HomeMy WebLinkAbout04 April 17 2025 packet
Agenda items are subject to change – Times are approximate and are also subject to change
Agenda | April 17, 2025
River Park Center
Second Floor Conference Room
123 Emma Road, Basalt CO 81621
TIME ITEM
Healthy Rivers Regular Meeting
4:00 PM Open Meeting - Move to enter into executive session Executive Session
4:05 PM Motion to convene executive session for the purpose of discussion:
Shoshone/Colorado River Conservation District change of water rights
discussion with counsel for the purpose of receiving legal advice pursuant to
C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(b). Administrative Items
4:50 PM Board Comment Public Comment Additions/Deletions to Agenda Approval of Minutes – February 16, 2025 Outreach/Education/Grants
5:00 PM Marble Charter School, Marble PEAK Academic and Outdoor Education
Courses- Sam Richings-Germain, Marble Charter School Director, Marble
Charter School
5:15 PM University of Colorado (CU) Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research
(INSTAAR); Lincoln Creek Watershed, Concentrations of Rare Earth
Elements (REE) and other metals- Diane McKnight, Professor of Civil,
Environmental and Architectural Engineering CU INSTAAR
5:30 PM Wilderness Workshop, Continuance of the Crystal Wild and Scenic
Campaign- Will Roush, Executive Director; Michael Gorman, Campaign
Director. Wilderness Workshop
5:45 PM Online Comprehensive Repository of Organizations, Agencies, Etc, with a
role in Water Management, Water Education, and Water Conservation
- Gwen Garcelon, Principal, Regenerative Strategies, Carbondale, CO
1
Agenda items are subject to change – Times are approximate and are also subject to change
6:00 PM Roaring Fork Conservancy Grant Request for Watershed Education
Programs- Megan Dean, Director of Education, Roaring Fork Conservancy
6:15 PM Ecoflight, Overflights for Defense of Public Lands and Healthy
Watersheds- Lea Linse, Conservation and Policy Director, Ecoflight
6:30 PM Grant Award Discussion- Healthy Rivers Board Staff Reports
7:00 PM Healthy Rivers Staff Report- Lisa Macdonald and Lisa Tasker
7:15 PM Adjourn
Upcoming 2025 Regular Meetings: May 15, Jun 19 - All Day Retreat, July 17, Aug 21, Sep 18,
Oct 23, Nov 20, Dec 18
2
MINUTES
PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS AND STREAMS BOARD REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 20, 2025
• The agenda items contained in these minutes are written in an action only format.
• For an audio production of this meeting, go to: https://records.pitkincounty.com/Weblink2/Browse.aspx?id=344027&dbid=0&repo=LFRecords&cr=1
• To access the meeting packet material and meeting minutes go to: http://pitkincounty.com/452/Browse-to-a-File
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Neff called the regular meeting of the River Board to order at 4:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Andre Wille, Bill Jochems, Chris Lemons, Kirstin Neff, Wendy Huber, Ned Andrews MEMBERS ABSENT: Maciej Mrotek
BOARD COMMENT:
• Mr. Wille is on the Northstar Management Plan Working Group
• River Otters have been spotted on the Roaring Fork River at Coffman Ranch
• Federal Funding Issues PUBLIC COMMENT: None
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA: None.
Minutes of January 16, 2025 regular meeting. Motion: Mr. Wille moved approval of the Minutes as written. Ms. Huber seconded the motion. Motion passed with 6/0.
Sponsorship – Printing of Best Practices for Ecological Reclamation of Gravel Mines- Kate Collins – Middle Colorado Watershed Council
Motion: Ms. Huber moved to approve the $1500 sponsorship request, 300 copies of the publication. Mr. Lemons seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0. Sponsorship – Water Leaders Program Sessions; Water Fluency Program Session; and Headwaters Magazine Circulation Sponsor – Lisa Strachan, Water Education Colorado
Motion: Mr. Wille moved to approve the $7250 sponsorship request. Mr. Jochems seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0. Lincoln Creek Workgroup Update and Budget Supplemental – Lisa Tasker and Kurt Dahl Motion: Ms. Huber moved to recommend the $57,000 budget supplemental request to
the BOCC to increase to the Lincoln Creek line item to $207,000 with the hopes of successful grant funding from other sources. Mr. Andrews seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0.
3
Priorities for 2025
Staff Report
Open Discussion
• No Regular River Board meeting on March 20th due to Joint River and BOCC meeting
• Scholarships recommendations due
• Water Fluency update applicants. Francie Jacober, Jeffrey Woodruff, Drew Peterson ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING
Action: Chair Neff moved to adjourn the regular meeting of the River Board at app 6:50 pm. Mr. Wille seconded the motion. Motion passed 6/0,
Approved: Attest:
__________________________
Kirstin Neff – Chair Lisa Tasker
4
PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS
GRANT APPLICATION
PROJECT NARRATIVE TEMPLATE
Max submission 6 pages
A. Applicant Name or Applicant Organization Name
Marble Charter School
B. Address of physical location where the project will take place:
418 W. Main St. Marble, CO 81623
C. Project Description
Describe the proposed project activities and location. Project description must be complete, clear and
concise, and with specific dollar amounts for each element of the project if the project contains
multiple elements.
Located in Marble, MCS is a tuition-free public school authorized by the Gunnison Watershed School District and
operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The school serves 35-50 students in grades K-8 from the Crystal
River and Roaring Fork valleys, with one-third of its students residing in Pitkin County. Parent surveys consistently
highlight that families choose MCS for its outdoor education focus and its proximity to wilderness, water, and
culturally significant resources.
In fall 2025, MCS will launch the Marble PEAK middle school program, designed to engage students in meaningful,
multidisciplinary learning experiences. PEAK stands for Project-Based, Experiential, Action-Oriented, Knowledge
Work, reflecting the program’s commitment to curiosity-driven, student-led learning that fosters innovation,
leadership, and environmental stewardship. As part of this program, MCS middle school students will participate in
four week-long outdoor education courses and three major academic courses per year as part of a three-year
rotating curriculum that will include at least nine courses, ensuring variety and depth in students' educational
experiences.
Marble PEAK Academic and Outdoor Education Course Objectives:
1. MCS students will be able to discuss critical topics, including river health, water rights, and
environmental policies, that impact their lives and their community
2. MCS students will develop products and proposals to promote environmental stewardship and what
matters most to them
3. MCS students will demonstrate innovative thinking, personal and collaborative responsibility,
leadership, wilderness safety, and perseverance.
4. MCS teachers will design engaging courses that promote students’ awareness of the complex
interactions between human behavior, economic stability, and environmental health.
5. MCS teachers will provide scaffolds and accommodations so that all MCS students can access
experiential learning experiences and outdoor education courses, and effectively demonstrate their
learning.
6. MCS outdoor education courses ensure that teachers and students apply best practices and critical
thinking skills for safe wilderness exploration and recreation
The WATER Course One academic course has already been developed: The Water Course. Designed in
collaboration with Wild Rose Education and funded by a Pitkin County Healthy Rivers grant, this course was
introduced during the 2023-2024 school year as part of MCS’s schoolwide Water theme. It is fully developed and
will be offered again as part of a three-year rotating curriculum.
5
PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS
GRANT APPLICATION
PROJECT NARRATIVE TEMPLATE
The SNOW Course The SNOW Course will explore the economic impact of snow. This course will deepen students’
understanding of snow’s role as a vital resource for rivers, agriculture, hydropower, and the recreation and
tourism industries while also examining how it influences supply chains, extreme events, and climate change.
Learning will take place both in the classroom and outdoors, with partnerships from organizations such as
Roaring Fork Conservancy, ACES, Riverwatch, Winter Wildlands Alliance, Aspen Science Center, Aspen Valley Land
Trust, and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
The FIRE Course The FIRE Course will provide students with firsthand experience in fire and fuel management
practices. Working with local partners such as Aspen Science Center, Roaring Fork Wildfire Collaborative, Roaring
Fork Outdoor Volunteers, and Aspen Valley Land Trust, students will investigate the impact of fire management on
rivers, ecosystems, and communities. Students will develop strategies, tools, and resources to raise awareness and
encourage actions that reduce wildfire risks and increase community resilience and adaptability. Their findings
and solutions will be presented to the Marble Town Council and the broader community.
Proposed Marble PEAK Curriculum
Grant Request: To develop and implement high quality Marble PEAK middle school program academic courses,
such as the WATER, SNOW, and FIRE courses, and four week-long outdoor education courses, the school is
requesting $28,925 in Healthy River grant funds to carry out the following:
1. Teacher Training:
● PBL 101: Introduction to Project Based Learning 3-day online course for 2 MCS teachers.. Total:
$1,198 ($599/pp)
● NOLS Wilderness First Aid training for 1 MCS teacher. Total: $350
● NOLS Wilderness First Responder Training and Travel Costs for 1 MCS teacher. Training Cost: $925
Travel Cost: $1,275
6
PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS
GRANT APPLICATION
PROJECT NARRATIVE TEMPLATE
2. Stipends: The Marble PEAK Program team will attend PBL 101 and NOLS Wilderness First Aid/Responder
training (if they have not already received this training) as well as meet, plan, and curate content for each course
over the summer and throughout the school year. Stipends will support educators in this work, compensating them
for their time, expertise, creativity, and product development. The Marble PEAK team includes the MCS Director,
the Marble PEAK lead teacher, the MCS special education teacher, and the MCS art/science/social studies teacher.
● Stipends for 4 educators allowing for concentrated curriculum development work during the
summer of 2025 and throughout the 2025-2026 school year. 100 hours per educator at a rate of
$50/hour. Total: $20,000.
3. Backpacking and Snow Study Equipment:
● Backpacking packs, tents, water filtration systems, backpacking stoves, basic cookware for four
week-long outdoor education courses with up to 16 middle school students. Total: $3,970
● Snow study kits containing shovels, probes, snow saws, density wedge samplers, folding rulers,
thermometers, scales, snow crystal cards, and weatherproof notebooks.. Total: $2,000
4. Local Partnership Programs:
● Fees to participate and/or co-design programs with local organizations and student
transportation costs for field trips. Fees Total: $1000 Student Transportation Total: $700
D. Alignment of the Project with the Goals of the Healthy Rivers Board
Describe the extent to which the proposed grant request/project meets the stated goals, objectives,
and on-going projects/priorities of the River Board. See ballot language in the application packet for
objectives and the Pitkin County Healthy Rivers website for River Board priorities.
The proposed grant request and project is focused on improving the quality of education for middle school
students. The Marble PEAK program courses are designed to connect MCS students to local cultural and natural
resources and to leverage local partnerships, thus providing rich, real-world learning opportunities that are
relevant to students’ lived experiences. The PEAK courses are also designed to take student learning outdoors,
effectively fostering students’ (and adults’) environmental awareness and contributions to the River Board’s goals
of protecting local water resources, promoting conservation, and ensuring the long-term ecological health of the
watershed.
The second of four week-long outdoor education courses will present watershed science and environmental policies
while students are exploring local rivers and streams. By participating in this course, students will learn about
policies such as the National Environmental Policy Act, Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the Clean Waters Act, and the
“Law of the River” guidelines, to name a few. Understanding water rights and usage, can also serve as a foundation
for students to better understand water management. Community partnerships will also help students learn about
the complex realities of water rights, management systems, and the legal frameworks that protect local
watersheds.
The SNOW academic course will engage students in studies about the role of snowmelt in stream flows and the
broader hydrological cycle, which is crucial for maintaining water quantity and quality throughout the year.
Likewise, their studies may help them understand how snowpack influences agricultural practices and yields, as
well as supply chains and food availability. Through these hands-on and multidisciplinary learning experiences,
students are better prepared to become responsible stewards of the environment, contributing to water quality
improvement, resource management, wildlife and riparian habitats, and water conservation efforts.
Studies consistently show that experiential learning in the outdoors fosters a deep connection to the environment,
which in turn promotes long-term conservation attitudes and behaviors. Children who participate in citizen
science and outdoor education develop a stronger environmental ethic, advocacy skills, and a lifelong commitment
to conservation. To meet the board goals, we believe our community must support innovative education programs,
7
PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS
GRANT APPLICATION
PROJECT NARRATIVE TEMPLATE
like the Marble PEAK program, that are specifically designed to maximize children’s time outdoors in wild spaces
and promote environmental awareness and community engagement.
