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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05 Agenda Packet 2026Agenda items are subject to change – Times are approximate and are also subject to change AgendaAgendaAgendaAgendaAgendaAgendaAgendaAgendaAgendaAgendaAgendaAgendaAgenda || May 21, 2026 River Park Center Second Floor Conference Room 123 Emma Road, Basalt CO 81621 TIME ITEM 4:00 pm Administrative Items Board Comment Public Comment Additions/Deletions to Agenda Approval of Minutes Staff Report 4:30 pm Outreach/Education/Grants 4:30 pm Redstone Art Foundation – Plein Air Festival Sponsorship Request 4:45 pm RWAPA – Water Conservation Valley Wide Messaging Campaign Funding Request 5:15 pm Work Progress Update – Cat Corona, River Corps Intern Policy Items 5:45 pm Infrastructure 5:45 pm Challenge Cost Share Agreement for the White River National Forest Watershed health and monitoring program including Air Quality and High Mountain Lakes Sampling, macroinvertebrate sampling, and other WRNF- Pitkin County watershed health and monitoring opportunities 6:00 pm Locations and Funding for Installation of Stream Gages 6:45 pm Open Discussion Agenda items are subject to change – Times are approximate and are also subject to change 6:15 pm Executive Session Property interest acquisition and negotiations – Roaring Fork River water rights -- discussion with counsel for the purpose of receiving legal advice pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-6-402(4)(b) discussion of property interest acquisition pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-6- 402(4)(a) and providing instruction to negotiators pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-6-402(4)(a) 7:00 pm Adjourn MINUTES PITKIN COUNTY HEALTHY RIVERS AND STREAMS BOARD REGULAR MEETING April 16, 2026 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=LF Records&cr=1 To access the meeting packet material and meeting minutes go to: http://pitkincounty.com/452/Browse-to-a-File MEMBERS PRESENT: Andre Wille, Kirstin Neff, Ned Andrews, Anne Chudolij Khuong, Matt Shmigelsky, Sam Cox, Maciej Mrotek MEMBERS ABSENT: Open Meeting Chair Neff called the meeting to order at approximately 4:04 p.m. BOARD COMMENT: Retreat thank you. PUBLIC COMMENT: None Grizzly Reservoir Repairs Update- Alan Ward, President, Twin Lakes Reservoir and Canal Co and Division Manager of Water Resources, Pueblo Water Mr. Ward updated the Board on the Grizzly Reservoir repairs occurring this year. Mr. Shmigelsky left the meeting at approximately 6:00 pm Grants and Sponsorships 2026 Water Education Colorado ( WECo) Sponsorship Request- David Grimsland, Membership & Development Manager, WECo $14,350 Chair Neff moved to recommend funding $7850 to WECO. Mr. Cox seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0. ANS (Aquatic Nuisance Species) Steering Committee Introduction & Sponsorship Request (Flylords LLC company-Zebra Mussels video)- $1,300 Roaring Fork Conservancy, Pitkin County Healthy Rivers, Pitkin County Open Space & Trails, Ruedi Water and Power Authority, City of Aspen Mr. Wille moved to fund $1300 to RFC for ANS Sponsorship. Ms. Chudolij Khuong seconded the motion. The motion carried 6/0. EcoFlight - $25,000 Overflights for both the defense and protection of public lands and healthy watersheds- Lea Linse, Conservation Policy Director, EcoFlight Mr. Wille moved to recommend $13,000 to EcoFlight for overflights for both the defense and protection of public lands and healthy watersheds with an emphasis on Wild and Scenic and beaver habitat flights Ms. Neff seconded the motion. The motion carried 6/0. Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR), University of Colorado, Boulder - $35,000 Field investigations in Lincoln Creek; Diane McKnight, Professor of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, CU INSTAAR Mr. Andres moved to recommend funding $35,000 to INSTARR. Mr. Wille seconded the motion. The motion passed 5/1 with Mr. Mrotek against. Roaring Fork Conservancy- $50,400 Support of watershed education initiatives- Megan Dean, Director of Education, Roaring Fork Conservancy Chair Neff moved to recommend funding $50,400 to support watershed education initiatives. Mr. Mrotek seconded the motion. The motion carried 6/0. Trout Unlimited (TU)- $57,423 Enable fish passage, improve environmental flow conditions, and accommodate the needs of agricultural irrigators in the face of climate change- Nancy Johnston-Bramlett, Colorado Operations Manager, Trout Unlimited Mr. Wille moved to recommend funding $10,000 to TU. Mr. Mrotek seconded the motion. The motion carried 6/0. Wilderness Workshop- $35,000 Campaign to protect the Crystal River in conjunction with the Crystal Wild and Scenic and Other Alternatives Stakeholder is two subcommittees, one pursuing an in-stream flow water right and the other a Wild and Scenic River designation- Will Roush, Executive Director: Michael Gorman, Campaign Director. Wilderness Workshop Chair Neff moved to recommend $35.000 to Wilderness Workshop. Mr. Wille seconded the motion. The motion carried 4/2 with Mr. Mrotek and Mr. Andrew against. Lincoln Creek 2026 Sampling Plan- Presentation for funding request; Chad Rudow, Water Quality Program Manager, Roaring Fork Conservancy; Kurt Dahl, Pitkin County Environmental Health Manager, Pitkin Co Mr. Mrotek moved to recommend funding the $53,080 Lincoln Creek 2026 Sampling Plan. Mr. Cox seconded the motion. The motion carried 6/0. ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING Action: Mr. Wille moved approximately 8:20 pm. Ms. Chudolij Khuong seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0. Approved: Attest: Maciej Mrotek Vice Chair Lisa MacDonald MEETING DATE: March 19 2026 Healthy Rivers Board FROM: Lisa MacDonald, Manager Ry County Attorney Anne Marie McPhee Deputy County Attorney AGENDA ITEM: Monthly Staff Report Highlights: Whitewater Park Boardwalk delivered May 15th and install planned for the week of May 18th, will take 7-8 days. Concrete tie in for ADA access. The project should wrap after that. Pre-fab restroom in state permitting phase. State is seeking information regarding wildfire building code requirements recently implemented by Pitkin County. May need to amend cedar sofit and facia outside surface area which could cause delay. Estimated delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026. Signage in design phase. Landscaping continues with most of the work complete. River Corps Member Cat Corona began work with us on April 2nd or thereabouts and will present work to date at the May meeting. New Website Launched Pitkincountyrivers.com new and improved site relaunched ANS: An Update & What Can Be Done by Maddie Baker, Invasive Species Specialist at Colorado Parks & Wildlife ANS Impacts on Stream Ecosystems: From the Macroinvertebrate Community to Fish by Kendall Bakich, Fisheries Biologist at Colorado Parks & Wildlife to Do State of the River with the River District and RFC Program information and Lincoln Creek videos presented by MacDonald and Tasker at a packed Pitkin County Library. Outreach/Education/Grants Ads are running KDNK, APR and Tricolor Scholarships complete Grants complete Education Training 2026: Colorado Water Congress Winter Conference Denver Mrotek, Shmigelsky, Anne Chudolij Khuong and attended in person. Virtual attendance Tasker RiversEdge West - 2026 Riparian Restoration Conference Grand Junction Neff , Tasker QQ March Meeting Glenwood Springs, MacDonald, Tasker, Woodruff Co River District s State of the River Aspen - MacDonald and Tasker presented. Neff, Chudolij Khuong and Andrews attended Watershed Collaborative Meeting MacDonald, Corona, Tasker, Neff, Chudolij Khuong, Poshman ONGOING Staff continues participate and/or collaborate with the following groups: Colorado Water Congress State Affairs Committee meetings Mondays am when State Congress in session- monitor each week while Legislature is session. Roaring Fork Wildfire Collaborative as applicable. Watershed Collaborative Meetings, Board on listserv and receives updates Chudolij Khuong, Tasker and MacDonald attended. Colorado Basin Roundtable half-day meetings every months 2026- January 26, March 23, May 18, July 27, Sept 28, Nov 23 Crystal River Wild Scenic Core Group, Collaborative, Coalition/Advocacy, Stakeholder meetings Local Beaver group including CPW, USFS, BLM, Roaring Fork Audubon, RFC, Sierra Club, EcoFlight, Roaring Fork Biodiversity Initiative, National Forest Foundation and others Lincoln Creek/Grizzly/Ruby Mine Lincoln Creek Workgroup Riverscape Restoration Network Meetings with American Rivers Beaver Working Group for state of Colorado AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Healthy Rivers Regular Meeting TO: Healthy Rivers Board FROM: Dione Holt, President Redstone Art Foundation SUBJECT: Plein Air Festival Sponsorship Opportunity DATE: May 21, 2026 Redstone Plein Air Festival to explore a potential partnership with Pitkin County Healthy Rivers. The plein air festival is a week-long outdoor painting festival June 22nd-28th in the Crystal Valley where 30+ professional artists capture the beauty of the valley. The Redstone Art Foundation partners with Joy & Wylde and the Redstone Gallery on the festival which culminates in a Friday evening reception and weekend exhibition. The festival brings artists and visitors into direct engagement with the landscapes of the Crystal Valley. I see a strong opportunity to incorporate a public-facing element that highlights the importance of watershed health and environmental stewardship values central to your work. We are interested in developing a program or event within the festival that aligns with your mission. Potential opportunities include a painting event along the Crystal River, an opportunity for an educational program, or an award presented by Pitkin County Healthy Rivers for the best Crystal River painting. Attached are several of the beautiful art works created during last year's event that capture the beauty of the Crystal River. collaboration. Thank you for the work you do in protecting this region. 