
5
will also include other engaged residents and stakeholders who will give feedback at the
Community Summit,ensuring these involved community members have a clear
understanding of the process and the benefits of a Wild &Scenic River designation.
5.High quality photos and video will remain a staple of EcoFlight’s work and will be readily
available and visible to the Coalition and public.Many EcoFlight video resources are
already available on YouTube.Following each flight,passengers receive a customized
post-flight email with photos from the flight,information about partners and the
process,and positive conservation messaging.
EcoFlight is the organization most effectively engaging stakeholders on all sides in order
to build true grassroots consensus that State representatives require in order to endorse a Wild
&Scenic River designation.Flights provide a neutral platform;Coalition and public tabling
events,in contrast,are generally most well attended by those who already support a Wild &
Scenic River designation,and identifying and engaging skeptical stakeholders and those who do
not feel comfortable voicing their questions or concerns is difficult in these large public settings.
EcoFlight’s staff develop personal relationships with stakeholders who fly,inform the
stakeholder process and Coalition by bringing an understanding of stakeholders’questions and
concerns,and provide a persuasive educational flight experience.Thus,EcoFlight directly serves
an essential community need and fills a necessary role in the Wild &Scenic advocacy process.
EcoFlight has proven the viability and success of overflight programs again and again
throughout the years.EcoFlight is a member of the Wild &Scenic Coalition and Steering
Committee and will collaborate closely with these groups to ensure flights are in sync with
timelines and goals.Pitkin County’s continued support will ensure ongoing close collaboration
between EcoFlight and Pitkin County Healthy Rivers.
Budget,Measurements and Accountability:
As in previous years,EcoFlight will track progress and success using the following indicators:
number of passengers,number of earned media articles/images,number of engagements
with targeted elected officials and community leaders,testimonials from passengers and
partners,and ultimately,resolutions from towns and counties.These metrics will be reported
to the Healthy Rivers Board.In addition,EcoFlight will engage in regular discussion with Wild &
Scenic campaign partners such as Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Board,Pitkin County
Commissioners,and other members of the Wild &Scenic Coalition and CORE Team to ensure
target passengers are being identified and flights actively advance ongoing Wild &Scenic
campaign activities.EcoFlight will produce image and video galleries that will be shared with our
conservation partners and network for use in printed or digital communications and will be
available to the River Board,the media,and the public.
307 L AABC,Aspen,CO 81611
Phone:(970)429-1110 |www.ecoflight.org
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Itemized expenses:
DESCRIPTION AMOUNT
Staff time
Strategy,outreach and communications and messaging w/
partners
$9,000
Flight planning,coordination &logistics $6,000
Post-flight follow up outreach and messaging,distribution $6,000
Video production and editing (in-house videographer)$7,000
Pilots $8,000
Total Staff expense:$36,000
Flight expense
Airplane fuel $10,000
Fixed airplane expenses (insurance,maintenance,parking)$6,000
Ferry flights $3,000
Total flight expense $19,000
TOTAL COST $55,000
Funds or in-kind donations available for project:
SOURCE AMOUNT
Azeez Foundation (secured)$2,000
Rodel Foundation (secured)$3,000
Local individual donations (pending)$3,000
General operating fund (secured)$12,000
Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Grant (requesting)$35,000
TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE (B)$55,000
307 L AABC,Aspen,CO 81611
Phone:(970)429-1110 |www.ecoflight.org
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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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734 Centauri Court 970.625.5433 pcurrier@wrc-llc.com Grand Junction, CO 81506
September 15, 2023 via e-mail joshua.godwin@state.co.us matthew.stearns@state.co.us Colorado Water Conservation Board 1313 Sherman Street, Room 718 Denver, CO 80203 RE: Emergency Repairs, East Mesa Ditch Garfield County, Colorado Attn: Matt Stearns, P.E. Josh Godwin, P.E. Gentlemen, Thank you for making time last Friday Sept. 8, 2023 to inspect the catastrophic sinkhole on the East Mesa Ditch. There are two holes, side by side, an estimated 25’ to 30’ deep. This reach of the East Mesa Ditch is now unusable, and approximately 250 acres are without irrigation and stock water.
