Background Statement
The Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area (Cache NHA) is one of 62 National Heritage Areas that have been designated by Congress as places where natural, cultural, and historic resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally important landscape.
Through their resources, NHAs tell nationally important stories that celebrate our nation’s diverse heritage. NHAs are lived-in landscapes. Consequently, NHA entities collaborate with communities to determine how to make heritage relevant to local interests and needs.
Established in 1996, with official legislative designation as the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area following in 2009, Cache NHA follows 45 miles of the lower "working Cache." Along this river section you can see reservoirs, pipelines, diversion ditches, pumps - all reminders of the long struggle to sustain a viable agricultural economy and meet the growing needs of an expanding population, while conserving the river's health.
And, because the Poudre River is also a premiere recreation and learning destination, you will find people tubing, kayaking, rafting, exploring, studying, fishing, wading, walking, biking and more!
The Poudre Heritage Alliance, managing nonprofit entity of Cache NHA, launched in 2003 and immediately started working with partners in Larimer and Weld County, as well as the National Park Service, to develop the National Heritage Area's Management Plan.
The Poudre River is vital to northern Colorado for many reasons:
• The Poudre River basin laid the foundation for western water law, water management
and the evolution of complex water delivery systems.
• More than 634,000 Coloradoans currently depend on the Cache la Poudre River.
• Cache NHA generates an estimated $81.6 million dollars per year for the local economy.
The Cache la Poudre River flows through Colorado's history, linking its people, history, and arteries of commerce. It has been counted on for moments of great drama, and for attracting its share of characters. Whether the Poudre's benefits are emotional or economical, there is no denying its appeal.