2 May 21, 2026 Redstone Art Foundation Plein Air Festival Requested Board Action: Move to recommend a partnership level amount for the Plien Air Festival with the Redstone Art Foundation. AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Healthy Rivers Regular Meeting TO: Healthy Rivers Board FROM: Staff SUBJECT: Update on 2026 Water Conservation Public Education and Outreach Campaign Paula Stepp, Executive Director DATE: May 21, 2026 Background: Ruedi Water and Power Authority (RWAPA) requested and received a grant of $10,000 from the Pitkin County Healthy Rivers and Streams Board (HRSB) to implement a large-scale, watershed-wide education and outreach campaign in the Roaring Fork watershed. The catastrophically low snowpack in the winter of 2026 has resulted in an urgent need for valley residents and visitors to limit their use of water as we move into a summer of extremely low river flows and water availability. RWAPA has been meeting with watershed- wide stakeholders discussing a water conservation outreach campaign to water less outdoor. RWAPA hired public relation/marketing experts B2 Inc and Rainy Day Design to guide development of this campaign to limit water use that can be shared by all the communities throughout the Roaring Fork valley. The Water Less campaign was shared during lunch at the Roaring Fork Watershed Collaborative meeting on May 7. The meeting had more than 45 attendees in person and online who represented communities and special interests in the valley. Feedback from the collaborative meeting and the RWAPA Board of Directors has been incorporated into the campaign structure. The campaign includes a took kit for valley partners to use to share on their websites and through their social media: A Tool Kit of Social Media and Website Graphics Working in partnership to share this campaign on community and nonprofit websites A Conservation FAQ sheet to be shared with the public A multi-week radio campaign on paid and public radio including Radio Tricolor Press releases to go out to local media The goal is to roll out the campaign June 1, 2026. Additional funding may be sought from valley partners to expand this campaign into later summer months and to create a RWAPA website that can share this information directly. 2 February 15, 2024 Roaring Fork Conservancy Funding Request Drought Resiliency Project Executive Director, Paula Stepp, will attend the meeting to share campaign information. Budgetary Impact: None. Requested Board Action: Board feedback regarding the education and outreach campaign promoting the efficient outdoor water use and best practices to conserve water in the Roaring Fork Watershed. RFWC Campaign FAQ Draft 5/14/26 1. Why is water conservation so important this year? This year a historically low snowpack and warm temperatures have dramatically reduced the amount of water stored and available, putting unusual stress on the local rivers and streams across the Roaring Fork Watershed. This summer, when demand for outdoor watering is highest, every drop counts. Healthy river flows are critical to our communities. Our rivers support drinking water supplies, agriculture, fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, tourism, and overall ecosystem health throughout the valley. 2. What is the impact of using less water? Using less water especially outdoors during the summer months helps leave more water in local rivers and streams when . Even modest reductions in lawn irrigation across our valley can add up to a meaningful collective impact. Conservation helps maintain healthier streamflows for fish and wildlife, supports water quality, and reduces stress on local water systems during these unusually dry conditions. Small changes, multiplied across thousands of households, can make a real difference for the Roaring Fork Watershed. 3. How does my personal water use actually make a difference? a difference, but when hundreds of residents across the Roaring Fork Valley make small adjustments at the same time the combined water savings can be substantial. Watering less often, hand-watering trees and plants, fixing leaks, or letting lawns go less green during drought conditions all help reduce demand on local water systems and leave more water in our rivers and streams. Protecting the watershed is a shared effort, and individual actions are an essential part of the bigger picture. 4. How often should I water my lawn? Most lawns in the Roaring Fork Valley need far less water than many people think, even during the hottest parts of summer. In most cases, watering two to three times per week is enough to maintain a healthy lawn, especially when you water deeply and efficiently. Frequent, shallow watering often leads to weaker roots and more water loss through evaporation. Watering deeply encourages stronger root systems and helps grass become more drought-tolerant over time. lower winds allow more water to soak into the soil instead of evaporating. 