E. Viability of the Project
Describe 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. Specifically,
describe how the project:
1. Addresses an essential need;
2. Demonstrates collaboration and/or partners with other agencies.
Need: Colorado schools are experiencing declining enrollment due to changing demographics, the increased cost of
housing, decreasing birth rates,and alternative school choices. This has been a five year trend, punctuated by a
temporary increase at the height of the pandemic and followed by a state budget deficit. MCS’s enrollment has
followed a similar trend and is responding to new funding challenges by redesigning our middle school program
and expanding our outdoor education courses. The school hopes that 2025-2026 will be a pivotal year and that our
enrollment will increase. The school offers safe and reliable daily bus transportation between Carbondale and
Marble. We have incredible relationships and a motivated staff. We also have our students - 35 amazing students -
craving slightly larger classes and meaningful learning experiences both in and outside of the classroom. We feel
there is great need to expand our educational program and to implement the Marble PEAK middle school
program.
Collaboration: MCS maintains strong, ongoing partnerships with numerous land stewardship organizations in
and around Marble, including the AVLT, Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers, Crystal Valley Environmental Protection
Association (CVEPA), Roaring Fork Wildfire Collaborative, Colorado Avalanche Information Center, and Pitkin
County Healthy Rivers. During the 2023-2024 school year, we collaborated with Wild Rose Education to develop a
comprehensive Water curriculum using Earth Force’s Environmental Civics Framework. As part of this partnership,
MCS became an official Winter Wildlands Alliance Snow School. Looking ahead, MCS plans to strengthen and
expand relationships with organizations that share our commitment to outdoor, experiential, and environmental
education. These potential partners include the Aspen Science Center, the Aspen Center for Environmental Sciences,
the Roaring Fork Conservancy, River Watch, and the Winter Wildlands Alliance. We also envision the development
of a Marble Wetlands Stewardship program in partnership with CVEPA, first hand experience growing greens in
Marble year-round as part of a collaboration with the Jyoti Seed’s Freight Farm project, and field-based lessons on
greenhouse gases and methane mitigation informed by the ongoing work in Coal Basin.
Practicality: A timeline has been established to ensure that this initial planning and implementation phase of the
Marble PEAK program project will be completed as proposed. Overall, the Marble PEAK program will encompass a
3-year curriculum that engages students in grades 6-8 in appropriately challenging, standards-based work.
Academic courses are designed to be repeated every three years, so no student repeats a course. However, the
objectives for each of the four outdoor education courses are broad enough to allow the outdoor education courses
to be repeated on an annual basis.
F. Public Need, Accessibility and Appreciation
Describe the extent to which the proposed grant request/project will be seen, appreciated and/or
used by people who live and/or work in Pitkin County and the Roaring Fork watershed. Specifically,
describe how the project:
1. Does not duplicate existing services or programs;
8
PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS
GRANT APPLICATION
PROJECT NARRATIVE TEMPLATE
2. Includes a specific public relations strategy;
3. Demonstrates an appropriate need for public funding.
Appropriate Need and Duplication: Colorado schools face chronic underfunding, requiring continuous grant
support to offer students the education they deserve. Small charter schools like MCS excel at innovative learning
but operate with fewer resources than larger districts. The MCS Board, Growth and Development Committee, staff,
and students fully support the Marble PEAK program, recognizing its potential to enhance outdoor education,
project-based learning, and community partnerships. This spring, MCS will actively promote Marble PEAK to
attract more students from Pitkin County and the Roaring Fork Watershed. By leveraging local partnerships, the
program will provide a unique blend of outdoor education and academic excellence, setting it apart from any other
in the region. Designed specifically for MCS students, it will complement rather than duplicate existing local
services.
Public Relations: Marble PEAK students will be highly visible in the community, engaging in hands-on learning
and sharing their work. For instance, the FIRE course will culminate in student presentations to the Marble Town
Council, promoting wildfire risk reduction and community resilience. MCS will showcase student learning and
advocacy through newsletters, press releases, and stakeholder communications, as well as a dedicated partnership
page on the school website featuring the Pitkin County Healthy Rivers logo. Photos, videos, student artwork, and
written work will be shared with the MCS community and the Healthy Rivers Board to highlight student
experiences and achievements.
G. Project Team Experience
Describe the extent that the requesting individual/entity has been successful in other projects or
efforts and is known in the community.
In 2023-24, MCS and Wild Rose Education successfully developed an integrated river curriculum, now a fully
designed course within the Marble PEAK three-year curriculum. New course development and implementation will
be led by the MCS Director hired in the summer of 2024. Sam has extensive experience in project-based learning
(PBL) and outdoor education for K-8 students. As a fourth-grade teacher, she created BioKidz!, a multi-year stream
study where students acted as citizen scientists assessing stream health. She has completed and led PBL trainings,
and coached teachers in PBL for over a decade. Previously, as principal of Carbondale Community School, she
oversaw the outdoor education program and completed the NOLS Risk Management course. Additionally, she has
grant administration experience and serves as MCS’s finance manager, ensuring compliance, coordinating
professional development, and managing funding for teacher stipends, partnerships, and equipment. The Marble
PEAK program leadership will transition to a co-lead model as the PEAK lead teacher gains experience in PBL,
course development and implementation. They will be supported by the MCS Director and the Art/Science/Social
Studies teacher (potentially designated as the PBL teacher). The MCS special education teacher will ensure
accessibility for all students. At least two educators will complete PBL 101 and earn WFA or WFR certification.
These dedicated educators are excited to bring the Marble PEAK program to life, expanding outdoor education for
MCS students and fostering environmental stewardship.
H. Measurements and Accountability
Describe specific measures for success, deliverables, and a plan for reporting progress and results to
the River Board and other project stakeholders.
1. The Marble PEAK Program Team will develop at least three academic courses for the 2025-2026 school
year, including the SNOW and FIRE Courses.
● Two teachers will complete the PBL 101 3-day course
● Each course has a scope and sequence of learning and curated curriculum resources
9
PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS
GRANT APPLICATION
PROJECT NARRATIVE TEMPLATE
● Assessments and rubrics are developed for each course
● Partnerships with local organizations and experts to co-design and deliver classroom and field
investigations and hands-on learning activities are secured for each course
● Choices for project/public displays of learning are determined for each academic course
2. Students will demonstrate academic growth, increased leadership abilities and a commitment to
environmental stewardship.
● Pre- and post-program student self-assessments on leadership skills and environmental
stewardship attitudes
● Teacher observations and evaluations of student critical-thinking, collaboration, and
problem-solving skills
● Academic performance results, especially in science, environmental studies, English language arts,
and public speaking
● Student-led projects or presentations that showcase leadership initiatives and environmental
action
3. MCS outdoor education courses ensure that teachers and students apply best practices and critical
thinking skills for safe wilderness exploration and recreation.
● Teacher evaluations based on a skills rubric (e.g., tent setup, fire safety, water purification) to
measure students’ proficiency in safety and campcraft
● Teachers will acquire Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and Wilderness First Responder (WFR).
● Incident reports, safety evaluations and course debriefs to measure risk management effectiveness
● Reflections and surveys on teacher preparedness, curriculum development, and course
implementation
4. MCS establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with local organizations and experts.
● Number and quality of partnerships formed with local organizations cohesive
● Feedback from partner organizations on collaboration effectiveness and student
● engagement
● Annual evaluations to assess partnership impact on course quality and effectiveness
5. PEAK courses are safe, meaningful, and high quality.
● Family and Student surveys to measure engagement and the effectiveness of MCS PEAK academic
and outdoor education courses
● Tracking of staff, student, and volunteer participation
Progress Reporting The MCS PEAK team will provide quarterly updates to MCS board and MCS stakeholders on
the progress and results of the Marble PEAK/Healthy Rivers project. Completed course documents will be shared,
along with relevant data that provides a clear picture of the project’s progress and accomplishments. These
updates will be shared with the River Board, along with a portfolio of photos, press, and other products or
promotional materials showcasing the Marble PEAK program, student engagement and learning, and
acknowledging the Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Fund for their support.
I. Budget (use Excel template)
Use the provided Excel budget template to demonstrate the extent to which the proposed grant
amount is appropriate to the project scope and includes other appropriate sources of funding. Provide
notes in the budget notes section on the template when appropriate to further describe the
contribution of budget line items to the proposed project outcomes.
MCS Budget
10
Proposed Pitkin County Health Rivers Funded Items
Hourly Rate Hours Fringe*Total
Sam Richings-Germain, MCS Director (Stipend for Course Development)50.00$ 100 5,000.00$
Teacher Stipends (PEAK Lead, Special Ed Teacher, PBL (art, ss/sci) teacher)50.00$ 300 15,000.00$
Unit Unit Cost
Number
of units Total
Lodging for 1 teacher to attend NOLS WFR course in Denver, Colorado (based nights; 1 room 150.00$ 4 600.00$
Per Dieum for Food and incidentals for 5 full days at a rate of $75;days 75.000$ 5 375.00$
Mileage - Gunnison Watershed School District Rate miles 0.700$ 400 280.00$
Student Transportation for Field Trips miles 0.700$ 1000 700.00$
Unit Unit Cost Number Total
Backpacking Packs ex. REI Co-op Passage 55+10 Pack - Kids' | REI Co-op 200.00$ 8 1,600.00$
Backpacking Tents w/ Footprint ex. REI half-dome 3 person tent with footprint 425.00$ 4 1,700.00$
Water Filtration System ex. MSR AutoFlow XL Gravity Filter - 10 L | REI Co-op 200.00$ 2 400.00$
Backcountry Stove ex Soto WindMaster Stove with 4Flex Pot Support | REI Co-op 75.00$ 2 150.00$
Backcountry Cookset ex. TOAKS Titanium 1600 ml Pot with Pan | REI Co-op 60.00$ 2 120.00$
Snow Science Kits 500.00$ 4 2,000.00$
Subcontracts and Subawards Unit Unit Cost Number Total
Roaring Fork Conservancy Programs hours $50 3 150.00$
Aspen Science Center custom program hours $225 2 450.00$
Aspen Center for Environmental Science hours $50 4 200.00$
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers - Fire Mitigation day $200 1 200.00$
Total
28,925.00$
Other Funding Sources Supporting this Project
Amount
8,520.00$
37,445.00$
*Fringe is the percentage of the base salary to cover employee costs including health insurance, paid time off, and
other benefits.
Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Grant Budget Template
Personnel
Travel - for NOLS 5 day Wilderness First Responder Course
Materials and Supplies
Other
Item
Item
Total Project Cost
Notes: Use this box to describe the project purpose of budget items.
Personnel: MCS Marble PEAK Program Team (MCS Director, PEAK lead teacher, MCS special education teacher, MCS PBL teacher)
Travel: Travel, lodging, and per diem for 1 PEAK team member to participate in a 5-day NOLS Wilderness First Responder Training in Denver
Material and Supplies: Outdoor Education and Snow Science Equipment
Subcontracts/subawards: Fees for Local Partnerships
Total Request of Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Fund
Name of Funding Source Application Status
Aspen Environment Foundation Grant Application Submitted
11
GRANT CRITERIA SCORE CARD
Applicant: MCS Amount Requested: $28,925 Board Member Name:_______________________________ Points
Possible
Alignment of the Project with the Goals of the Healthy Rivers and Streams Board Notes 1-5
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.
Viability of the Project Notes 1-5
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.
Public Need Accessibility and Appreciation Notes 1-5
The extent to which the proposed grant request/project will be seen, appreciated and/or used
by people who live and/or work in Pitkin County & the Roaring Fork Watershed.
1. Does not duplicate existing services or programs;
2. Includes a specific Public Relations strategy;
3. Demonstrates an appropriate need for public funding.
Project Team Experience Notes 1-5
The extent that the requesting project team has been successful in other projects or efforts and
has experience in or knowledge of the Roaring Fork watershed.
12
GRANT CRITERIA SCORE CARD
Budget, Measurements and Accountability Notes 1-5
The extent to which the proposed grant amount is appropriate to the project scope and
includes other appropriate sources of funding. The extent that the project includes specific
measures for success and reporting of progress and results to the Healthy Rivers Board.
1. Demonstrates financial stability and presents accurate budgets and financial reports,
measurements and accountability;
2. Specific deliverables and measures of progress and success;
3. Reporting plan to Healthy Rivers Board/other stakeholders.
OVERALL REVIEW: General notes TOTAL SCORE: 1-25
13
PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS
GRANT APPLICATION
PROJECT NARRATIVE TEMPLATE
Max submission 6 pages
A. Applicant Name or Applicant Organization Name
Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado
B. Address of physical location where the project will take place:
Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado, Campus Box 450, Boulder, CO 80309-0450
USA
C. Project Description
Describe the proposed project activities and location. Project description must be complete, clear and
concise, and with specific dollar amounts for each element of the project if the project contains
multiple elements.