As you are aware, the immediate area has a history of sinkholes that dates back decades. Therefore, ideas for how to best restore the ditch to service have included the following considerations:
- Move the ditch away from its current alignment and well away from the known sinkhole area. - Due to topography, this requires piping. - To the best of reasonable ability, avoid known sinkhole areas. - We considered filling in the sinkholes and lining the ditch in its current alignment. We dislike this because it has little certainty as to its longevity, as subsidence is an ongoing issue in this area.
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CWCB Sept. 9, 2023
East Mesa Ditch, Garfield County, CO Page 2
Emergency Repairs
- Ditch operations. Historically, this reach of the ditch was able to take excess water when an upstream shareholder (Iron Rose Ranch) turned off a headgate. The proposed repairs eliminate the ability to take excess water for the following reasons: o Shares of the ditch below the sinkhole are 15.7 cfs. o Iron Rose’s sprinkler system can take as much as 8.8 cfs. o Historically, when Iron Rose’s system shuts off, the excess 8.8 cfs of water was conveyed by the EMD, bringing total flows to as much as 24.5 cfs. o In order to convey 24.5 cfs via pipe, preliminary hydraulic calculations show pipe size would need to increase to 36” diameter or larger, thus dramatically increasing costs. o It is our understanding Iron Rose is now in a position to be able to modify their delivery system to release the 8.8 cfs in other locations. o Until Iron Rose improvements are fully in place, a secondary spill can occur at the Prince Creek overflow, approximately two miles upditch. - Constructability and availability of materials. - Safety. - Considerations also took into account a view towards: o Financial ability of shareholders. o Geology – avoiding soluble bedrock to the extent possible.
o Topography – system needs to be gravity flow. o Maintaining full irrigation ability. - Geophysics were considered, and discussed in depth with Collier Geophysics. The purpose would be to have a better idea of where solid ground is, and isn’t. Based on preliminary hydraulic and cost analysis, if geophysics is performed, we anticipate limiting it to a preferred alignment. At this time, our preferred is shown as Alternative C, with a backup plan with Alternative B. Other plans were considered and eliminated, which would require pumping and sprinkling. While viable in concept, they would add significantly to ongoing operation and maintenance costs, and would require installation of sprinkler infrastructure prior to the 2024 irrigation season. Also attached are current financial statements for the East Mesa Ditch Company. This has been a collaborative effort with yourselves, the CRWCD, Robert O’Brien, Richard McIntyre, EMD shareholders, materials suppliers, other civil and geologic engineers, surveyors and geophysicists.
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CWCB Sept. 9, 2023
East Mesa Ditch, Garfield County, CO Page 3
Emergency Repairs
Rather than repeating documents about EMD that CWCB already has in their possession, we hereby reference the 2013 CWCB loan already on file, with its attending documents. Respectfully submitted on behalf of the East Mesa Ditch Company.
Paul C. Currier, P.E.
PCC/pcc
Cc: East Mesa Ditch:
Richard McIntyre
Tim Nieslanik
Robert O’Brien
Attachments:
Fig. 1 - Feasibility Level Cost Estimates
Fig. 2 - Alternatives A-D, alignments and brief descriptions
Fig. 3 - Current EMD financials
Fig. 4 – East Mesa Ditch, Location Maps (2013 application)
677-3.0 EMD Sinkhole, CWCB Submittal 9.15.23
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FIGURE 1
EAST MESA DITCH Page 1 of 2
Ditch Repairs post 9.6.23 Sinkhole
Feasibility Level Cost Estimates
9/15/2023
ALTERNATIVE Line Items No.Unit Cost/Unit Total
A Pipeline just east of sinkholes
Not desireable; too close to existing sinkholes, limited grade; subsidence ongoing
A1 30" HDPE fusion pipe. No joints to allow bridging for settlement.1,000 L.F.125 125,000
A2 Dirt work to trench & cover pipe 1,000 L.F.30 30,000
A3 Inlet & outlet structures 2 Each 7,500 15,000
A4 Trash rack (Hydroscreen)1 Each 10,000 10,000
A5 Geophysics to verify solid foundations and "liveable" voids 1 L.S.35,000 35,000