5. Is watering deeper versus more frequently better for my lawn? Yes. Watering deeply and less frequently is generally healthier for lawns than watering lightly every day. Deep watering encourages grass roots to grow farther into the soil, making lawns more resilient during hot, dry periods. Shallow, frequent watering keeps moisture near the surface, which can lead to weaker root systems and increased water loss through evaporation. A lawn that is watered deeply a few times per week will typically stay healthier and use water more efficiently than one that receives small amounts of water every day. 6. Should I still water my trees? Yes. Mature trees provide important environmental benefits and can be expensive or difficult to replace, so keeping them healthy during dry conditions is important. Trees generally benefit more from slow, deep watering than frequent shallow watering from sprinkleers. Prioritizing trees and established plants over lawns is one of the most effective ways to reduce outdoor water use while still protecting valuable landscaping. If possible, water trees at the drip line, the area beneath the outer edge of the branches , and water during cooler evening or early morning hours to reduce evaporation. 7. If my grass turns brown is it dead? No, not necessarily. In most cases, temporary browning is a normal and healthy response to drought conditions. During hot, dry periods, many types of grass naturally go dormant and turn brown as a way to conserve water. Dormant grass is often still alive and can recover when cooler temps and more moisture return. So, while some watering may still be needed to keep roots healthy during extended drought, allowing a lawn to become less green for part of the summer does not usually mean it has died. 8. What time of day is best to water my lawn? The best time to water your lawn is late evening, overnight, or during the early morning hours, when temperatures are cooler and winds are lower. Avoid watering during the afternoon whenever possible, especially during hot or windy conditions. Watering during the hottest part of the day can lead to significant evaporation, 9. What are some tips to help me save water outside? There are many simple ways to reduce outdoor water use without sacrificing the health of your landscape: Water lawns less often, but more deeply Water at night or during early morning hours Check irrigation systems for leaks or overspray Adjust sprinklers so they water plants, not pavement Hand-water trees, shrubs, and gardens when possible Let lawns go less green during hot or dry periods Use mulch around plants and trees to help retain moisture Consider reducing the size of high-water-use lawn areas by converting to xeriscaping Even small changes can make a meaningful difference when adopted across the community. 10. Do I need to replace my landscaping? No. Water conservation does not mean you need to completely replace your landscaping. Many homeowners can significantly reduce outdoor water use through simple changes like watering less often, improving irrigation efficiency, using mulch, or allowing lawns to go less green during dry periods. However, you certainly can reduce water use by incorporating more drought-tolerant or climate-appropriate plants into your landscape. Xeriscaping, involves reducing or replacing turf grass with native grasses, shrubs, trees, and low-water plants that are well-suited climate. Xeriscaping is a water-wise solution that creates attractive outdoor spaces while also reducing maintenance time and costs. 11. What does being A watershed includes all the land and waterways that drain into the same river system. In the Roaring Fork Valley, that means our homes, neighborhoods, landscapes, and communities are all connected to the health of the Roaring Fork, Frying Pan, and Crystal rivers. local environment, especially our rivers and streams, is directly connected to the choices we make every day. It is about making thoughtful, practical decisions that help protect local water resources, from watering more efficiently to reducing unnecessary outdoor water use during dry conditions. Small individual actions, taken together across the community, can have a meaningful impact on the long-term health of our rivers. 12. Where can I find information about watering restrictions for my neighborhood? Watering restrictions and guidelines can vary depending on your municipality, water district, or homeowners association. Staying informed helps ensure the community is working together to protect the Roaring Fork Watershed during dry periods. website. Specific sources? RFC? 13. What is the Roaring Fork Watershed Collaborative? The Roaring Fork Watershed Collaborative is a regional partnership of local governments, water providers, nonprofit organizations, and community partners working together to promote water conservation and protect the health of the Roaring Fork Watershed. The Collaborative helps coordinate public education efforts, share resources, and encourage practical water-saving actions across the valley, especially during periods of drought and low streamflow. By working together across jurisdictions and communities, the Roaring Fork Watershed Collaborative aims to support long-term watershed health and build greater awareness about the connection between everyday water use and the rivers that sustain the Roaring Fork Valley. AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Healthy Rivers Regular Meeting TO: Healthy Rivers Board FROM: Staff SUBJECT: Update on 2026 Water Conservation Public Education and Outreach Campaign Paula Stepp, Executive Director DATE: May 21, 2026 Background: Ruedi Water and Power Authority (RWAPA) requested and received a grant of $10,000 from the Pitkin County Healthy Rivers and Streams Board (HRSB) to implement a large-scale, watershed-wide education and outreach campaign in the Roaring Fork watershed. The catastrophically low snowpack in the winter of 2026 has resulted in an urgent need for valley residents and visitors to limit their use of water as we move into a summer of extremely low river flows and water availability. RWAPA has been meeting with watershed- wide stakeholders discussing a water conservation outreach campaign to water less outdoor. RWAPA hired public relation/marketing experts B2 Inc and Rainy Day Design to guide development of this campaign to limit water use that can be shared by all the communities throughout the Roaring Fork valley. The Water Less campaign was shared during lunch at the Roaring Fork Watershed Collaborative meeting on May 7. The meeting had more than 45 attendees in person and online who represented communities and special interests in the valley. Feedback from the collaborative meeting and the RWAPA Board of Directors has been incorporated into the campaign structure. The campaign includes a took kit for valley partners to use to share on their websites and through their social media: A Tool Kit of Social Media and Website Graphics Working in partnership to share this campaign on community and nonprofit websites A Conservation FAQ sheet to be shared with the public A multi-week radio campaign on paid and public radio including Radio Tricolor Press releases to go out to local media The goal is to roll out the campaign June 1, 2026. Additional funding may be sought from valley partners to expand this campaign into later summer months and to create a RWAPA website that can share this information directly. 2 February 15, 2024 Roaring Fork Conservancy Funding Request Drought Resiliency Project Executive Director, Paula Stepp, will attend the meeting to share campaign information. Budgetary Impact: None. Requested Board Action: Board feedback regarding the education and outreach campaign promoting the efficient outdoor water use and best practices to conserve water in the Roaring Fork Watershed. RFWC Campaign FAQ Draft 5/14/26 1. Why is water conservation so important this year? This year a historically low snowpack and warm temperatures have dramatically reduced the amount of water stored and available, putting unusual stress on the local rivers and streams across the Roaring Fork Watershed. This summer, when demand for outdoor watering is highest, every drop counts. Healthy river flows are critical to our communities. Our rivers support drinking water supplies, agriculture, fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, tourism, and overall ecosystem health throughout the valley. 2. What is the impact of using less water? Using less water especially outdoors during the summer months helps leave more water in local rivers and streams when . Even modest reductions in lawn irrigation across our valley can add up to a meaningful collective impact. Conservation helps maintain healthier streamflows for fish and wildlife, supports water quality, and reduces stress on local water systems during these unusually dry conditions. Small changes, multiplied across thousands of households, can make a real difference for the Roaring Fork Watershed. 3. How does my personal water use actually make a difference? a difference, but when hundreds of residents across the Roaring Fork Valley make small adjustments at the same time the combined water savings can be substantial. Watering less often, hand-watering trees and plants, fixing leaks, or letting lawns go less green during drought conditions all help reduce demand on local water systems and leave more water in our rivers and streams. Protecting the watershed is a shared effort, and individual actions are an essential part of the bigger picture. 4. How often should I water my lawn? Most lawns in the Roaring Fork Valley need far less water than many people think, even during the hottest parts of summer. In most cases, watering two to three times per week is enough to maintain a healthy lawn, especially when you water deeply and efficiently. Frequent, shallow watering often leads to weaker roots and more water loss through evaporation. Watering deeply encourages stronger root systems and helps grass become more drought-tolerant over time. lower winds allow more water to soak into the soil instead of evaporating. 5. Is watering deeper versus more frequently better for my lawn? Yes. Watering deeply and less frequently is generally healthier for lawns than watering lightly every day. Deep watering encourages grass roots to grow farther into the soil, making lawns more resilient during hot, dry periods. Shallow, frequent watering keeps moisture near the surface, which can lead to weaker root systems and increased water loss through evaporation. A lawn that is watered deeply a few times per week will typically stay healthier and use water more efficiently than one that receives small amounts of water every day. 6. Should I still water my trees? Yes. Mature trees provide important environmental benefits and can be expensive or difficult to replace, so keeping them healthy during dry conditions is important. Trees generally benefit more from slow, deep watering than frequent shallow watering from sprinkleers. Prioritizing trees and established plants over lawns is one of the most effective ways to reduce outdoor water use while still protecting valuable landscaping. If possible, water trees at the drip line, the area beneath the outer edge of the branches , and water during cooler evening or early morning hours to reduce evaporation. 