This proposed project will build upon our team’s ongoing collaboration with the stakeholders
participating in the Lincoln Creek project, which include sixteen local, regional, state and federal
agencies. The Lincoln Creek project team is studying the extent and impact of acid mine drainage (AMD)
and acid rock drainage (ARD) on Lincoln Creek, a mountain stream that flows into the Grizzly Reservoir
and eventually into the Roaring Fork River. The Lincoln Creek project follows up on an EPA study that
determined that the high trace metal concentrations in Lincoln Creek were a result of inputs from a
mineralized tributary (i.e., ARD), rather than from inflow draining the adjacent Ruby Mine. Thus the
EPA determined that the agency did not have authority to address the impacts of these high trace metal
concentrations on Lincoln Creek. During the summer of 2024 and continuing through the spring 2025
our team has collaborated with the others on the project to provide information about the concentration
of rare earth elements (REEs) and 13 other metals in the Lincoln Creek system. Our group has previously
found the concentrations of REEs to be increasing in other ARD streams in the Colorado Mineral Belt,
likely due to climatic drying. REEs are of interest in the Lincoln Creek system because of their potential
value as critical resources needed for modern electronics and because of their potential toxicity to
aquatic biota. We have characterized the concentrations of REEs and other metals in both the stream
water and in the orange-colored and white-colored flocculant material that accumulates on the
streambed below the ARD/AMD inflows. This abundant flocculant material is comprised of iron (orange)
and aluminum (white) oxides.
Here we propose to conduct further work in collaboration with other stakeholders on the Lincoln Creek
project. For the first component of our work, we plan to determine the contribution of trace metals and
REEs from shallow groundwater inflows coming into Lincoln Creek at a location adjacent to the mine
just above the inflows from the Ruby Mine and the mineralized tributary during the late summer
(August) time period. These seeps were first observed when white flocculant material accumulated on
one side of the stream in the late summer of 2024. Only one sample was collected, which is insufficient to
determine the extent of this ARD inflow. Therefore, on two dates in August 2025 we plan to collect about
10 samples from dispersed surface seeps and from shallow mini-piezometers temporarily placed in the
soggy areas by the stream channel. We will also collect the white flocculant material from the side of the
channel for analysis. By analyzing these water and flocculant samples and comparing the results with
concurrent samples from inflows from the Ruby Mine and the mineralized tributary, we will assess the
14
PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS
GRANT APPLICATION
PROJECT NARRATIVE TEMPLATE
potential source of these groundwater inflows and their relative importance in the context of possible
future remediation or recovery of valuable REEs.
For the second component of our team’s research, we will characterize the variation over time in the
trace metal and REE chemistry of the sediments that have accumulated in Grizzly Reservoir since the
reservoir was constructed in 1936. In August 2024, when the reservoir was drained to allow for the dam
to be repaired, we collected three cores from the floor of the reservoir. These sediment cores exhibit
distinctive layers of orange-colored flocculant material derived from the upstream ARD/AMD inflows
from the mineralized tributary and the Ruby Mine. Visual inspection shows the prevalence of these layers
increasing through time, consistent with the climate-driven increase in ARD/AMD seen in other systems.
To interpret the trace metal and REE chemistry in the core, we will determine the age of the distinctive
layers using established methods, namely carbon-14 analysis of plant material concurrently deposited
with the flocculant material (to identify the mid-20th-century nuclear testing spike) and analysis of lead-
210 in the sediment. We will also assess the solubility/mobility of metals associated with amorphous and
crystalline iron and aluminum oxides in the cores using sequential leaching techniques.
D. Alignment of the Project with the Goals of the Healthy Rivers Board
Describe the extent to which the proposed grant request/project meets the stated goals, objectives,
and on-going projects/priorities of the River Board. See ballot language in the application packet for
objectives and the Pitkin County Healthy Rivers website for River Board priorities.
This project aligns with the Healthy Rivers Board’s objectives by addressing water quality concerns in
the Roaring Fork Watershed and providing critical data to guide future restoration efforts. Our work
directly supports efforts to understand and mitigate ARD/AMD impacts, which have likely contributed to
previous fish kills in Grizzly Reservoir. By identifying trace metal and REE sources, transport pathways,
and biological uptake, this research will help inform policy and management decisions aimed at
preserving water quality and ecological health. Our results will also be useful in evaluating the potential
economic benefits of recovery of some metals, such as aluminum and copper, and REEs, such as
neodymium and dysprosium, from the mineralized tributary, which might help offset the costs of
cleanup.
E. Viability of the Project
Describe 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. Specifically,
describe how the project:
1. Addresses an essential need;
2. Demonstrates collaboration and/or partners with other agencies.
This project is practical and achievable within the proposed timeline. Our team has successfully
conducted similar studies and has the necessary expertise and infrastructure at INSTAAR. In particular,
we have at INSTAAR state of the art analytical capability for analysis of REEs at the concentrations that
occur in ARD/AMD streams as well as the lower concentrations typical of pristine streams. The project
builds on established collaborations and field activities conducted with stakeholders, which include
Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Pitkin County Public Health, Twin Lakes Reservoir and Canal Company, the
15
PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS
GRANT APPLICATION
PROJECT NARRATIVE TEMPLATE
US Forest Service, the Roaring Fork Conservancy, and the Independence Pass Foundation. These
collaborations ensure that our new results will be incorporated into broader watershed management
strategies. Findings from this study will have relevance beyond Lincoln Creek, because the methodologies
used can be applied to other ARD/AMD-impacted watersheds.
F. Public Need, Accessibility and Appreciation
Describe the extent to which the proposed grant request/project will be seen, appreciated and/or
used by people who live and/or work in Pitkin County and the Roaring Fork watershed. Specifically,
describe how the project:
1. Does not duplicate existing services or programs;
2. Includes a specific public relations strategy;
3. Demonstrates an appropriate need for public funding.
Our proposed project will provide information about the concentrations of REEs in upper Lincoln Creek
and in the sediments of Grizzly Reservoir that can only be obtained using the state-of-the-art analytical
instrumentation, e.g. a high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), that is
continuously in operation at our INSTAAR laboratory. This instrumentation is not available to the other
stakeholders involved in the Lincoln Creek project. Our team also has extensive experience from studies
of other ARD/AMD stream systems in the Colorado Mineral Belt that is useful in interpreting the results
in the context of possible remediation strategies. We will share all of our results with the Lincoln Creek
project team. We plan to keep the US Forest Service and Twin Lakes Reservoir and Canal Company
updated on a regular basis as the characterization of sediment cores from the Grizzly Reservoir
progresses. In terms of public relations, we plan to participate in future public events organized by the
Lincoln Creek project team. We will coordinate any public presentation or release of the results of our
study with the stakeholders in the Lincoln Creek project team, as we have done in preparation for the
public lecture that our team presented in Basalt in January, 2025.
Our team does not have other sources of funding to cover the costs of the proposed analyses and to
support the salaries of those conducting the field and laboratory work, or the travel costs for the field
work.
G. Project Team Experience
Describe the extent that the requesting individual/entity has been successful in other projects or
efforts and is known in the community.
Prior to the Lincoln Creek project, Professor McKnight and her student Lane Allen analyzed samples of
lake algae for the Roaring Fork Conservancy and Professor McKnight gave a public lecture about the
ecology of alpine lakes over zoom during the pandemic. Since joining the Lincoln Creek project in the
spring of 2024, INSTAAR researchers have been actively engaged in field and laboratory work. The two
graduate students involved in the project, Adam Odorisio and Athena Bolin, participated in nine field
visits during the summer and fall of 2024, collecting and analyzing water, sediment, and biota samples
for rare earth elements. In collaboration with the US Forest Service, Professors Marchitto and McKnight
collected several sediment cores from Grizzly Creek Reservoir in late summer 2024 when the reservoir
was drained. In January 2025, Adam Odorisio led our team’s presentation of our preliminary findings in
a public talk at the Basalt Library. Our team also gave a technical presentation of our results on REE
16
PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS
GRANT APPLICATION
PROJECT NARRATIVE TEMPLATE
concentrations and transport in the Lincoln Creek to the project team in February 2025. Both graduate
students will complete master’s theses on this research during summer 2025, further solidifying our
commitment to scientific rigor and public dissemination in coordination with the Lincoln Creek project.
H. Measurements and Accountability
Describe specific measures for success, deliverables, and a plan for reporting progress and results to
the River Board and other project stakeholders.
The successful execution of this proposed project will provide critical knowledge of the Lincoln Creek
system necessary for addressing the environmental concerns associated with previous fish kills in Grizzly
Reservoir. These preliminary results will be shared with others in the Lincoln Creek project and a report
will be prepared when the analyses are completed. The success of this project will be evaluated through
rigorous sampling and analysis to quantify metal inputs upstream and at key confluences. We propose
targeted sampling both upstream and at the confluence to better define metal loading dynamics. Specific
measures of success include determining the relative contribution of metal inputs above the mineralized
tributary and Ruby Mine in August, expanding upon past assessments with multiple sampling events
rather than a single data point. Our results will confirm and refine the EPA’s assessment, reinforcing that
the mineralized tributary is distinct from direct mine inflows. Deliverables will include a comprehensive
report delivered to the River Board, detailing metal loading trends and sediment chemistry. Isotopic
analysis will enhance our understanding of historical contamination trends. Findings will be shared with
all project stakeholders to inform future remediation and resource recovery strategies.
I. Budget (use Excel template)
Use the provided Excel budget template to demonstrate the extent to which the proposed grant
amount is appropriate to the project scope and includes other appropriate sources of funding. Provide
notes in the budget notes section on the template when appropriate to further describe the
contribution of budget line items to the proposed project outcomes.
17
Proposed Pitkin County Health Rivers Funded Items
Hourly Rate Hours Fringe* Total
TBN, Undergraduate Research Assistant 18.00$ 150 1.8% 2,749.00$
TBN, Graduate Research Assistant 37.13$ 260 1.8% 9,829.00$
TBN, Technician: System Administration 53.23$ 5.824 40% 434.00$
TBN, Technician: Accounting Specialist 35.18$ 17.056 40% 840.00$
Unit Unit Cost
Number
of units Total
Mileage to Lincoln Creek field site Miles 0.630$ 792 499.00$
Unit Unit Cost Number Total
Analyses by ICP-MS/INSTAAR Trace Metal Lab service 8,013.00$ 1 8,013.00$
Total
-$
Total
12,636.00$
35,000.00$
Other Funding Sources Supporting this Project
Amount
35,000.00$
Other
Research Indirect Costs; 56.5% MTDC per HHS agreement dated 7/23/24.
Item
Total Request of Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Fund
Name of Funding Source Application Status
Total Project Cost
Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Grant Budget Template
Personnel
Travel
Materials and Supplies
Subcontracts and Subawards
18
*Fringe is the percentage of the base salary to cover employee costs including health insurance, paid time off, and
other benefits.
Material and Supplies: Multi-element (28-element) analysis of 144 samples by ICP-MS in the INSTAAR Trace
Metal Lab. These samples will include new water and floc samples collected in 2026, and two sequential
leaches on sediment core samples collected in 2025.
Subcontracts/subawards:
Notes: Use this box to describe the project purpose of budget items.
Personnel: The graduate student will conduct field sampling, sample analysis and prepare materials for sharing
findings with stakeholders involved in the Lincoln Creek project. The undergraduate student will assist with
field sampling and sample analysis. The Institute for Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) is a large and
complex interdisciplinary research institute, solely dedicated to research and separate from traditional
academic departments. Support is requested for a System Administrator to manage maintenance and upgrades
for IT equipment and services. Support is requested for an Accounting Technician to provide support for grant
finance, budget, payroll, travel, purchasing, and inventory. These positions perform services only for sponsored
projects, do not receive funding from the general fund, and our practices meet all conditions (i – iv) of 2 CFR §
200.413 of the Uniform Guidance.
Travel: Funds are requested for the Principal Investigators, graduate and undergraduate students to travel to
the Lincoln Creek field site for the purpose of collecting samples. The cost of travel is calculated for ground
transportation for two trips from Boulder to Basalt, CO.
