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Beavers may hold unexpected value as natural firefighters.  A recent Geological Society of America study demonstrates the impressive wildfire protection provided by beaver-dammed waterways.   Researchers discovered that nearly 90% of beaver-dammed riverscapes qualify as fire refugia – offering protection for plants and animals during a wildfire – compared to only 60% of riverscapes without…

The Colorado River Water Conservation District’s (District) recent acquisition of the senior water rights associated with the Shoshone hydropower plant has raised concerns within Pitkin County.  While widely considered a positive step for the Western Slope, officials are examining potential repercussions for the upper Roaring Fork River. At the heart of the concern lies the…

On February 28th, 2024, Colorado state legislators issued a joint resolution expressing support for ongoing efforts to restore the clarity of Grand Lake. This marks a significant step forward for a project with a long history and potentially far-reaching implications for water management in the state. Grand Lake, Colorado’s largest and deepest natural lake, was…

In 2023, there were significant strides made in dam removal marking a watershed moment in river restoration efforts nationwide. While the spotlight often shines on monumental projects like the Klamath River dam removal in California, it’s crucial to recognize the collective impact of the 79 other dam removals across the country that have reconnected 1,160…

Scientists have discovered a potentially groundbreaking method for destroying PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” in water. This news offers significant hope in the fight against these persistent environmental contaminants. PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used in various products, from non-stick cookware to clothing and firefighting foam. These chemicals don’t easily break down…

The Klamath Basin stakeholders, including farmers, tribes, and the Department of Interior, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on improving the ecosystem and water security in the region. This agreement marks a significant shift from past years of disputes, with all parties committing to work together. The MOU outlines several key points:…

The USDA is offering a variety of funding opportunities for sustainable agriculture projects. This blog post provides an overview of these grant programs, including deadlines, eligibility requirements, and program highlights. Funding is available across various focus areas, including research and education, local food systems, and climate-smart practices are all supported. Watch out for quickly upcoming…

The USGS has launched the Colorado River Basin Science Portal, a one-stop shop for critical scientific data and collaboration. Here’s why this portal is a game-changer: Centralized Hub: Access a wide range of USGS scientific data on the Colorado River system in a convenient, user-friendly format. Enhanced Collaboration: The portal fosters discussion, data integration, and…

The Biden administration announced a significant milestone on Mar. 5th, 2024 to protect the Colorado River System. The goal is both immediate relief and long-term solutions. Short-Term Gains: Record-breaking conservation efforts, driven by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, have reduced the risk of critically low water levels in Lakes Mead and Powell. A final…