A6 Engineering, Surveying 1 L.S.12,000 12,000
A7 Construction Management 3 Weeks 8,500 25,500
A8 Fill in sink holes -- IF it can be done safely 1,400 C.Y.50 70,000
Subtotal 322,500
Contingency - 20%64,500
TOTAL, ALTERNATIVE A 387,000
Round to --->>>$390,000
B Pipeline siphon 100 yards +- west of sinkholes
Requires knowing the foundation is solid; requires a low level drain; leave sinkholes open (fence in)
B1 30" HDPE fusion pipe. No joints to prevent all seepage.1,500 L.F.125 187,500
B2 Dirt work to trench & cover pipe 1,500 L.F.30 45,000
B3 Inlet & outlet structures 2 Each 7,500 15,000
B4 Trash rack (Hydroscreen)1 Each 10,000 10,000
B5 Geophysics to verify solid foundations and "liveable" voids 1 L.S.35,000 35,000
B6 Low level drain to drain and flush pipe of carbonate buildup 1 L.S.15,000 15,000
B7 Engineering, Surveying 1 L.S.12,000 12,000
B8 Construction Management 3 Weeks 8,500 25,500
Subtotal 345,000
Contingency - 20%69,000
TOTAL, ALTERNATIVE B 414,000
Round to --->>>$410,000
Water Resource Consultants, LLC 15-SEPT-2023 Page 1 of 2
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FIGURE 1
EAST MESA DITCH Page 2 of 2
Ditch Repairs post 9.6.23 Sinkhole
Feasibility Level Cost Estimates
9/15/2023
ALTERNATIVE Line Items No.Unit Cost/Unit Total
C Pipeline to the west, along farm road, back to ditch below gypsum hill
Better option than A or B, further from known sinkhole area. Leave sinkholes open, fence off.
C1 30" HDPE fusion pipe. No joints to allow bridging for settlement.2,550 L.F.125 318,750
C2 Dirt work to trench & cover pipe 2,550 L.F.30 76,500
C3 Inlet & outlet structures 2 Each 7,500 15,000
C4 Trash rack (Hydroscreen)1 Each 10,000 10,000
C5 Geophysics to verify solid foundations and "liveable" voids 1 L.S.25,000 25,000
C6 Low level drain to drain and flush pipe of carbonate buildup 1 L.S.10,000 10,000
C7 Engineering, Surveying 1 L.S.12,000 12,000
C8 Construction Management 3 Weeks 8,500 25,500
Subtotal 492,750
Contingency - 20%98,550
TOTAL, ALTERNATIVE C 591,300
Round to --->>>$590,000
D Lined ditch using existing ditch alignment; requires filling in sinkholes
Not desireable; alignment over existing sinkholes, limited grade, requires extensive dirt work
D1 Fill in existing sink holes (~50'x25'x30'): NOTE: Requires safety plan 1,400 C.Y.50 70,000
D2 Ditch prep over 800 L.F.25 20,000
D3 Liner - UV Stabilized, heavy mil (40/60 mil) reinforced, with geofrabic 800 L.F.140 112,000
D4 Geophysics to verify solid foundations and "liveable" voids 1 L.S.40,000 40,000
D5 Engineering, Surveying 1 L.S.12,000 12,000
D6 Construction Management 4 Weeks 7,500 30,000
Subtotal 284,000
Contingency - 20%56,800
TOTAL, ALTERNATIVE D 340,800
Round to --->>>$340,000
Water Resource Consultants, LLC 15-SEPT-2023 Page 2 of 2
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FIGURE 3
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FIGURE 4
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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: September 21, 2023
TO: Healthy Rivers Board FROM: Lisa Tasker and Lisa Macdonald CC: John Ely and Laura Makar
AGENDA ITEM: September Staff Report A summary of projects and work is provided below. Administrative: Chair Huber interviewed with the BOCC on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. We have one other applicant for Chuck’s position and potentially two others. Projects and Infrastructure:
Beaver and Cutthroat Project with the USFS Hats, sweatshirts and boating straps are ordered. Plan to have some available at the Avon Watershed Conference in Oct. Back40 Stories went out with the USFS interns and staff to collect photos on September 11th. Wilderness Workshop and USFS had a beaver project September 9th and 10th on Butler Creek, a tributary to West Rifle Creek where beaver mimicry structures were to be installed. This is a site Clay Ramey referred to in his presentations to the board and the BOCC as having recently been abandoned by beavers. Wild and Scenic Efforts The Crystal Wild and Scenic Stakeholder process is underway. Following the Community Summit held April 27th at the Marble Firehouse, the first Steering Committee meeting was then convened June 22nd again in Marble. The second meeting was done via a Zoom program July 17th. Approximately 25 people are on the