As we rejoice recent snowstorms and look forward to spring runoff, the Upper San Juan Watershed Enhancement Partnership (WEP) invites community members and visitors to join our upcoming workshop in Pagosa Springs this Thursday, April 7, to prioritize water projects identified in 2021. The WEP has guided a locally-driven effort since 2018 to identify water needs and opportunities in the upper San Juan, Blanco, and Navajo watersheds, with the goal of creating a water plan and list of priority projects and actions, in preparation for a potentially warmer, drier future in this region. The development of this water plan includes exploring project opportunities that support river health and our community’s ability to rely on rivers for multiple uses, now and in the future.
Refreshments will be provided and all are welcome to join!
While current CDC Community Levels for Archuleta County do not require masks, participants are welcome to wear masks, if preferred. If you cannot attend, please contact Seth Mason (seth@lotichydrological.com) with your feedback on the project list or Mandy Eskelson (mandy@mountainstudies.org) for other questions.
The April 7 Public Workshop will be held — in person only — at the Colorado State University/Archuleta County Extension Building, 344 US-84, from 4-8pm. Four project ranking sessions will be offered, one for each of the ‘areas of concern’ listed below:
- Wildfire, Forest Health, Drinking Water (4-5 pm)
- Agriculture (5-6 pm)
- Wildlife and Biodiversity (6-7 pm)
- Angling and Whitewater Boating (7-8 pm)
Join WEP to collectively rank projects, plans, and processes you helped identify in the San Juan, Blanco, and Navajo watersheds to be included in your local water plan. The WEP hopes to share a draft of the water plan for public comment end of April/early May.
See a full project list and workshop instructions under WEP Information links on our website.