19
GRANT CRITERIA SCORE CARD
Applicant: Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado Amount Requested: $ $35,000
Board Member Name:_______________________________
Points
Possible
Alignment of the Project with the Goals of the Healthy Rivers and Streams Board Notes 1-5
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.
Viability of the Project Notes 1-5
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.
Public Need Accessibility and Appreciation Notes 1-5
The extent to which the proposed grant request/project will be seen, appreciated and/or used
by people who live and/or work in Pitkin County & the Roaring Fork Watershed.
1. Does not duplicate existing services or programs;
2. Includes a specific Public Relations strategy;
3. Demonstrates an appropriate need for public funding.
Project Team Experience Notes 1-5
The extent that the requesting project team has been successful in other projects or efforts and
has experience in or knowledge of the Roaring Fork watershed.
20
GRANT CRITERIA SCORE CARD
Budget, Measurements and Accountability Notes 1-5
The extent to which the proposed grant amount is appropriate to the project scope and
includes other appropriate sources of funding. The extent that the project includes specific
measures for success and reporting of progress and results to the Healthy Rivers Board.
1. Demonstrates financial stability and presents accurate budgets and financial reports,
measurements and accountability;
2. Specific deliverables and measures of progress and success;
3. Reporting plan to Healthy Rivers Board/other stakeholders.
OVERALL REVIEW: General notes TOTAL SCORE: 1-25
21
“Going wild since 1967”
Federal Tax ID Number 74-1900412
Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper
March 31, 2025
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 your past support of our critical work on the Crystal Wild &
Scenic Campaign, and 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
ANDY WELGOS
Treasurer
DENALI BARRON
Secretary
STEPHANIE AYALA
MARY DOMINICK
CICI FOX
BEN JOHNSTON
CRAIG MACKEY
MICHAEL MCVOY
ARON RALSTON
MICHAEL STRANAHAN
KARIN TEAGUE
ELIZABETH VELASCO
TED ZUKOSKI
FOUNDERS
JOY CAUDILL*
DOTTIE FOX*
CONNIE HARVEY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
WILL ROUSH
*Deceased
22
PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS
GRANT APPLICATION
wilderness workshop 2025 crystal wild & Scenic Project Narrative
A. Applicant Name or Applicant Organization Name
Wilderness Workshop
B. Address of physical location where the project will take place:
A 39-mile segment of the Crystal River is eligible for federal Wild and Scenic designation; roughly half of
that segment lies in Pitkin County. Wilderness Workshop is working to protect 39 miles of the Crystal
River from its headwaters in the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness to a point above the first major
agricultural diversion–the Sweet Jessup irrigation canal below the confluence of Avalanche Creek.
C. Project Description
Wilderness Workshop respectfully requests a grant in the amount of $35,000 from the Pitkin County
Healthy Rivers Board to complete our work on the Wild and Scenic stakeholder group’s chartered
deliverables, and to advocate for a Wild and Scenic proposal that provides strong protections for the
Crystal River while addressing stakeholder needs. The Wild and Scenic Subcommittee’s charter tasks
the Subcommittee with creating a draft Wild and Scenic legislative proposal that protects the
community-held values on the Crystal River while addressing local concerns that have been raised in the
community process. This deliverable will be accomplished through the development of a report
summarizing the Subcommittee’s discussions and outcomes, which is a critical step toward a Wild and
Scenic River designation. A formal report from the stakeholder group will directly inform work by
Colorado’s senators to draft legislation to protect the Crystal with a Wild and Scenic designation.
Through congressional designation, Wild and Scenic will provide durable protections for the Crystal River
by ensuring that no dams or out-of-basin diversions can be built, and that the river is managed to
preserve the outstanding recreational, scenic and historic values along with the ecological health of the
river corridor. A formal report will also provide us with a tangible proposal to organize the community
around and conduct broader advocacy, outreach and engagement activities.
This grant will fund our work to: a.) conclude the current Wild and Scenic Subcommittee process with a
Wild and Scenic report that fulfills the charge from the Steering Committee and critically will provide an
actionable template for our members of Congress to draft legislation; b.) ensure the report includes
strong recommendations for ecological and recreational values; c.) work in the Instream Flow
Subcommittee to develop a Colorado water right that is compatible with Wild and Scenic legislation; and
d.) conduct grassroots organizing, grasstops outreach, and engagement with our members of Congress
to ensure the Wild and Scenic report is used as a foundation for legislation.
Our work to date has laid a critical foundation from which to build a viable proposal. Wilderness
Workshop (WW) has spent the past four years building awareness and support for Wild and Scenic
designation on the Crystal River, moving the collaborative stakeholder process moving forward with a
focus on Wild and Scenic protection and engaging with our two Senator offices to ensure their support
for and ultimate championship of Wild and Scenic designation of the River. Our advocacy and education
helped build community support to initiate the stakeholder process and have ensured that Wild and
Scenic continues to generate the most interest and attention in the collaborative process. In 2024, the
23
PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS
GRANT APPLICATION
wilderness workshop 2025 crystal wild & Scenic Project Narrative
Crystal River Wild and Scenic and other Alternatives Feasibility Steering Committee made a consensus
recommendation to form three subcommittees, including the Wild and Scenic Subcommittee to further
explore the designation and to develop a draft Wild and Scenic proposal and map. As a co-chair, WW
has been leading the subcommittee through our chartered tasks of further exploration and education to
build a shared technical understanding of the law and policy of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. This
mutual understanding is critical for developing a viable proposal. The subcommittee will soon be hiring a
facilitator (utilizing other funds besides those requested in this grant) to guide the group through the
remaining work and finalize a report. This will give Wilderness Workshop the capacity to focus our
efforts on the technical elements in the subcommittee’s report and ensure we are able to advocate that
existing ecological, scenic and recreation values are accurately and fairly represented.
Additionally, WW has been working in the Instream Flow (ISF) Subcommittee to develop a proposal for
state-held instream flow (ISF) water rights for high flows to protect ecological values in the Crystal. Each
subcommittee has agreed to develop proposals that do not preclude the other and we are working to
ensure that a successful ISF proposal is crafted in such a way that can work in tandem with a Wild and
Scenic designation. This water right will likely be a key piece of a viable Wild and Scenic proposal.
Over the next year, a grant from Healthy Rivers will support our work including the following activities:
- Co-chair the Wild and Scenic Subcommittee and lead the effort to develop and deliver a final report to
be used by our Senators to draft legislation.
- Work with the local conservation community and advocates to ensure that ecological and community-
held values for the river are reflected in the final report that comes out of the Wild and Scenic
Subcommittee and ultimately the Steering Committee.
- Work with a new Wild and Scenic Subcommittee facilitator to move the process forward and deliver the
final report in early 2026.
- Work in the Instream Flow subcommittee to ensure compatibility with Wild and Scenic designation, and
secure interim water protections.
- Organize river advocates and key community members and stakeholders to support the process and
prioritize conservation values.
- Educate and engage community members on the Subcommittee’s final report.
- Organize community support for the report and advocate for its use by our senators in drafting
legislation.
D. Alignment of the Project with the Goals of the Healthy Rivers Board
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 diversions on the Crystal River. A Wild and Scenic designation and associated instream
flow water right would protect the natural hydrograph, maintaining a natural flood regime in the upper
Crystal and supporting a healthy fishery and riverine ecosystem. High flows associated with spring runoff
in the Crystal are critical to the overall health of the Crystal River. Specifically, they produce sediment
transport, promote wood recruitment, support riparian plant communities, recharge groundwater, and
24
PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS
GRANT APPLICATION
wilderness workshop 2025 crystal wild & Scenic Project Narrative
dilute contaminants. Robust flushing flows also maintain critical aquatic habitat for fish and the aquatic
insects on which they depend. Any new outflows of water from the basin, dams, or storage 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. Additionally, a Wild and Scenic designation
includes provisions that protect the free-flow of the river and ensure that any projects within the river
corridor result in better outcomes for river health.
The ISF Subcommittee is pursuing an instream flow water right for remaining unappropriated flows in
the spring and summer to be held by the Colorado Water Conservation Board to protect ecological
health, wildlife and riparian habitat, and recreational opportunities. The ISF Subcommittee is developing
a Crystal-specific approach for using this tool on the Crystal River and is currently identifying ecological
values that are tied to higher flows. Our work in the ISF Subcommittee will inform how legislative
language is structured for a Wild and Scenic designation. It also has the potential to serve as an
important interim protection for water quantity in the near term while a Wild and Scenic proposal works
its way through Congress.
E. Viability of the Project
Essential Need
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. Dams or out-of-basin
diversions could use unclaimed water in the Crystal to help meet that demand. 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. With
the current attacks on public lands and the weakening of agencies and environmental policies, federal
legislation is the best long-term tool we have to ensure durable protections for this important river.
Viability
The effort to designate the Crystal as Wild and Scenic is not new. Thanks to the persistent efforts of
residents in the Crystal Valley, our community has shown a strong interest in protecting the Crystal as a
Wild and Scenic River for a long time. So much so that both Pitkin and Gunnison Counties, the Town of
Marble and the Colorado River District continue to support and engage in the formal stakeholder
process aimed at protecting the River. Their continued engagement is critical and they will be key
players throughout the legislative process. The anticipated report from the subcommittee will help
document this engagement and detail how community needs can be addressed in legislation and policy.
Both our senators have also been participating in the process as ex-officio members. While we don’t
expect a lot of conservation bills to pass in the next few years, there is a lot of important work to do in
the meantime. We need to wrap up this phase of the stakeholder process with a final report, and we
need our senators to turn that report into draft legislation that can move in the right political climate.
25
PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS
GRANT APPLICATION
wilderness workshop 2025 crystal wild & Scenic Project Narrative
Each subcommittee has agreed to draft proposals that would not preclude the efforts of the others. We
are focusing on two issues when looking at the viability of securing a State instream flow water right.
One is the ecological benefit that justifies the need for these particular flows, and the other is how this
water right can be written into a Wild and Scenic bill. In both cases, we are carefully looking at examples
with precedent, consulting experts and coordinating closely with agency staff.
Wilderness Workshop is well-positioned to help channel conservation-minded community priorities into
the process and ensure that key perspectives and experts are engaged. With the creation of a
Subcommittee report that reflects community-held values, Wilderness Workshop will be well positioned
to work with the local coalition of Wild and Scenic advocates to offer local supporters effective ways to
drive more advocacy into our senators’ offices, and provide the support and expertise that will be
needed to successfully develop viable Wild and Scenic legislation.
Collaboration
Wilderness Workshop regularly coordinates with our key partners, Healthy Rivers and Pitkin County,
American Rivers, American Whitewater, Ecoflight and CVEPA on this campaign. We are also in close
communication with Colorado River District and Colorado Water Conservation Board staff who are
members of both subcommittees. As members of both subcommittees ourselves, we work to ensure
that each subcommittee’s work is coordinated with the other. We have a long history of working
collaboratively with the Forest Service, Congressional offices, state agencies, local governments,
ranchers, recreation interests, communities and other stakeholders in the region, and continue to
maintain these relationships and communications. 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 and experts, and we are closely following the stakeholder work and legislative drafting to
protect nearby Deep Creek with a Wild and Scenic designation.
F. Public Need, Accessibility and Appreciation
How the project will be seen, appreciated and/or used by people who live and/or work in Pitkin County
and the Roaring Fork watershed.
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 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 policy and legislative expertise and our capacity for community organizing, grassroots
advocacy and communications to the broader campaign. Wilderness Workshop will work with our
partners and community members to ensure that the final report includes strong conservation values.
Does not duplicate existing services or programs
26
PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS
GRANT APPLICATION
wilderness workshop 2025 crystal wild & Scenic Project Narrative
Wilderness Workshop is the main advocacy non-profit working to protect the Crystal River with a Wild
and Scenic designation. We meet regularly with our subcommittee co-chairs at American Whitewater
and EcoFlight to coordinate the work, divy up tasks and bring in additional expertise as needed.
Public relations strategy
Our public relations strategy will include communications about the process to develop the report. Once
the report is developed, WW will develop materials and organize events to educate community
members about the report, translate technical elements, and offer supporters effective ways to
advocate for its use in legislation.
Appropriate need for public funding.
In addition to funding the work, a grant from Healthy Rivers demonstrates local buy-in and sends a
strong signal to our community, our partners and our senators that Pitkin County supports the
collaborative process, and ultimately a Wild and Scenic designation. 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, 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.
G. Project Team Experience
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.