Steering Committee with 5 ex officio members, two technical advisors to date, in addition to the 4 Chairs of the Collaborative (Pitkin County, Marble, Gunnison County, River District) who oversee the work of the hired facilitators. Lisa Tasker continues to participate as a T.A. The facilitators have stated members of the Steering Committee will be published in the Crystal Valley Echo and Marble Times in addition to progress updates. The Stakeholder Steering Committee for the Crystal Wild and Scenic Feasibility Collaborative, as it is referred to, will meet monthly between now and approximately January 2024. All are welcome and the current schedule is: September 18th, 5-7:30PM, Marble Fire Station October 26th, 5-8PM, Location TBD, possible second Community Summit (not confirmed) November 16th, 5-7:30PM, Marble Fire Station December 14th, 5-7:30PM, Marble Fire Station January 2024 TBD February 2024 is even a possibility for the final meeting
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530 East Main Street Suite 301 - Aspen, CO 81611
970 920 5191 office - 970 379-8654 cell
pitkincountyrivers.com
Crystal River Restoration Project – Town of Carbondale Partnership on Project Staff continues to remain involved including attending now weekly Monday check-in meetings with the team and contractor. All testing came back clear after diesel spill. Contractor is moving along as anticipated. Roaring Fork Audubon has continued to engage with the project team. 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 are moving forward.
5 grant applications were received for the 2023 Spring Cycle
2 sponsorship requests are included in the April meeting
Scholarship recipients for 2023 came from Glenwood Springs High School, Basalt High School, and Aspen High.
1 fall grant application was received and will be heard at the Sept meeting.
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
Middle Colorado State of the River presented by the CO River District and Co-hosted by Middle CO Watershed Council, May 2, 5:30-8PM Glenwood Springs. Presentations about predicted spring runoff, local water projects and priorities, as well as a look at the "Big River" conversations taking place throughout the state and the Colorado River Basin as a whole.
Roaring Fork Watershed Summit, May 11th Third St Center Carbondale. Approximately 60 people attended. Healthy Rivers received numerous mentions of contributions and collaborations. Great PR for the Board and program. We presented a video https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t9t3NfqKUNTXGsMi3RtewLB8QwYOPHX-/view of current work. Staff and board members Chuck Ogilby and Kirstin Neff attended.
Northwest Colorado Council of Governments Water Quantity and Quality Committee Meeting, Pitkin County Library June 23, 2023. HR staff, attorney’s office and two commissioners attended.
Colorado Water Congress ad hoc Dredge and Fill subcommittee joined by HR staff after the latest SCOTUS decision (Sackett) greatly diminished wetland protections particularly in the arid West.
Colorado River Water Conservation District public portion of the board meeting, July 18, 2023
CSRN (CO Stream Restoration Network) Book Club – Processed Based Restoration June 27th, Sept 12th online; CRA and WECo co-hosts, ongoing
2023 legislation SB270: Projects to Restore Natural Stream Systems Sept 19TH Avon
Avon Sustaining Watershed Conference in Avon Oct 3-5th.
River Restoration Northwest, Beaver Restoration 3-Day Short Course, Oct 4-6th Eco Park, WA
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530 East Main Street Suite 301 - Aspen, CO 81611
970 920 5191 office - 970 379-8654 cell
pitkincountyrivers.com
ONGOING- Staff continues to participate and/or collaborate with the following groups:
- Roaring Fork Wildfire Collaborative - Watershed Collaborative Meetings, Board is on listserve - Colorado Basin Roundtable half day meetings every 2 months - Crystal River Wild and Scenic Core Group, Collaborative, Coalition/Advocacy, Stakeholder meetings
- 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.
- Riverscape Restoration Network Meetings with American Rivers, latest was Friday June 23rd.
- National Wild and Scenic Coalition Zoom every two months starting again August 4th.
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