7. If my grass turns brown is it dead? No, not necessarily. In most cases, temporary browning is a normal and healthy response to drought conditions. During hot, dry periods, many types of grass naturally go dormant and turn brown as a way to conserve water. Dormant grass is often still alive and can recover when cooler temps and more moisture return. So, while some watering may still be needed to keep roots healthy during extended drought, allowing a lawn to become less green for part of the summer does not usually mean it has died. 8. What time of day is best to water my lawn? The best time to water your lawn is late evening, overnight, or during the early morning hours, when temperatures are cooler and winds are lower. Avoid watering during the afternoon whenever possible, especially during hot or windy conditions. Watering during the hottest part of the day can lead to significant evaporation, 9. What are some tips to help me save water outside? There are many simple ways to reduce outdoor water use without sacrificing the health of your landscape: Water lawns less often, but more deeply Water at night or during early morning hours Check irrigation systems for leaks or overspray Adjust sprinklers so they water plants, not pavement Hand-water trees, shrubs, and gardens when possible Let lawns go less green during hot or dry periods Use mulch around plants and trees to help retain moisture Consider reducing the size of high-water-use lawn areas by converting to xeriscaping Even small changes can make a meaningful difference when adopted across the community. 10. Do I need to replace my landscaping? No. Water conservation does not mean you need to completely replace your landscaping. Many homeowners can significantly reduce outdoor water use through simple changes like watering less often, improving irrigation efficiency, using mulch, or allowing lawns to go less green during dry periods. However, you certainly can reduce water use by incorporating more drought-tolerant or climate-appropriate plants into your landscape. Xeriscaping, involves reducing or replacing turf grass with native grasses, shrubs, trees, and low-water plants that are well-suited climate. Xeriscaping is a water-wise solution that creates attractive outdoor spaces while also reducing maintenance time and costs. 11. What does being A watershed includes all the land and waterways that drain into the same river system. In the Roaring Fork Valley, that means our homes, neighborhoods, landscapes, and communities are all connected to the health of the Roaring Fork, Frying Pan, and Crystal rivers. local environment, especially our rivers and streams, is directly connected to the choices we make every day. It is about making thoughtful, practical decisions that help protect local water resources, from watering more efficiently to reducing unnecessary outdoor water use during dry conditions. Small individual actions, taken together across the community, can have a meaningful impact on the long-term health of our rivers. 12. Where can I find information about watering restrictions for my neighborhood? Watering restrictions and guidelines can vary depending on your municipality, water district, or homeowners association. Staying informed helps ensure the community is working together to protect the Roaring Fork Watershed during dry periods. website. Specific sources? RFC? 13. What is the Roaring Fork Watershed Collaborative? The Roaring Fork Watershed Collaborative is a regional partnership of local governments, water providers, nonprofit organizations, and community partners working together to promote water conservation and protect the health of the Roaring Fork Watershed. The Collaborative helps coordinate public education efforts, share resources, and encourage practical water-saving actions across the valley, especially during periods of drought and low streamflow. By working together across jurisdictions and communities, the Roaring Fork Watershed Collaborative aims to support long-term watershed health and build greater awareness about the connection between everyday water use and the rivers that sustain the Roaring Fork Valley. AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Healthy Rivers Regular Meeting TO: Healthy Rivers Board FROM: Lisa MacDonald, Manager Cole Green-Smith, USFS Hydrologist SUBJECT: Challenge Cost Share Agreement for the White River National Forest Watershed health and monitoring program including Air Quality and High Mountain Lakes Sampling, macroinvertebrate sampling, and other WRNF- Pitkin County watershed health and monitoring opportunities DATE: May 21, 2026 Air quality and lake sampling - The WRNF air quality and high mountain lakes sampling program consists of fifteen high mountain lakes sampled 3X/yr, and two air quality stations sampled weekly. These