This work highlights the importance of deliberate and authentic stakeholder work, coalition-building,
and strategic advocacy. 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 that were the result of years of
coalition-building, stakeholder input and negotiations, grasstops and grassroots organizing,
collaboration with local governments and partnership with our two Senators. 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 public
27
PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS
GRANT APPLICATION
wilderness workshop 2025 crystal wild & Scenic Project Narrative
support for protecting the area, the U.S. Forest Service also administratively protected about half the
area in a recent land use plan, and in a long sought victory, 2024 the Department of Interior signed a 20-
year ban on new oil and gas leasing and mining. Efforts like these take persistence and dedication from
the community, including staff time and resources to ensure long-term strategies bear fruit.
Additionally, our experience in the Deep Creek Wild and Scenic stakeholder process gives us expertise,
relationships, innovative ideas and lessons learned that we will apply to our work on the Crystal River.
We are watching this process closely, with particular attention being paid to the instream flow
approach.
The work for this grant will be led by our Campaign Director, Michael Gorman, and overseen by
Executive Director, Will Roush, and Policy Director, Juli Slivka. Our Communications Director, Field
Director and Advocacy Director will also contribute by integrating the diverse elements of our work into
this campaign. This team has decades of experience in protecting public lands and waters, including
through proactive designation efforts and defensive legal and policy work.
H. Measurements and Accountability
Evaluating success
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. In 2025 a key measure of
success will be the completion of a Wild and Scenic Subcommittee report that provides
recommendations and a template for our Senators to draft Wild and Scenic legislation for the Crystal
River, and the extent to which strong conservation provisions are included in those recommendations.
From there, measures of success will be the extent to which the recommendations in the report are
reflected in subsequent legislation, and the introduction and passage of that legislation.
Deliverables
- Wild and Scenic Subcommittee report to serve as a template for W&S legislation
- ISF Subcommittee identification and quantification of ecological values to be protected by an instream
flow
- Meetings with key stakeholders and key decision makers
- Presentations to stakeholder groups and public events on the report
- Development of a viable approach for a formal ISF recommendation
- Communications and advocacy materials on the Wild and Scenic Subcommittee’s report
- Community advocacy and organizing around the Subcommittee’s recommendations
Reporting
We would be happy to continue our current reporting process with the Healthy Rivers Board, specifically
submitting brief written quarterly reports and presenting on our progress to the Board on an annual
basis. We also closely collaborate with the Healthy Rivers staff and are always happy to update them on
our work as needed.
I. Budget (use Excel template)
28
Proposed Pitkin County Health Rivers Funded Items
Hourly Rate Hours Fringe*Total
Staff Name, Title
Michael Gorman, Campaign Manager 53.00$ 200 10,600.00$
Erin Riccio, Advocacy Director 52.00$ 170 8,840.00$
Communications Director 50.00$ 100 5,000.00$
Juli Slivka, Policy Manager 74.00$ 70 5,180.00$
Sam Feuerborn, Field Coordinator 48.00$ 65 3,120.00$
Will Roush, Executive Director 80.00$ 10 800.00$
Unit Unit Cost Number Total
Travel Costs Miles 0.70$ 730 510.00$
Unit Unit Cost Number Total
Food & Drink for events 20.00$ 30 600.00$
Total
Total
350.00$
35,000.00$
Other Funding Sources Supporting this Project
Amount
$60,000
Anonymous- private foundation $15,000
Baumm Foundation $10,000
Mighty Arrow Foundation $15,000
Baumm Foundation $10,000
$183,432
328,432.00$
Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Grant Budget Template
Personnel
Travel
Materials and Supplies
Subcontracts and Subawards
Wilderness Workshop - 2025 Crystal River Wild & Scenic Campaign Budget
Reweaving the Web Foundation
WW general operating support unrestricted gifts to WW
requesting in 2025
Subcontracts/subawards:
Other
Advertising and marketing costs
Total Request of Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Fund
Name of Funding Source Application Status
Awarded
Total Project Cost
Notes: Use this box to describe the project purpose of budget items.
Personnel: total salary, benefits and overhead costs for staff time that will be spent on the Crystal Wild &
Travel: travel costs include mileage reimbursement to and from events, and travel to and from the field for
required meetings
Material and Supplies: includes costs for events like public meetings/other public events intended to garner
community support
Awarded
requesting in 2025
requesting in 2025
29
GRANT CRITERIA SCORE CARD
Applicant: Wilderness Workshop Amount Requested: $35,000 Board Member Name:_______________________________ Points
Possible
Alignment of the Project with the Goals of the Healthy Rivers and Streams Board Notes 1-5
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.
Viability of the Project Notes 1-5
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.
Public Need Accessibility and Appreciation Notes 1-5
The extent to which the proposed grant request/project will be seen, appreciated and/or used
by people who live and/or work in Pitkin County & the Roaring Fork Watershed.
1. Does not duplicate existing services or programs;
2. Includes a specific Public Relations strategy;
3. Demonstrates an appropriate need for public funding.
Project Team Experience Notes 1-5
The extent that the requesting project team has been successful in other projects or efforts and
has experience in or knowledge of the Roaring Fork watershed.
30
GRANT CRITERIA SCORE CARD
Budget, Measurements and Accountability Notes 1-5
The extent to which the proposed grant amount is appropriate to the project scope and
includes other appropriate sources of funding. The extent that the project includes specific
measures for success and reporting of progress and results to the Healthy Rivers Board.
1. Demonstrates financial stability and presents accurate budgets and financial reports,
measurements and accountability;
2. Specific deliverables and measures of progress and success;
3. Reporting plan to Healthy Rivers Board/other stakeholders.
OVERALL REVIEW: General notes TOTAL SCORE: 1-25
31
PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS
GRANT APPLICATION
A. Applicant Name
Gwen Garcelon
Regenerative strategies consultant
B. Address of physical location where the project will take place:
100 Roaring Fork Ave., #B8
Carbondale, CO 81623
C. Project Description
This proposal is to create an online tool to be used as a resource for new and current
elected officials, new PCHR board members, civic staff, community leaders, and
anyone working in or interested in the water management arena. The tool will act as
a directory for a comprehensive overview of all organizations and agencies who
play a role in water management, water education and water conservation in the
Roaring Fork Valley watershed.
The priorities, major research, current projects, initiatives and coalitions each
organization is involved with will be gathered through conversations with water
managers and/or other water agency staff. So rather than a simple list of water
groups and their missions, this directory will be an overview of how the different
groups and organizations inter-relate, the actions they are currently engaged in, and
how they interface with local decision-makers.
When this project was initially proposed in 2023, I was asked to do “market
research” on the necessity of this tool. I then spoke with 3 Carbondale trustees (Ross
Kribbs, Jess Robison and Chris Hassig), Pitkin County Commissioner Francie
Jacober, Aspen Journalism Water Desk Editor Heather Sackett, and former member
of the Colorado Basin Roundtable Louis Meyer.
All of these individuals voiced interest in this tool and confirmed that nothing like
this exists and it would be useful to them.
Scope of work will also include working with PCHR website tech support to create
an online home for the directory, and working with PCHR staff and board to develop
a presentation template for the directory to be used by Gwen Garcelon to engage
area users through presentations to elected and other groups (potentially including
an online Quick Start guide to the directory.)This will create greater awareness and
clarity around the efforts and purviews of groups working on water issues, and be a
valuable support to new elected officials and municipal and county staff to catalyze
more collaboration and action on pressing water issues across our multi-
jurisdictional watershed.
32
Since this project will create a current “snapshot” of comprehensive water
management activity, it will be easily possible to create an annual update of this
overview if this is deemed valuable. This can be evaluated after the completion of
the area presentations.
D. Alignment of the Project with the Goals of the Healthy Rivers Board
This project creates a civic tool that will help elected officials, nonprofit leaders and other
community leaders and educators to better understand the complex tapestry of water
management in our area. Through easy access to the current priorities, projects and resources
of water management groups and agencies, more decision makers and community members
can see how to engage with any of the stated goals of PCHR.
E. Viability of the Project
Since water is key to the stability of the RFV ecosystem, and thus to the resiliency of
regional communities, creative and collaborative management is increasingly
critical. Knowledge of the missions and purviews of the plethora of water agencies
in the area is necessary for all citizens to engage with their decision-making
processes, but especially for elected officials. New leaders need to understand the
system in order to understand how to change it, especially in uncertain times when
regional decision-making has become more crucial.
Comprehensive knowledge of and easier access to the RFV watershed’s water
agencies has emerged as a priority need out of a year-long process in 2023 of
convening environmentalists and organizations within the RFV in bioregional
charettes (the Bioregional Initiative.) These charettes focused on building
foundation for landscape-scaled regeneration of the RFV watershed – as a
headwaters watershed key to the health of the Colorado River Basin.
F. Public Need, Accessibility and Appreciation
This tool does not exist, and if pieces of it are uncovered through this outreach they
can be pulled into this comprehensive directory. Since the purpose of this project is
for this tool to be used by public and private members of the community, developing
a template for interactive presentations to municipal and county groups and
community groups is a key part of the project. Again, these presentations will be
completed by Gwen Garcelon, and they will drive traffic to this tool on the PCHR
website and in turn the other resources available there.
G. Project Team Experience
Gwen Garcelon has been working on regenerative efforts within the RFV for over 20 years.
These include facilitating Phase 1 of the RFV Watershed Plan in 2006, adjunct professor in the
CMC Sustainable Studies program, co-founding the Roaring Fork Food Alliance in 2012 to
support local food system development, and driving the 5-year process to create the Town of
Carbondale’s Integrated Weed Management Plan which prioritizes soil health and chemical-
free land management. She is currently working with the Town of Carbondale to update the
33
drought resiliency planning done in 2018 as part of the Vulnerability, Consequences and
Planning Scenarios process with Western Water Assessment.
H. Measurements and Accountability
Deliverables for this project are:
the completed directory of area water management groups – to be reviewed by the
groups themselves for accuracy, then housed on the PCHR website.
A Quick Start guide to the repository – available on the PCHR website for online users
Development of a template for interactive sessions with elected groups and other
community groups (to be delivered by Gwen Garcelon, with presentation template
approved by PCHR board and staff.)
Reporting of progress will be offered in accordance with PCHR requested frequency
and method.
I. Budget (attached)
34
RFV Watershed Management Directory
Hourly Rate Hours Total
Gwen Garcelon, Regenerative Strategies consultant $95 88 $8,360
Unit Unit Cost
Number of
units Total
Mileage Miles 0.670$ 745 $499
Total
$8,859
Work with PCHR tech support to create online directory = 10 hrs
Develop presentation template = 6 hrs
Schedule and deliver 12 presentations = 24 hrs.
Notes: Use this box to describe the project purpose of budget items.
Personnel: Info gathering and summaries for each agency (4 hrs per week for 3 months) = 48 hrs
Travel: for in-person meetings with water agency staff, PCHR board/staff/tech support, presentations
Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Grant Budget Template (v. March 2025)
Travel
Personnel
Other
Item
Item
Total Request of Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Fund
35
GRANT CRITERIA SCORE CARD
Applicant: G Garcelon Amount Requested: $ 8,890 Board Member Name:_______________________________ Points
Possible
Alignment of the Project with the Goals of the Healthy Rivers and Streams Board Notes 1-5
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.
Viability of the Project Notes 1-5
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.
Public Need Accessibility and Appreciation Notes 1-5
The extent to which the proposed grant request/project will be seen, appreciated and/or used
by people who live and/or work in Pitkin County & the Roaring Fork Watershed.
1. Does not duplicate existing services or programs;
2. Includes a specific Public Relations strategy;
3. Demonstrates an appropriate need for public funding.
Project Team Experience Notes 1-5
The extent that the requesting project team has been successful in other projects or efforts and
has experience in or knowledge of the Roaring Fork watershed.
36
GRANT CRITERIA SCORE CARD
Budget, Measurements and Accountability Notes 1-5
The extent to which the proposed grant amount is appropriate to the project scope and
includes other appropriate sources of funding. The extent that the project includes specific
measures for success and reporting of progress and results to the Healthy Rivers Board.
1. Demonstrates financial stability and presents accurate budgets and financial reports,
measurements and accountability;
2. Specific deliverables and measures of progress and success;
3. Reporting plan to Healthy Rivers Board/other stakeholders.
OVERALL REVIEW: General notes TOTAL SCORE: 1-25
37
Pitkin County Healthy Rivers and Streams Board
123 Emma Rd, Suite 204
Basalt, CO 81621
March 31, 2025
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 conservation and
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, conservation, and stewardship across the
Roaring Fork Watershed and beyond.
