Pagosa Gateway Film Documentary

The Pagosa Gateway River Project is the first major river restoration effort undertaken by the Upper San Jan Watershed Enhancement Partnership (WEP), marking a pivotal step in our mission to protect and enhance the Upper San Juan River Basin for the benefit of our community. However, many local residents remain unfamiliar with the concept of river restoration and the vital role WEP plays in safeguarding our water resources. This knowledge gap is especially critical in Southwest Colorado, where rising temperatures, prolonged drought, and the increasing threat of wildfires pose significant challenges to our water sources. Without public awareness and understanding, the community may not fully grasp the long-term benefits of restoration or support future efforts.

Your donation will fund a 5-7 minute educational film that highlights the Pagosa Gateway Project’s transformative impacts on the river’s ecological health and recreational value. By documenting the project’s benefits such as improved aquatic habitat, enhanced water quality, increased safety for river users, and strengthened resilience to low-flow conditions, the film will serve as a compelling tool to engage the community. It will demonstrate the importance of community collaboration and underscore how projects like these are essential to sustaining the natural and economic well-being of Pagosa Springs. Most importantly, this film will inspire pride, build support for future restoration projects, and foster a deeper commitment to the stewardship of our water resources.

Timeline of the project:

The Pagosa Gateway River project is currently at the 100% design phase. Next steps:

• Design script and storyboard with videographer for film spring 2025

• Obtain drone footage of the 2 mile stretch of river before construction begins: June-August 2025

• Shoot drone footage during construction: September-November 15, 2025

• Secure video footage of completed project with interviews with stakeholders: Late November- early December 2025 and again in spring 2026.

• Complete video 2026 premier video spring 2026 at a public event with guest expert speakers in watershed restoration and engage public with Q & A.