datasets are part of national networks which have been operating for approximately 40 years. The travel, sampling and lab coordination for these programs is covered by labor costs. The air quality monitoring consists of one National Atmospheric Deposition (NADP) site which measures chemical constituents in precipitation and one Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) site which measures visibility and aerosol conditions in mandatory Class I areas. The NADP data is processed at a lab in Madison, WI and the IMPROVE data are processed at UC Davis, CA. These data are used to evaluate long term air quality and deposition chemistry at a regional scale. The sites serve as proxies for Maroon Bells-Snowmass, West Elk, Eagles Nest and Flat Tops Wilderness areas. The high mountain lakes sample lab analysis is conducted by Rocky Mountain Research Station in Fort Collins, CO. These data are used to inform long term anthropogenic and climate inputs and the associated responses of wilderness aquatic ecosystems. Macroinvertebrate sampling WRNF conducts annual macroinvertebrate sampling to track aquatic ecosystem and stream health across the Roaring Fork watershed. The data are the primary measure for aquatic health used to classify watershed conditions and evaluate ecosystem impacts from various effects (i.e. wildfire, timber harvest, ski area development, acid mine and rock drainage). The cost reflects the lab analysis conducted in Fort Collins, CO. 2 May 21, 2026 Challenge Cost Share Agreement for the White River National Forest Monitoring equipment and supplies The WRNF hydrologist and aquatic biologist use a variety of equipment every year to monitor watershed health and implement a variety of projects (i.e. flow analysis for BDA installations and water depletions, Lincoln Creek and Grizzly Reservoir monitoring, stream surveys, water quality sampling, stream temperature monitoring, evaluating wetland health and groundwater monitoring). This equipment requires maintenance and consumable parts like data loggers, batteries and installation hardware. The cost reflects equipment purchased annually by WRNF to continue watershed health monitoring. The WRNF has funds to cover $20,000/yr for macroinvertebrate sampling and analysis, $10,000/yr for high mountain lake sampling analysis, $15,000/yr to partially cover air quality sampling and high mountain lake sampling labor, and $4,000/yr for monitoring equipment and supplies. (WRNF contribution - $49,000/yr). The associated WRNF staff time is not considered in these contributions. The River Board recommended funding in 2026 for the Air Quality and High Mountain Lakes Sampling Program in the amount of $40,000. In addition, the Board also recommended funding the macroinvertebrate sampling program with the USFS for $15,000. In order to effectuate the funding to the USFS, we need to enter into a new funding agreement with the USFS other than the already existing Collection Agreement for the beaver inventory and Grizzly sampling that exists until 2027. We are seeking a recommendation from the River Board to the BOCC to enter into a new Challenge Cost Share Agreement that will continue funding for the sampling and other opportunities and to allow for amendments to project scopes provided there are funds allocated and appropriated for such projects each budget year and such projects are vetted by Healthy Rivers staff and Board Requested Board Action: Move to recommend the BOCC enter into a new Challenge Cost Share agreement with the USFS for $45,000. AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Healthy Rivers Regular Meeting TO: Healthy Rivers Board FROM: Anne Marie McPhee, Deputy County Attorney Lisa MacDonald, Manager SUBJECT: Locations and Funding for Installation of Stream Gages DATE: May 21, 2026 ISSUE STATEMENT: The Healthy Rivers and Streams Board and staff have been investigating appropriate locations for the installation of stream gages within key reaches of the Roaring Fork watershed. These gages would serve to improve measurement and monitoring of streamflow conditions in order to protect existing and potential instream flow rights, support water administration, and ensure that water rights are effectively enforced and managed. BACKGROUND: The protection of instream flow rights and administration of other water rights depend upon accurate hydrologic data to determine whether protected flow levels are being met, when stream conditions are approaching critical thresholds, and whether upstream diversions or operational changes are affecting river conditions. Many stream reaches in the Roaring Fork watershed currently lack sufficient real-time monitoring infrastructure. Existing data is inadequate in many locations to support effective administration of water rights during periods of drought, low runoff, or changing operational conditions such as we are currently experiencing. Without reliable flow measurements, it is difficult to quantify hydrologic conditions, document potential injuries to instream flow rights, and ensure accurate administration of water rights. Installation of stream gages provides several important benefits: Protection of Instream Flow Rights: Stream gages provide the data necessary to determine whether legally protected instream flow targets are being achieved and allow for administration protecting those instream flow rights. Maintaining adequate stream flows supports aquatic habitat, fish populations, riparian vegetation, water quality, and overall river ecosystem health. 