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 Don Schuster Breckie Hunt 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 Technician Sheryl Sabandal
Director of Development Phoebe Cadwell
Office Manager
38
PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS
GRANT APPLICATION
PROJECT NARRATIVE TEMPLATE
Max submission 6 pages
A. Applicant Name or Applicant Organization Name
Roaring Fork Conservancy: Watershed Education Programs
Grant Request to Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Board, March 21st 2025
B. Address of physical location where the project will take place:
22800 Two Rivers Road, Basalt, Co 81621
C. Project Description
Describe the proposed project activities and location. Project description must be complete, clear and concise,
and with specific dollar amounts for each element of the project if the project contains multiple elements.
PROJECT SUMMARY
Roaring Fork Conservancy (RFC) is seeking $50,000 from Pitkin County Healthy Rivers (PCHR) to support our
watershed education initiatives. Our aim is to further develop, expand, and deliver watershed education
programs, including the acclaimed Watershed PenPal Program. This initiative will link students within and beyond
the Roaring Fork Valley to their headwaters and watershed, fostering current and future river stewards and
conservation on both sides of the Continental Divide. Our funding request is divided into three key components,
detailed below.
1. Continued program development and updating to revitalize and incorporate discovery of current water
issues and needs, in the Roaring Fork Watershed, using best instruction practices.
As rivers face increasing pressure from a growing population, our objective is to update, develop, and enhance
educational opportunities for the general public and K-12 students. This programming aims to provide watershed
education to maintain and improve water quality and quantity within the Roaring Fork Watershed. Schools have
demonstrated confidence in RFC’s ability to adapt to student needs by consistently requesting past programs and
expanding their experience with new and adapted offerings. This enables RFC educators to achieve the goal of
getting students outside and connecting them to our rivers. As student needs and the demographics of our valley
continue to evolve, we must adapt. The ability to respond to specific teacher and school requests ensures our
programs remain relevant and aligned with district goals, thereby sustaining watershed education. Continued
training and research are key to program updates. We also want to increase student exploration program tools to
create ownership and discovery opportunities in our programming. Additionally, resources and time will be
allocated to enhancing equipment kits, enabling smaller group instruction and creating safe learning
environments. (Requesting 5,000. See details on attached budget ($3,000 Program development, $2,000 updating/translating visual
aids, and materials)
39
PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS
GRANT APPLICATION
PROJECT NARRATIVE TEMPLATE
2) Deliver watershed education programs at the River Center, schools and field sites throughout the valley,
focusing on water quality, water quantity, riparian habitat, and water use.
Experiencing the River Center and nearby riparian areas, along with expanding field site programs, provides
students with opportunities to explore multiple riparian sites and understand the complexity and diversity of our
watershed. Offering multi-class series at various locations helps students gain a deeper appreciation for the
importance of water conservation and protection. The demand for RFC watershed education programs is proof
that teachers are confident in our ability to lead engaging and connective watershed education for their students.
RFC collaborates with schools from Aspen to Glenwood and beyond, fostering continuous coordination and
communication to deliver engaging and enjoyable watershed science programs. While schools work hard to
create positive learning environments and teach Colorado standards, it is imperative that students also receive
education that teaches them we are all connected through the natural world and that water is the lifeblood of this
valley. RFC would like to offer fully funded programs to reduce the financial burden that schools are facing.
Educator training and evaluation are also crucial for the success of these programs. (Requesting $30,000 see details on
attached budget, includes program delivery and administrative support such as coordinating, scheduling, tracking, training, evaluating,
etc.)
3) . Continue the Watershed PenPal Program and summer Meet Your Headwaters Program to connect water
users on both sides of the Continental Divide to their headwaters, promoting water education fluency and
conservation.
RFC's Watershed PenPal program unites students from the Roaring Fork Valley with students in Aurora, Colorado,
by reaching across the Continental Divide to create relationships through old-fashioned letter writing and current
technology. The City of Aurora and the Roaring Fork Valley both utilize water from the headwaters of the
Fryingpan River, making this a trans-basin project and relationship. People, regardless of age, seek positive
relationships and connections. Students today are often isolated by technology and negatively impacted by social
media. Creating the opportunity for authentic relationships while also educating students about water systems,
both natural and man-made makes a wonderful pairing. Through a series of shared classes, slides, videos, and
activities, students in both Aurora and the Roaring Fork Valley learn about where their water comes from and why
it’s important to value, conserve, and protect this life-giving resource. Students will gain real river experience
through rafting and river studies. The rafting experience creates a foundation and love of rivers that they will
share with their pen pals across the divide. Many of the 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 these field
experiences.
The Roaring Fork Conservancy’s Meet Your Headwaters program is an educational initiative designed to connect
students who participated in the Watershed PenPal Program. Six students (and their parents) from Aurora,
Colorado travel 200 miles over the Continental Divide to explore with Basalt pen pals, the natural environment
that shapes our shared rivers and water systems. Participants dive into the heart of Colorado’s headwaters and
witness firsthand where it all begins!
Using digital cameras and reflective journaling, pen pals capture the beauty of their surroundings and experiences.
This documentation was used in 2024 to create a community display. Measuring 10 feet by 7 feet, this standing
wall display is on a journey through Aurora and Denver, educating the community and water managers on where
40
PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS
GRANT APPLICATION
PROJECT NARRATIVE TEMPLATE
their water comes from and why it’s important to conserve. Funders, including PCHR are listed on this traveling
display. RFC would also like to circulate this display around the Roaring Fork Watershed in 2025. To further
enhance public education, RFC is also creating a film to document this experience. Partnering with Flylords, a
video production company, RFC seeks funding to hire their media team to push the film out to various platforms
(such as film festivals and targeted Google/You Tube advertisements) to create a wider audience.
D. Alignment of the Project with the Goals of the Healthy Rivers Board
Describe the extent to which the proposed grant request/project meets the stated goals, objectives, and on-going
projects/priorities of the River Board. See ballot language in the application packet for objectives and the Pitkin
County Healthy Rivers website for River Board priorities.
1. Continued program development and updating to revitalize and incorporate discovery of current water
issues and needs in the Roaring Fork Watershed using best instruction practices.
Updating programs allow RFC to continue the goal of creating river stewards to promote water conservation and
improve water quality and quantity, through educating about current river issues and needs. It is essential to
create activities that are built around the needs of the students and rivers.
Ex: using visual aids showing recent natural events and data, creating, and purchasing individual field tools to
make independent discoveries, and utilizing videos and online activities 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. Key translations on programing material allow us to connect to different water user groups. Programs
will also include current developmentally appropriate actions that students can use to create best practices in
their communities, focusing on positive change.
2) Deliver watershed education programs at the River Center and field sites throughout the valley, focusing on
water quality, water quantity, riparian habitat, and water use.
Our general school and adult education program offerings focus on watershed science, water rights, and usage -
all of which help PCHR accomplish its goals of advancing these issues. Getting the opportunity to work with all
demographics in our school programs allows RFC to promote water conservation through creating relationships
and connections.
3) . Continue the Watershed PenPal and Meet Your Headwaters programs to connect water users on both sides
of the Continental Divide to their headwaters, promoting water education fluency and conservation.
This project approaches water uses by creating connections, teaching about water systems, and building positive
relationships. Students learn that the only way forward is through understanding and protecting our Earth’s
natural systems, each other, and the knowledge that we are all water users. This project will cumulate in a short
video being produced by Flylords, which will further promote water conservation and stewardship. Students will
also present their experiences to community groups. Continued funding from PCHR will allow this pivotal program
to continue to connect water users and promote conservation. In today’s heightened need for water, we often
41
PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS
GRANT APPLICATION
PROJECT NARRATIVE TEMPLATE
face conflict and territorial battles. This program aims to create positive relationships through communication,
relationship building, and shared experiences of different water users.
E. Viability of the Project
Describe 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. Specifically, describe how the project:
1. Addresses an essential need.
2. Demonstrates collaboration and/or partners with other agencies.
1.) Update and revitalize existing curriculum by incorporating skills highlighted in Best-Instruction practices.
RFC needs to create lessons that allow students to be actively engaged by making discoveries and feeling
ownership of their connections and ideas. RFC educators regularly communicate with partnering teachers to
ensure that we are creating programs that align with their goals and needs. Increasing the use of visual aids and
field equipment also allows students to share their findings and ideas with their classmates and families. Support
from PCHR would ensure that funds are available to support this work and supplement part of the cost of the
development, materials, and training. RFC teaches over 200 programs a year to local schools; the watershed
education program has reached schools in the Roaring Fork Valley for over 26 years.
2) Deliver education programs at the River Center and field sites in the Roaring Fork Valley.
RFC works hard to not let programming costs be a barrier to schools receiving watershed education. Even as
programming costs rise, we continue to offer programs through grant funding and private donations. 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 stewardship. With support from PCHR we can
offer programs that guide participants through the beautiful riparian sites in our valley, creating connection,
value, and protection of the Roaring Fork Watershed. RFC has established strong partnerships with schools in the
Roaring Fork Watershed and beyond.
3.) Continue the Watershed PenPal and Meet Your Headwaters 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, teachers, and communities will learn water ethics
together creating a common ground for conversation and connection to the importance of water quality and
quantity. Many Aurora students and residents do not know where their water comes from and 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 will create a concrete
42
PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS
GRANT APPLICATION
PROJECT NARRATIVE TEMPLATE
and real-world experience with someone who depends on the same water as them. RFC has partnered with Basalt
Elementary, Vista Peak Exploratory (Aurora Public Schools), Dakota Valley Elementary (Cherry Creek Public
Schools), Sopris Elementary, Aurora Water, Blazing Adventures, and Flylords to make this program possible.
Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) has also provided grant support to extend the pen pal experience to
a group of Aurora students so that they can travel and experience their headwaters in the Roaring Fork Valley.
This three-day summer program incorporates ecology studies, rafting, exploring the headwaters, a short film,
presentations to community groups, and a large traveling visual display.
F. Public Need, Accessibility and Appreciation
Describe the extent to which the proposed grant request/project will be seen, appreciated and/or used by people
who live and/or work in Pitkin County and the Roaring Fork watershed. Specifically, describe how the project:
1. Does not duplicate existing services or programs;
2. Includes a specific public relations strategy;
3. Demonstrates an appropriate need for public funding.
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 the 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, CWCB, and public schools. We will include information and recognition of PCHR in programs and
publications supported by this grant. We also will include PCHR sponsorship on all presentation materials. 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 TV, and printed newsletters.
G. Project Team Experience
Describe the extent that the requesting individual/entity has been successful in other projects or efforts and is
known in the community.
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 in incorporating current water issues into its education
43
PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS
GRANT APPLICATION
PROJECT NARRATIVE TEMPLATE
programs. In the year 2024, RFC taught 287 education programs making over 6,500 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 26 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.
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. RFC has numerous
partners including the Roaring Fork School District, Aspen School District, independent schools, Roaring Fork Vally
Libraries, rafting and fly-fishing companies, Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers, and Colorado River District.
H. Measurements and Accountability
Describe specific measures for success, deliverables, and a plan for reporting progress and results to the River
Board and other project stakeholders.
RFC will provide a progress report to the PCHR at or around the six-month mark and a final report at the one-year
mark. This may include progress reports, statistics, financials, teacher feedback, and the deliverables listed on the
budget, along with photo documentation of student programs and activities.
I. Budget (use Excel template)
Use the Excel budget template provided to demonstrate the extent to which the proposed grant amount is
appropriate to the project scope and includes other appropriate sources of funding. Provide notes in the budget
notes section on the template when appropriate to further describe the contribution of budget line items to the
proposed project outcomes.
RFC requests $50,000 from PCHR to support our watershed education programs. RFC receives financial support from
many partners for our water education programs but foresees additional funds needed to reach all programming
goals and needs. PCHR funding helps leverage the funds that we receive from the following partners: Eagle County,
Garfield County, Colorado Water Conservation Board, Aspen Thrift Shop, individual donors, and Pitkin County Open
Space and Trails. We hope you choose to help elevate our watershed education programs and expand our reach to
new, critical audiences in the coming year. The hourly rate includes all costs of doing business.
