Thirty-seven years ago, Western Rivers Conservancy (WRC) set out to protect the finest remaining rivers in the West. The idea was simple: Buy land along rivers and convey it to the best long-term steward available, delivering permanent protection and public access for all.
Our efforts have paid off. In Colorado, WRC has conserved 23,392 acres and 28 miles along 12 rivers and streams. WRC recently protected 1,860 acres along five miles of Tarryall Creek, a principal tributary to the South Platte River. WRC conveyed the property to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to be managed for its outstanding conservation and recreation values. WRC also conserved 120 acres along a quarter mile of Michigan Creek with CPW. The property is now the Michigan Creek State Wildlife Area, conserving habitat for fish and wildlife and creating new public access for anglers, hunters and wildlife viewers.
In the headwaters of the Dolores River, WRC conserved 160 acres and conveyed it to the San Juan National Forest, delivering public access to several popular trails. WRC opened new access to more than 80,000 acres of public lands by conserving Cross Mountain Canyon Ranch on the Yampa River. We protected lands along the Gunnison River by expanding the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. In Alamosa, we established the Alamosa Riparian Park to preserve a mile of the Rio Grande and create outstanding new recreational opportunities along its banks. Over the past 37 years, WRC has created sanctuaries for fish and wildlife along 260 rivers and streams around the West, protecting 453 river miles and over 227,748 acres of land in nine states.
In the coming year, WRC is working to protect more than 46,000 acres and over 30 river miles along five of Colorado’s finest rivers and streams.
Testimonials
"At times when our rivers face what seem like insurmountable challenge, I see Western Rivers Conservancy is a real beacon of hope. It goes after the right properties on the right rivers, with results that are beneficial to fish, wildlife and exactly what we need to enhance public access."
Darcy Saiget, Retired Fish Biologist, U.S. Forest Service, WRC Board Member Emeritus
Western Rivers Conservancy’s mission is to protect outstanding river ecosystems in the western United States. We acquire land to conserve critical habitat for fish and wildlife, protect key sources of cold water, provide public access for compatible use and enjoyment, and cooperate with other agencies and organizations to secure the health of whole ecosystems.
WRC is the only organization dedicated exclusively to saving the great rivers of the West through land acquisition. Our approach is to identify strategic stream reaches and gaps in protection, bring together partners, negotiate land purchases, secure short‐term funding to hold properties, arrange long‐term funding, and work with permanent stewards to ensure enduring habitat protection and compatible recreational access. Our vision is to establish sanctuaries on the healthiest, species-rich rivers in each ecoregion. In the face of mounting conservation challenges, we believe these sanctuaries will sustain the well-being of human and natural communities and uphold biological diversity in an age of climate change.
Organization name
Western Rivers Conservancy
other names
WRC
2001
Category
Environment
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
71 SW Oak Street, Suite 100Headquarters
71 SW Oak Street, Suite 100Mailing
71 SW Oak Street, Suite 100OR, US
CO, US