2 May 21, 2026 Locations and Funding for Installation of Stream Gages Improved Water Administration: Accurate flow measurements assist water commissioners, water providers, and water right holders in administering diversions, exchanges, bypasses, and reservoir releases. This data also helps with coordinating timed releases and bypasses to maximize environmental benefits during critical low-flow periods. Drought and Climate Resilience: Continuous hydrologic monitoring improves understanding of changing runoff patterns, drought impacts, and long-term watershed conditions, allowing for more adaptive water management strategies. Data for Planning and Grant Funding: Reliable streamflow records strengthen future grant applications, water planning efforts, environmental studies, and interagency coordination. In conjunction with our water engineers, staff have identified several potential locations for the installation of new gages. Two locations, Snowmass Creek and the Roaring Fork dam on Independence Pass, have risen to the top in terms of priority, although there are several other locations that could also benefit from the installation of gages. Snowmass Creek: There are several water rights on Snowmass Creek that are junior the Division of Water Resources is not willing to administer the instream flow right. Installation of a gage close to the confluence with the Roaring Fork would enable the DWR to administer the existing instream flow right. Ned Andrews and others have been in discussions with landowners on Snowmass Creek about the possibility of installing gages on their properties but the CWCB, which holds the instream flow rights, has indicated they prefer different locations. Staff is currently coordinating a site visit with CWCB staff to determine the best location(s) for a gage. Once agreed upon, staff would proceed to arrange for the installation of the gage(s). Independence Pass: On Independence Pass, there is already a gage in place immediately downstream of the dam on the Roaring Fork River near Lost Man Campground. The gage has not been used since 2009 but could be brought back into use inexpensively. The USGS is anxious to rehabilitate this gage and the Healthy Rivers Board has already appropriated funds for this project. This gage would not be used for administering instream flow rights but with the increasing emphasis on bypasses of water from the Independence Pass Transmountain Diversion System to the Roaring Fork, the gage would be helpful in both accurately measuring bypasses and enabling bypasses of higher quality water from the Roaring Fork River rather than from Lincoln Creek. Salvation Ditch: A device measuring diversions into the Salvation Ditch has also been a high priority as it would allow administration of the instream flow right between Difficult Creek and Maroon Creek based on the Roaring Fork Near Aspen Gage located just upstream of the Salvation Ditch. That device would allow the DWR to calculate actual flows in the river below the Salvation Ditch. Unfortunately, the Salvation Ditch Company has not been willing to allow installation of such a measuring device. We understand that other entities are actively trying to reach an agreement with the Salvation Ditch Company for that same reason. 3 May 21, 2026 Locations and Funding for Installation of Stream Gages We are also trying to find if there is another location in the vicinity that might be suitable for a gage. FISCAL IMPACT: Costs associated with stream gage installation may include equipment procurement, telemetry systems, solar power components, engineering and calibration services, permitting, temperature, and ongoing maintenance and data management. See attached quote for the proposed stream gage on the Roaring Fork River above Lost Man Creek. The RF River above Lost Man would be a seasonal operation from May 1st to Oct 31 to coincide with Independence Pass access. The County can choose year by year or multi-year agreements with the USGS to maintain. The multi-year agreements have an established percent increase to O&M within them. That can range from 2 to 5% per year but has typically resulted in less than the yearly O&M increases. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the proposed stream gage installations and associated operational, repair and maintenance costs and enter into a multi-year agreement with the USGS and use the stream gage funds appropriated in the 2026 budget. Requested Board Action: Move to approve the proposed stream gage installation sites and associated operation and maintenance costs and recommend to the BOCC to enter into a multiyear agreement with the USGS for maintenance provided funding is appropriated annually. Th i s q u o t e p r e s u m e s a n y e a r l y o p e r a t i o n a l p e r i o d o f M a y 1 t h r o u g h O c t o b e r 3 1 ( 6 m o s ) . 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