Formed in 2021, this action-oriented group of diverse local and regional volunteers is seeking to maintain and improve safe, responsible and environmentally sensitive recreation along the Uncompahgre River corridor. By collaborating with landowners, stakeholders and policymakers in the Uncompahgre River Watershed, the committee will:
• Foster a strong stewardship ethic among river users by providing educational opportunities on river etiquette, safety and the surrounding environment,
• Identify impediments and opportunities to recreation and public resource access, and
• Collaborate with partners to address these issues.
UWP is a founding member of Ouray Regional Recreation and Conservation Alliance (ORRCA). You can find out more about this regional partnership and see past meeting minutes and recordings on the ORRCA website.
RAUR meets once a month from September to April for one hour meetings to discuss activities that support our objectives and develop collaborations between river recreation enthusiasts.
Recreation & Our River – A Community Conversation
The Uncompahgre River is a valuable asset to Ouray County. Recreation and Our River is a community outreach campaign, designed to quantify the impact river recreation has not only on the economy, but for the quality of life of its users. Between the end of May and July we will be engaging with locals and visitors to collect data on how you connect to the Uncompahgre River (paddle, fish, walk alongside…), spending habits, ideas for improvement, etc. August through September the data will be analyzed to interpret trends and insights. Two reports will be developed through this process, one detailing the economic/quality of life impact of the river, and the other identifying priorities for improvements and additions. The reports will be presented in a community meeting in October.
Throughout June and July, we will be engaging with locals and visitors to collect data on how you engage with the river, ease of access to your favorite spots, and what improvements and/or additions would you like to see.
The survey only takes less than 10 minutes and comes with a 10% off coupon from Taco Del Gnar at the end! Share with your other Uncompahgre allies and encourage them to be the voice of the river – this is your chance to help guide the future of this special asset.
Recreation and Our River Consultant: DeVerna Rogers is a West Slope native, growing up in Cortez, Colorado. She has a passion for outdoor recreation, education, and conservation and developed an interest in philanthropy while earning her MBA at Colorado State University. DeVerna moved to San Diego in 2013 where she worked for the San Diego River Park Foundation supporting a healthy urban watershed. From there she accepted a position with the City of Santee in San Diego County as the Parks & Recreation Supervisor, working to bring outdoor experiences to local youth and families. She recently made her way back to Colorado to be closer to family and volunteers with Friends of the River Uncompahgre and sits on the Board of Directors for Colorado Canyons Association. DeVerna loves to hike, raft, and cross-country ski and is excited to spearhead the River Recreation Community Outreach project in support of the mighty Unc and its users.
Good Tips for Responsible & Safe River Recreation
Following these tips will ensure your next trip out on the water is as good for you as it is for the waters we love to recreate on. Remember, it’s your world, and it’s up to each of us to look after it.
Check out the article, “Leaving only ripples,” by the Subaru/Leave No Trace Teams.
Keep Updated on Recreation on the Uncompahgre River
Do you like to fish, raft, kayak and play on local rivers?
Do you care about sustaining recreation opportunities on local rivers, streams and lakes?
Do you want to stay engaged in decisions about sustainable recreation?
Then, please email Tanya to get updates from the RAUR at tanya@uncompahgrewatershed.org.
