Have you cared enough for water?*

Our watershed needs more care – water quality is degraded by pollution from abandoned mine wastes, and periods of drought threaten our ranches and environment. Please support the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership as we and our partners continue our hard work to address these issues.

In 2022, UWP will continue to implement these activities and projects:

  • Abandoned mine remediation at the Terrible and Virginius Mines in Governor Basin above Ouray (construction will take place, after three years of planning, design and contract creation with partners), and planning for a future remediation effort;
  • Monthly and project-specific water sampling at more than 10 locations from streams at 10,000 feet to rivers and creeks on the Uncompahgre Valley floor;
  • Watershed education at Ridgway RiverFest, water conservation talks, and tours, as well as in classrooms and school field trips;
  • Clean-ups and riparian restoration efforts at Rollans Park, Ridgway State Park, and Ouray Ice Park;
  • Sustainable Recreation collaborations that promote safer and more responsible river and lake recreation; and
  • Scientific support and advocating for local stakeholders during public processes related to watershed resources.

2022 will be an important year for UWP and we need your financial support as much as ever! Grants cover our major projects, but cannot be used to cover many ongoing administrative expenses. Fundraising activities at community events help, but donations from individuals and businesses are critical.

The future of our watershed depends on the generosity of caring community members like you. Please donate what you can during this year-end membership/fundraising drive.

Your donations are tax deductible, and contributions of $100 or more also qualify for a 25% tax credit against your Colorado income taxes.

And, join or renew as a member so you and your family can become part of the team working to protect and restore the Uncompahgre River.

THANK YOU!

From the Board and Staff of the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership

Membership/Donation Form

*From the words of Chief Dan George of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation from British Columbia (1899 – 1981)

“The time will soon be here when my grandchild will long for the cry of a loon, the flash of a salmon, the whisper of spruce needles, or the screech of an eagle.

“But he will not make friends with any of these creatures and when his heart aches with longing, he will curse me.

“Have I done all to keep the air fresh?

“Have I cared enough about the water?

“Have I left the eagle to soar in freedom?

“Have I done everything I could to earn my grandchild’s fondness?”

The Uncompahgre River is named by the Ute people, the watershed’s early inhabitants. The staff and board of UWP recognize that the Upper Uncompahgre River Watershed, where we do our work, is located on the Ute’s ancestral lands, and we acknowledge their historic and contemporary connection to these resources.