|
Blue River WAtershed Group |
Who we are
The Blue River Watershed Group is a non-profit focused on protecting the Blue River and surrounding lands. Founded in 2004, our mission is to promote, protect, and restore a healthy Blue River watershed through community education, watershed stewardship, and resource management. We focus on the entire watershed, which drains an area of about 680 square miles covering all of Summit County and forms a major tributary of the upper Colorado River.
Read more about our organization here.
Read more about our organization here.
What we do
|
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.
|
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 Watershed Management Plan in partnership with Trout Unlimited. The Integrated Watershed 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 Watershed Management Plan in partnership with Trout Unlimited. The Integrated Watershed 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!
Upcoming 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. |
|
Willow PlantingRestoration requires revegetation. Help the Swan River by planting willows on banks to support habitat and control erosion. Its fun, its simple, it makes a HUGE difference!
Where: Swan River When: May 27, 2023 Time: 9am-12:30pm Sign up: With Friends of the Dillon Ranger District and select the Willow Planting event. |
|
|
|
Restore the Fishery
|
Learn more about how the community is coming together to restore the Blue River fishery from Silverthorne to Green Mountain Reservoir. Join the cause
|
Integrated Water Management planBRWG is currently working closely with our partner, Trout Unlimited, to develop an Integrated Water Management Plan (IWMP) that will provide 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 once it is completed the IWMP will guide the strategic direction of BRWG for the next several years. We need your input! What are your main concerns for the health of our watershed? Please complete our short survey to share your perspective.
|
Read more about the Integrated Water Management Plan
|
BRWG Continuing Sponsors
|
|
|
Photos by Heather Distad Photography and John Fielder