44
Proposed Pitkin County Health Rivers Funded Items
2025 Roaring Fork Conservancy Education Grant Application
Hourly Rate Hours Fringe*Total
Megan Dean, Director of Education
Roaring Fork Conservancy 80.00$ 280 57%35,168.00$
*This funds the programming cost for 70 programs including development
Unit Unit Cost Number
of units Total
-$
-$
Unit Unit Cost Number
of units Total
-$
Total
Total
15,000.00$
50,168.00$
Other Funding Sources Supporting this Project
Amount
137,234.70$
187,402.70$
Name of Funding Source Application Status
Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Grant Budget Template
Personnel
Travel
Materials and Supplies
Subcontracts and Subawards
Name or purpose of subcontract/award
Other
Watershed Penpal program, traveling Meet Your Headwaters Display wall and Watershed PenPal video
Total Request of Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Fund
Personnel:Each program that we teach requires 4 hours; this includes coordinating, marketing, administration, development, and
prep/clean up. The hourly rate includes programming costs at multiple sites through out the Roaring Fork Valley and Colorado as
well as operating costs. Fringe includes travel and set up costs as those also vary per program.
Travel: Program mileage is covered by Roaring Fork Conservancy donations.
Material and Supplies: Materials and supplies are covered by Roaring Fork Conservancy donations.
Subcontracts/subawards: None
Colorado Water Conservation Board (Watershed PenPal program funding only)Awarded
This funding is for a two year period.Application submitted
Total Project Cost
Notes: Use this box to describe the project purpose of budget items.
45
GRANT CRITERIA SCORE CARD
Applicant: Roaring Fork Conservancy Amount Requested: $50,000 Board Member Name:_______________________________ Points Possible
Alignment of the Project with the Goals of the Healthy Rivers and Streams Board Notes 1-5 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.
Viability of the Project Notes 1-5 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.
Public Need Accessibility and Appreciation Notes 1-5 The extent to which the proposed grant request/project will be seen, appreciated and/or used by people who live and/or work in Pitkin County & the Roaring Fork Watershed. 1. Does not duplicate existing services or programs; 2. Includes a specific Public Relations strategy; 3. Demonstrates an appropriate need for public funding.
Project Team Experience Notes 1-5 The extent that the requesting project team has been successful in other projects or efforts and has experience in or knowledge of the Roaring Fork watershed.
46
GRANT CRITERIA SCORE CARD
Budget, Measurements and Accountability Notes 1-5 The extent to which the proposed grant amount is appropriate to the project scope and includes other appropriate sources of funding. The extent that the project includes specific measures for success and reporting of progress and results to the Healthy Rivers Board. 1. Demonstrates financial stability and presents accurate budgets and financial reports, measurements and accountability; 2. Specific deliverables and measures of progress and success; 3. Reporting plan to Healthy Rivers Board/other stakeholders.
OVERALL REVIEW: General notes TOTAL SCORE: 1-25
47
EcoFlight Application to Pitkin County Healthy Rivers, Spring 2025 Grant Cycle:
Overflights for defense of public lands and healthy watersheds
A. Applicant Name or Applicant Organization Name
EcoFlight
B. Address of physical location where the project will take place:
EcoFlight’s office is at 307 AABC, Ste. L, Aspen CO 81611. Overflights will cover the Roaring Fork, Crystal,
and Fryingpan River watersheds and adjacent public lands.
C. Project Description
EcoFlight is requesting $13,326.00 for overflights for defense of now-threatened public lands in Pitkin
County, including beloved landscapes like the Thompson Divide, to combat threats to water quality and
stream health including increased mineral leasing and development, logging, and threats to public
access.
Public lands, and the healthy rivers that these lands support, are facing significant threats due to the
current administration’s rollbacks of conservation protections and increased focus on development and
extraction. Mineral withdrawals are particularly targeted, including our beloved Thompson Divide, which
has only just been protected. A the time of this writing, it is unclear how recent executive orders such as
the “Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production,” “Immediate Expansion of
American Timber Production,” and “Unleashing American Energy Dominance” orders will impact public
lands in Pitkin County, however threats will arise any day. These orders direct federal agencies to develop
national forest and BLM lands for minerals and timber while bypassing standard environmental review
procedures that allow for environmental impact analysis and public input. Congressional intentions to
privatize and sell-off public lands have also become increasingly apparent, a move which would leave
federal lands susceptible to all forms of development, remove environmental safeguards that protect
ecosystems and the global climate, and threaten Americans’ access to our public lands for recreation and
enjoyment. Additional threats include the firing of thousands of federal public land managers and
employees, leading to staffing shortages, lack of personnel for management of our public lands and
watersheds and closures of popular recreation areas, visitor centers, and federal offices. These
nationwide efforts could and already have had direct impacts on Roaring Fork Valley communities,
including our local USFS and BLM offices and the landscapes they manage.
EcoFlight is ready to respond quickly to direct threats to public lands and rivers in Pitkin County, and will
work to build support and protection for all public lands and encourage our local and regional leaders to
stand against future attacks. The Thompson Divide mineral withdrawal is one of our top priority
landscapes and we are extremely committed to continuing to fight for its enduring protection.
Overflight goals will include:
● bringing public awareness to threats to our local public lands, how those threats impact river
and watershed health, and clarity around the extent and urgency of the complex barrage of attacks
initiated by the Trump Administration through overflights with community members;
● engaging community leaders and elected officials including town, county, state, and federal to
amplify threats to public lands and the necessity of leaders at all levels to stand up for these natural
resources
307 L AABC, Aspen, CO 81611
Phone: (970) 429-1110
www.ecoflight.org
48
● building grassroots momentum through overflight events, social media, photos, and video to
unite diverse community members in appreciation of public lands that we all hold dear;
● expanding public education through inclusion of press on flights to ensure that this messaging
reaches far beyond the cockpit. We will ensure reporters are connected with knowledgeable experts
including EcoFlight’s staff to help them understand and clearly convey the nature of attacks on public
lands and how community members can share their perspectives and voices in support of public lands.
Flight passengers will be empowered and inspired to take stronger stances against threats to public
lands, thus protecting vulnerable watersheds, and encouraged to share their flight experiences and
speak up for public lands by writing LTEs, speaking with reporters, attending community events, and
sharing positive messaging on social media. EcoFlight will provide tools and resources to help passengers
engage in these activities.
Flights with state-level elected leaders, including House and Senate representatives, may originate from
locations outside the Roaring Fork Valley due to officials’ availability, and will highlight the urgent need
for elected representatives to stand against dire threats that impact all public lands, including our
Roaring Fork Valley landscapes.
D. Alignment of the Project with the Goals of the Healthy Rivers Board
Healthy rivers need healthy watersheds. Activities like oil and gas development and logging on public
lands in Pitkin County watersheds would have direct negative impacts on rivers in the basins where they
occur. Roads and other infrastructure both above and beneath the ground are required for natural gas
exploration and development. The negative impacts on water quality and stream health are immense.
Oil and gas development may contaminate groundwater through fracking, or pollute surface water
through accidental chemical spills. Any road or pipeline construction for logging or mineral exploration
and development, leads to increased erosion which chokes in-steam habitat with unhealthy quantities of
sediment. These negative impacts can sometimes be mitigated by careful review of environmental
impacts and informed land management and acknowledgement that some places are just too special to
develop, but the current administration’s push to rapidly develop resources bypasses environmental
reviews and the NEPA process, meaning that projects may move forward in spite of dire consequences
for the ecosystem, downstream water quality and quantity, and public access and enjoyment.
E. Viability of the Project
These proposed overflights are highly viable and practical. In addition to Pitkin County Healthy Rivers
funding, costs will be covered by EcoFlight’s general operating budget. As always, we do not charge for
flights. EcoFlight is funded entirely by grants and donations, which go directly toward overflight
expenses.
Efforts to sell off public lands and exploit them for extractive industry are couched in the administration’s
misguided argument that these lands are not valuable unless developed. The aerial perspective lets the
land speak for itself and provides a neutral platform for leaders on both sides of the aisle to gain an
understanding of the intrinsic, scenic, and ecological value of public lands, healthy rivers, and watersheds
in an undeveloped state, and the local economies that rely on them. Flights connect these leaders with
passionate grassroots advocates and locals whose livelihoods are tied to public lands through agriculture
and outdoor recreation-related economies.
307 L AABC, Aspen, CO 81611
Phone: (970) 429-1110
www.ecoflight.org
49
EcoFlight will collaborate closely with other organizations working on public lands defense in Western
Colorado including Wilderness Workshop, Earthjustice, and Conservation Colorado to ensure congruence
of outreach to state and regional elected officials and press and to maximize the impact of overflights.
EcoFlight is also a member of several regional coalitions working on public lands issues, including the
Colorado lands defense network (an informal statewide alliance), the Defending America’s Public Lands
Coalition, and National Wilderness Coalition. These coalitions meet regularly and provide a platform for
us to ensure that EcoFlight’s advocacy efforts are strategic, that our messaging is coordinated, and that
we are able to offer the most impactful overflights in collaboration with our partners’ advocacy efforts.
F. Public Need, Accessibility and Appreciation
Healthy rivers and public lands are essential to our quality of life here in the Roaring Fork community.
Our communities have recently been bombarded with concerning news about public lands and the
environment and it is difficult to make sense of it all, much less know how to respond. Our friends and
neighbors on both sides of the aisle are eager for good, clear information and opportunities to act in
community against threats to the places we love most, and EcoFlight will engage community members in
meaningful action.
EcoFlight is the only conservation organization using flight to engage residents and stakeholders in the
fight to protect our previous local landscapes, and this tool complements the work of our partners.
Because we are a mobile platform, we can also engage higher-level state and federal officials from
outside the Roaring Fork Valley, and lift up the importance of protecting Roaring Fork Valley landscapes
like the Thompson Divide.
Our public relations strategy involves inclusion of press on flights, amplification of public lands threats
through email and social media campaigns, and amplification of the importance of healthy rivers in local
events. EcoFlight is planning to host a series of local tabling events in Aspen and Carbondale throughout
the year as well, and will use these opportunities to educate the public about our current projects
including public lands defense and our partnership with Pitkin County Healthy Rivers.
G. Project Team Experience
Since its inception in 2002, EcoFlight has been using flight to share the big picture about public lands.
Our professional pilots and staff are extremely familiar with and educated about the public lands in and
around the Roaring Fork Valley and are articulate advocates for balanced management.
EcoFlight has a strong record of victories for public lands. EcoFlight helped secure a twenty-year mineral
withdrawal for the Thompson Divide and neighboring Mount Emmons near Crested Butte, was
instrumental in bringing Tribes and recreation groups together in the creation of the Bears Ears National
Monument, helped designate numerous other national monuments including the recent designations of
Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni near the Grand Canyon, Chuckwalla and Sáttítla in California, Camp Hale in
Colorado, and Avi Kwa Ame in Nevada, and has often provided one of the only neutral platforms for
legislators and traditionally opposed stakeholders to come together and find solutions. For example,
when Senator Bennet approached EcoFlight to provide flights over the controversial national monument
proposal for the Dolores River canyon country in 2024, we encouraged his staff to invite the opposition
to progress meaningful change where it is needed most. He loved the idea, and thirty individuals, at least
twenty of whom opposed the monument proposal, got together for coffee, donuts, and overflights with
307 L AABC, Aspen, CO 81611
Phone: (970) 429-1110
www.ecoflight.org
50
two EcoFlight planes flying over the spectacular Western Colorado landscape. Passengers got off the
flight in agreement that this watershed needed protection going forward. Bennet’s staff said the
opportunity to have these divergent folks who are normally at odds come together, laughing and joking
in the plane and around a convivial table, was unprecedented. The end result is that both Senator
Bennet’s team and the historically opposed Mesa County are now proposing a National Conservation
Area (NCA) protection for the area, and while each group’s proposed maps and regulations do not have
enough overlap yet, we can celebrate a common working idea and end goal of protection. This example
highlights how EcoFlight can reach across the aisle to secure support for our natural landscapes and
ecosystems and enable the creation of broadly supported solutions.
H. Measurements and Accountability
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. 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 Healthy River Board, the media, and the public.
