Our rivers and streams face threats of many kinds – from development and pollution to climate change and drought. Protecting the high-quality natural, scenic and economic values that they provide is critical for our community and an integral part of our mission. Eagle River Watershed Council acts as the voice of our rivers and streams through a variety of methods to protect our watershed from threats.
We review, comment on and participate in local master and comprehensive plan drafting efforts and also work with stakeholders to develop and implement local and regional watershed plans. These plans provide guidance on water quality protection and may establish minimum streamflow standards, methods to meet those standards and ensure that collaboration is occurring at multiple levels.
As issues and policies that affect our rivers emerge, we draft articles and letters to our local news outlets in order to join the conversation and educate the public. Our submissions share the latest science, policy and local concerns, so that our community can draw their own conclusions on the issues. This can mobilize our community to add their voices and participate in issues that affect us all.
Acting as a referral agent for Eagle County and municipalities, we review land use applications, such as proposals for new planned urban developments. By providing feedback on stormwater runoff, set backs, landscaping, riparian and aquatic habitat and referring to the master plans and codes for each community, we ensure the river has a voice in the discussion, that best practices are being followed and that new development is consistent with the desires already expressed and accepted by the community.
This program informs the general public regarding government happenings and ballot issues at the local, state and federal levels that may affect the health of our rivers and streams.