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Blue River Watershed Group |
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Support the Blue River Watershed Group
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Who we are
We are the Blue River Watershed Group, a non-profit organization based on Summit County Colorado who's mission is to promote, protect, and restore the Blue River Watershed.
Promote
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Protect
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Restore
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What we do |
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Community Education - Partnering with organizations throughout Summit County, we create programming and hold presentations to increase community knowledge around issues facing the watershed.
Watershed Stewardship - Through scientifically backed methods, BRWG ensures the Blue River will remain a valuable and enjoyable resource for our community and a haven for wildlife. We engage the community to become a part of these stewardship initiatives through citizen science programs, River Clean-Up Festivals, and other volunteer opportunities. |
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River Restoration - Summit county's long and varied mining history has left abandoned mines scattered throughout our watershed. Our projects include restoration and stabilization of these mines which leach and drain contaminants into the Blue River and disconnect sections of rivers through large tailings piles which occlude the waterway. This vital work restores stream connectivity, protects the watershed from leaching mines, and works to revegetate and revitalize these areas. Peru Creek, 10 Mile Creek, and the first half of the Swan River Restoration are all drainages which have benefited from these projects.
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Watershed Planning - BRWG and partnering organizations prepare guidelines based on research and environmental studies which serve as roadmaps to ensure our work stays focused on the most important issues facing the Blue River watershed. These management plans span time and cover vast areas of the watershed, creating a comprehensive plan for restoring and protecting the Blue River and its tributaries. Read more about our organization here. |
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Our Work
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BRWG accomplishes its mission through collaborative restoration projects, river cleanup festivals, volunteer opportunities, as well as educational presentations and events. We have completed several important restoration projects including the Tenmile Creek stream restoration project, Snake River and Peru Creek historical mining restoration work, and the first half of the Swan River Restoration. Read more about our completed projects here.
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In addition to our work on the ground, we also develop watershed planning resources including the Snake River
Watershed Plan, the Swan River Restoration Design Plan, and the Integrated Water Management Plan in partnership with Trout Unlimited. The Integrated Water Management Plan is currently serving to guide our work and help our partnering organizations coordinate efforts to help restore the Blue River.
Watershed Plan, the Swan River Restoration Design Plan, and the Integrated Water Management Plan in partnership with Trout Unlimited. The Integrated Water Management Plan is currently serving to guide our work and help our partnering organizations coordinate efforts to help restore the Blue River.
Our current projects include the second half of the Swan River Restoration Project. This collaborative, multi-phase project is located in the upper Swan River drainage near the Town of Breckenridge and is designed to address damage caused to the Swan River as a result of historical dredge mining.
Part of this project will include improving an existing fish barrier to help support a population of native Cutthroat Trout. Read more about the Swan River Restoration and the Swan River Fish Barrier.
We are also spearheading the Summit County Outdoor Coalition. This partnership is part of the Regional Partnership Initiatives with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). Together with local organizations and alongside other coalitions, we have formed the Summit County Outdoor Coalition to join a statewide initiative working to ensure that Colorado’s land, water, and wildlife thrive while also providing for equitable and quality outdoor recreation experiences. The goal of the coalition is to best manage the impacts of growth in outdoor recreation and best support ecosystem health in a changing climate.
Part of this project will include improving an existing fish barrier to help support a population of native Cutthroat Trout. Read more about the Swan River Restoration and the Swan River Fish Barrier.
We are also spearheading the Summit County Outdoor Coalition. This partnership is part of the Regional Partnership Initiatives with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). Together with local organizations and alongside other coalitions, we have formed the Summit County Outdoor Coalition to join a statewide initiative working to ensure that Colorado’s land, water, and wildlife thrive while also providing for equitable and quality outdoor recreation experiences. The goal of the coalition is to best manage the impacts of growth in outdoor recreation and best support ecosystem health in a changing climate.
How you can help
When you make a commitment to volunteer, donate, or become a supporting member of the Blue River Watershed Group, you become a partner in advocating for the health and conservation of the rivers and streams in our community. Your contribution makes it possible for us to continue our important work in the watershed!
