Colorado Water Conservation Board Awards CCA River Restoration Grant

Colorado Canyons Association is happy to announce that we’ve received funding from the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) for restoration projects on the Gunnison and Colorado Rivers.

The grant, which provides nearly $50,000 for projects, will help to keep more water in these rivers by funding our work to remove water-loving weeds like tamarisk. Tamarisk removal is important because a single tamarisk stand can consume on average 200 gallons of water on a hot summer day and also competes with native species for valuable resources. The removal of tamarisk and other invasive species is the first step in restoring our rivers to a more natural state.

To help with the eradication of tamarisk, CCA will utilize volunteers and work crews from the Western Colorado Conservation Corps (WCCC). WCCC members will cut the stump of the tree close to the ground, then immediately apply herbicide to the stump. This method, although time consuming, is the best way to ensure tamarisk doesn’t resprout from its roots. Volunteers will help monitor and remove tamarisk branches cut by the WCCC crews, which will allow the WCCC members to focus on removing as much tamarisk as possible. CCA will need volunteers throughout the river season, so be sure to stay tuned for upcoming volunteer opportunities.

We owe a huge thank you to CWCB for providing the necessary funds to make this work successful. These rivers are a vital part of our ecosystem, way of life, and economy in western Colorado. The work funded by this grant will save water, restore our ecosystems, and make our backyard rivers even more beautiful.

If you're interested in volunteering with CCA's River Restoration program, please contact NCA Stewardship Coordinator, Ryan McConnell, via ryan@canyonsassociation.org or 970-263-7902.