I. Budget (use Excel template)
Attached next page
307 L AABC, Aspen, CO 81611
Phone: (970) 429-1110
www.ecoflight.org
51
EcoFlight Spring 2025 Proposed Budget: Overflights for defense of public lands and watersheds
Proposed Pitkin County Health Rivers Funded Items
Personnel Hourly Rate Hours Fringe* Total
Lea Linse, Conservation Program Manager $ 30.00 25 20% $ 900.00
Jane Pargiter $ 40.00 20 20% $ 960.00
Whitton Feer, Assistant Pilot $ 30.00 18 20% $ 648.00
Amanda Grimsted, Communications $ 30.00 18 20% $ 648.00
Ben Hunter, Multimedia Director $ 35.00 15 20% $ 630.00
Bruce Gordon, Pilot $ 100.00 12 20% $ 1,440.00
Gary Kraft, Pilot $ 75.00 10 20% $ 900.00
Travel Unit Unit Cost # of units Total
Not applicable $ -
Materials and Supplies Unit Unit Cost # of units Total
Not applicable $ -
Subcontracts and Subawards Total
Not applicable $ -
Other - Flight expenses Total
Airplane Fuel $ 3,200.00
Fixed airplane expenses (insurance, maintenance, parking) $ 4,000.00
Total Request of Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Fund $ 13,326.00
Other Funding Sources Supporting this Project
Name of Funding Source Amount Application Status
General Operating Fund (secured) $8,000.00 Secured
Local individual donations (partially secured) $3,000.00 Pending
Aspen Skiing Company Environment Foundation $5,500.00 Pending
Rodel Foundation $3,000.00 Secured
Total Project Cost $ 32,826.00
Notes: Use this box to describe the project purpose of budget items.
Personnel: Flight planning, coordination & logistics; Post-flight followup and outreach; Video production and editing;
Pilot hours
Travel: N/A
Material and Supplies: N/A (included in flight expense)
Subcontracts/subawards: N/A
307 L AABC, Aspen, CO 81611
Phone: (970) 429-1110
www.ecoflight.org
52
GRANT CRITERIA SCORE CARD
Applicant: ECOFLIGHT Amount Requested: $13,326 Board Member Name:_______________________________ Points
Possible
Alignment of the Project with the Goals of the Healthy Rivers and Streams Board Notes 1-5
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.
Viability of the Project Notes 1-5
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.
Public Need Accessibility and Appreciation Notes 1-5
The extent to which the proposed grant request/project will be seen, appreciated and/or used
by people who live and/or work in Pitkin County & the Roaring Fork Watershed.
1. Does not duplicate existing services or programs;
2. Includes a specific Public Relations strategy;
3. Demonstrates an appropriate need for public funding.
Project Team Experience Notes 1-5
The extent that the requesting project team has been successful in other projects or efforts and
has experience in or knowledge of the Roaring Fork watershed.
53
EcoFlight
Income and Expense
Jan-Dec 2024
Jan - Dec 24
Ordinary Income/Expense
Income
Donations
Corporations 320
Foundation 815,435
Fuel 3,400
Government Grants 35,160
Individual 225,937
Membership 32,783
Total Donations 1,113,035
Interest Income 3,255
Total Income 1,116,290
Gross Profit 1,116,290
Expense
Automobile 16,842
Bank Charges 177
Board of Directors 6,363
Contract Labor 75,478
Contributions / Donations 355
Executive Compensation 158,520
Staff-Office 162,012
Flight Expense 322,607
Fundraising 21,645
Health Insurance 67,709
Insurance 1,947
Internet 2,784
Memberships & Dues 1,885
Office Expense 5,393
Office Rent 17,173
Office Supplies 5,213
Outreach 12,159
Payroll Taxes 45,310
Photography 2,131
Postage & Shipping 2,610
Professional Fees 12,250
Retirement Benefit 61,000
Subscriptions to Publications 2,258
Telephone 8,068
Training & Education 1,530
Travel 50,324
Total Expense 1,063,743
Net Ordinary Income 52,547
Page 1 of 1
54
EcoFlight
Budget 2025
2025 Budget Notes
Income
Donations
Corporations 5,000
Foundation 745,000
Fuel 5,000
Government Grants
Individual 290,000
Membership 15,000
Total Donations
Interest Income 5,000
Total Income 1,065,000
Gross Profit
Expense
Automobile 5,000
Bank Charges 100
Board of Directors 6,000
Contract Labor 69,000
Contributions / Donations 1,500
Executive Compensation 140,000
Staff-Office 188,000
Flight Expense 280,000
Fundraising 70,000
Health Insurance 70,000
Insurance 2,000
Internet 2,000
Licenses & Fees 500
Memberships & Dues 1,000
Office Expense 10,000
Office Rent 18,000
Office Supplies 5,000
Outreach 10,000
Payroll Taxes 47,000
Photography 3,000
Postage & Shipping 2,000
Professional Fees 14,000
Retirement Benefit 65,000
Subscriptions to Publications 500
Telephone 7,000
Training & Education 1,400
Travel 47,000
Total Expense 1,065,000
Page 1 of 1
55
GRANT CRITERIA SCORE CARD
Budget, Measurements and Accountability Notes 1-5
The extent to which the proposed grant amount is appropriate to the project scope and
includes other appropriate sources of funding. The extent that the project includes specific
measures for success and reporting of progress and results to the Healthy Rivers Board.
1. Demonstrates financial stability and presents accurate budgets and financial reports,
measurements and accountability;
2. Specific deliverables and measures of progress and success;
3. Reporting plan to Healthy Rivers Board/other stakeholders.
OVERALL REVIEW: General notes TOTAL SCORE: 1-25
56
1
MEETING DATE: April 17, 2025
TO: Healthy Rivers Board FROM: Lisa Tasker and Lisa MacDonald
CC: Ry Neiley, County Attorney
AGENDA ITEM: Monthly Staff Report Administration Prep draft agenda items and resolutions for the BOCC to accept grants from CWCB and CPW. Attend BOCC meetings on April 9 and 23. Presentation to Colorado Basin Roundtable for Lincoln Creek grant March 24th Presentation to CPW Fishing is Fun grant committee March 18th. Lincoln Creek update to the BOCC March 18th Attend BOCC work session interview for potential river board members April 8th Upcoming Joint BOCC/River Board meeting prep on April 15th Projects and Infrastructure:
Wild and Scenic Efforts Wild and Scenic Subcommittee calendar invite out for the 4th Thursdays of each month beginning January 23rd. with the last meeting March 27th. The W&S Subcommittee is on break for a couple months while efforts are afoot to hire a facilitator for the next steps. The Instream Flow or “Peaking Instream Flow” Subcommittee met April 14th for it’s 9th meeting. Sam Caudill State Wildlife Area Landscape contractor chosen and contract out for signature as of April 4. 2025, signed April 7th. Work to start ASAP. Working with CPW and our engineers on final punch list items.
Lincoln Creek/Ruby Mine CWCB Grant recommendation of $100,000 by the Colorado Basin Roundtable (CBRT) on March 24, 2025. The CWCB will hear this Water Supply Reserve Fund grant request recommendation by the CBRT at their July meeting. Independence Pass Foundation, with assistance from Pitkin County’s grant writer and staff, has applied for a $20,000 grant from the Healthy Rivers Fund through the CWCB and has yet to hear if awarded. Only an NGO can apply for the Healthy Rivers Fund money. Whitewater/ Fish Park Streamside Amenities 2025 Grant request to Colorado Park and Wildlife heard on March 18, 2025. Seeking $250,000 from the Fishing is Fun program. Awards announced in April, date TBD.
57
2
Crystal River Restoration Project – Town of Carbondale Partnership on Project Sign installation is complete. Project is substantially complete. All images courtesy of DHM Design.
58
3
Outreach/Education/Grants
• Ads are running on KDNK and KMTS, APR and the Mountain stations.
• 2025 Scholarship information provided to the schools. 3 students chosen by sub-committee. Aspen, Basalt and Glenwood High winners.
• Received 2 Aspen Applications, 7 Basalt Applications, 9 RF Watershed applications Education and Training 2025:
• Colorado Water Congress Winter Conference Denver January 29-31, no attendees this year
• RFC - What's the Big Deal with Lincoln Creek Tasker, Andrews
• RFC – Are there Rare Earth Elements and Trace Metals in Lincoln Creek Neff, Tasker, MacDonald
• State of the River Carbondale Tasker, MacDonald, Andrews, and Neff Ongoing - Staff continues to participate and/or collaborate with the following groups:
• Colorado Water Congress State Affairs Committee meetings Mondays 8:00 am when CO State Congress is in session
• Roaring Fork Wildfire Collaborative as applicable
• Watershed Collaborative Meetings, Board is on listserv and receives updates
• Colorado Basin Roundtable half day meetings every 2 months March 24th Grant applicants for CWCB Water Supply Reserve Fund portion for CBRT heard. Recommended $100, 000 to Pitkin County Healthy Rivers for Lincoln Creek Workgroup related work.
• Crystal River Wild and Scenic Core Group, Collaborative, Coalition/Advocacy, Stakeholder meetings
• Local Beaver group including CPW, USFS, BLM, RFC, Sierra Club, EcoFlight, The Roaring Fork Biodiversity Initiative, National Forest Foundation and others – Healthy Rivers staff and Roaring Fork Audubon meeting April
• Lincoln Creek/Grizzly/Ruby Mine Local working group ongoing Three teams have been formed; Public Comms, Short Term Water Quality Monitoring, completion of Phase I project with LRE Water in December, Phase II Scope of Work (SOW) is created and incorporated in the LRE Water Phase II SOW and fully reviewed by the Lincoln Creek Workgroup. Grants submitted National Wild and Scenic Coalition Zoom every two months
• National W&S Rivers Virtual Hill Week March 2025
• Meetings on the first Friday every two months, attendance related to relevant topics Riverscape Restoration Network Meetings with American Rivers and Audubon Rockies– March 6 Highlights of the Feb. 20th LTPBR labor capacity issues brainstorm - what potential solution ideas rose to the top Three 15 minute presentations from 3 LTPBR project planners/leaders on what they are doing for field crew LTPBR labor (and ideas for improving the situation) Tasker, MacDonald, Neff
59
4
Reid Whittlesey, Restoration Program Director for Rio Grande Returns, New MexicoRose Smith, Stream and Riparian Restoration Program Manager for Sageland Collaboratives, Utah Ben LaPorte, Upper Clark Fork Project Manager for Trout Unlimited, Montana
• Beaver Working Group for the state of Colorado Next meeting April 18th
• Pitkin County Vision 2050 Comprehensive Plan Counties are required by the state of Colorado to adopt comprehensive plans as advisory documents. They provide guidance for land use and other county programs and policies. Healthy Rivers staff working with Community Development staff on a plan. Monthly meetings. Group will attend the May meeting with an update.
• Aspen Parks & Open Space Strategic Plan focus group
60
5
• Colorado Water Congress State Affairs Committee meetings Mondays 8:00 am when CO State Congress is in session
• Roaring Fork Wildfire Collaborative as applicable
• Watershed Collaborative Meetings, Board is on listserv and receives updates
• Colorado Basin Roundtable half day meetings every 2 months
• Crystal River Wild and Scenic Core Group, Collaborative, Coalition/Advocacy,
Stakeholder meetings
• Local Beaver group including CPW, USFS, BLM, RFC, Sierra Club, EcoFlight, The Roaring Fork Biodiversity Initiative, National Forest Foundation and others - no scheduled meetings
• Lincoln Creek/Grizzly/Ruby Mine Local working group ongoing Three teams have been formed; Public Comms, Short Term Water Quality Monitoring, Phase II Scope of Work is being created with completion of the Phase I project with LRE Water in December.
National Wild and Scenic Coalition Zoom every two months
• National W&S Rivers Virtual Hill Week March 2025
• Meetings on the first Friday every two months Riverscape Restoration Network Meetings with American Rivers and Audubon Rockies–
March 6 Highlights of the Feb. 20th LTPBR labor capacity issues brainstorm - what potential solution
ideas rose to the top
Three 15 presentations from 3 LTPBR project planners/leaders on what they are doing for field crew
LTPBR labor (and ideas for improving the situation) Tasker, MacDonald
Reid Whittlesey, Restoration Program Director for Rio Grande Returns, New MexicoRose
Smith, Stream and Riparian Restoration Program Manager for Sageland Collaboratives, UtahBen
LaPorte, Upper Clark Fork Project Manager for Trout Unlimited, Montana
• Beaver Working Group for the state of Colorado Next meeting April 18th
• Pitkin County Vision 2050 Comprehensive Plan Counties are required by the state of Colorado to adopt comprehensive plans as advisory documents. They provide guidance for land use and other county programs and policies. Staff working with Community Development staff on plan. Monthly meetings.
• Aspen Parks & Open Space Strategic Plan focus group
61