Blue River Watershed Group

A nonprofit organization

$6,464 raised by 37 donors

54% complete

$12,000 Goal

As water shortages and water quality issues plague the West, the Blue River is increasingly threatened. Now is the time to act. All of us who rely on the water the Blue River provides need to join the movement to protect and restore a healthy watershed for the benefit of the watershed, the wildlife that depends on it, and the communities who recreate and rely on it. Your donation goes directly to habitat restoration projects and water management plans in the Blue River watershed. We utilize your contributions to provide educational opportunities for youth and adults, bringing in experts to make sure our community is informed as well as providing hands-on volunteer opportunities for our community.

Will you show your support by donating today and boost our efforts to restore and protect our Blue River and surrounding lands? 

Testimonials

"BRWG is a key organization in problem solving of consumptive/non-consumptive water management issues in the Watershed. In the future, the need for their leadership is going to be paramount due to the affects of climate change and the rapid population increase in the State of Colorado... They have a unique ability to communicate and resolve water issues across the Watershed. They also play a key role in educating the public on "all things water" which is vital for community support and understanding." Greg Hardy - Vice President: Colorado Trout Unlimited

"We are excited and inspired by the BRWG's organizational mission and ongoing efforts to improve ecological function and services of the Blue River" Rachel Zerowin - Community Programs Director: High Country Conservation Center

"Since BRWG was formed in 2004, they have been instrumental in several important restoration and planning projects in the watershed. Most significantly, BRWG partnered with Trout Unlimited to complete phase one of an Integrated Water Management Plan for the valley." Mike Looney - Senior Slope Maintenance & Snowmaking Manager: Copper Mountain Resor

Mission

Our mission is to promote, protect, and restore a healthy Blue River watershed through collaborative community education, stewardship, and resource management. We focus on the entire watershed, which drains approximately 680 sq miles covering all of Summit County. Our work includes the Blue River, its tributaries, and surrounding lands.

Background Statement

The Blue River Watershed Group (BRWG) was founded in 2004 by a group of community members who were passionate about protecting and preserving the health of the Blue River basin. Over the years, we have worked on several important stream restoration projects such as the Swan River Restoration, Peru Creek mine mitigation projects, and Tenmile Creek restoration project. This work enhanced floodplain connectivity, fish habitat quality, wetlands function, and improved recreational opportunities as well as public access.

Watershed planning and management is also a core aspect of our work and we have collaborated to create several water management plans, including the Snake River Watershed Plan and the Integrated Water Management Plan. With Trout Unlimited, BRWG's Integrated Water Management Plan identifies and implements restoration projects that will improve the health of the Blue River below the Dillon Dam.

Access and education are integral to our success. BRWG strongly believes that we need engaged and educated community members who are invested in our work and believe in the value of recreating in healthy outdoor spaces. To meet this need, BRWG holds collaborative, educational events throughout the county, provides engagement opportunities such as river cleanups, native plantings, and volunteer citizen science events, and brings in experts from around Colorado during the annual State of the River conference. We also partner with local organizations to provide youth and STEM with experiential education opportunities throughout the year.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Blue River Watershed Group

other names

BRWG, Blue River Watershed Group

Year Established

2004

Tax id (EIN)

20-1771307

Category

Environment

Organization Size

Small Organization

Address

P.O. Box 867
Silverthorne, CO 80498

Service areas

Summit County, CO, US

Phone

719-838-1525

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