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Blue River WAtershed Group |
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 |
Protect |
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!
Project Highlights
Citizen ScienceCommunity members monitor river temperatures to support habitat research on the Blue River
Where: Frisco and Silverthorne, CO When: Year-round, flexible volunteer hours Volunteers "adopt" a temperature logger by checking in on it monthly or so, ensuring it is submerged, and downloading data onto a user friendly phone app. |
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Swan River Restoration30 foot deep dredge rock piles from historic mining have buried the flowing swan river for over 120 years! Help us finish the second half of the project and bring surface flows back, restore ecosystem function, and re-connect 43 miles of perennial stream for fish passage and nutrient transport.
Support Us: Support the Swan River Restoration by supporting the crushing permit submitted to Summit County by Peak Materials. Crushing the rock creates a desirable material that is used in road and building construction. The coble dredge rock is a much less marketable material and will take ~20 years to remove. By crushing the rock we can remove the rock in under 5 years and start restoration asap! Open House Information Meeting: Date and time TBD |
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Integrated Water Management planBRWG along with our partner, Trout Unlimited, has developed an Integrated Water Management Plan (IWMP) that provides a roadmap for future water use, restoration projects, and other solutions to the issues that currently threaten the health of the watershed. This project is our primary focus and the IWMP will guide the strategic direction of BRWG for the next several years.
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Photos by Heather Distad Photography and John Fielder