Tuesday, November 10, 2026 from 5:00-6:30pm at Basalt Regional Library
How Ruedi Reservoir Helped Colorado River Users Through 2026 Dry Conditions
A presentation by
Brendon Langenhuizen, PE - Director of Technical Advocacy at Colorado River Water Conservation District
Ruedi Reservoir, typically a quieter player in Colorado River operations, became a critical resource in 2026. It provided essential flows for irrigators and drinking water providers from Grand Junction to Aspen, and cold-water releases that supported fisheries throughout the watershed. Learn insights into why Ruedi Reservoir was so heavily relied upon during the challenging 2026 water year, and how its operations helped sustain both the Roaring Fork and Colorado River watersheds through exceptionally dry and warm conditions.
This is a free program but registration is required due to limited seating.
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Wednesday, December 9, 2026 from 5:00-6:30pm at Basalt Regional Library
Growing Through the Drought: How Grand Valley Farmers Navigated 2026
A presentation by
Jackie Fisher, District Manager at Orchard Mesa Irrigation District
By early spring 2026, it was clear that the Grand Valley was facing an irrigation season unlike any other. With historically low snowpack and limited water supplies, Orchard Mesa Irrigation District, its farmers, and irrigation partners across the valley worked together to stretch available supplies, adjust operations, and make difficult decisions to protect crops and agricultural livelihoods. This presentation will share a behind-the-scenes look at how the district and its water users adapted in real time, the sacrifices and collaboration that helped carry the season forward, and the lessons learned about resilience, relationships, and preparing for an increasingly uncertain water future.
This is a free program but registration is required due to limited seating.
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Early Giving is Live!
Be part of Colorado’s biggest giving movement and donate to help protect rivers, monitor water quality,
preserve critical habitat, and inspire future river stewards.
All gifts made on coloradogives.org/RoaringForkConservancy between November 1 and December 8
will be boosted by a $1M+ incentive fund.
Plus, if you set up a new monthly donation, Colorado Gives Foundation will match your
first monthly gift up to $100!
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Calling all amateur and professional photographers! The 21st annual Roaring Fork Watershed Photo Contest is underway and RFC is looking for your best photos - as long as they were taken within the Roaring Fork Watershed!
This year's Photo Contest will be slightly different than in the past, with a theme of BLESSED & STRESSED.
BLESSED: Scenic Waterways of the Roaring Fork Watershed
- Photos in this category should focus on water; rivers, snow, wetlands, riparian areas, etc.
- Judges will determine the "Best of" in the amateur and professional division. The public will select "People's Choice" via Facebook.
STRESSED: Help Document This Record-Breaking Water Year
- The 2026 Water Year will go down in history as one of the driest and hottest years on record. RFC would like your help to document and archive the low flows and stressed ecosystems. Send us photos of local streams that are stressed - no water, low water, algae blooms, etc.
- RFC will randomly select two people that submit photos to this category to win a prize package from Two Leaves and A Bud.
Submission rules and guidelines can be found at https://www.roaringfork.org/education-and-outreach/annual-photo-contest/.
Submission deadline is November 15, 2026!
Thank you Two Leaves and a Bud for sponsoring the 2026 Photo Contest prizes!
You’re invited to Roaring Fork Conservancy’s River Center on Thursday, November 5 from 11:30am-1:00pm to celebrate 30 years of bringing people together to protect our rivers!
Come kick off this special year with food, cake (of course!), and fun as we celebrate 30 years of inspiring people to explore, value, and protect our Roaring Fork Watershed!
Come early to ensure a slice of birthday cake!
This is a FREE community event. RSVP here: www.roaringfork.org/events/30th-birthday-party/
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Double your Impact with a Company MatchBy taking advantage of a company's matching gift benefit, you may be able to double or even triple the amount of your contribution. Ask your HR department today and notify RFC by emailing phoebe@roaringfork.org. |
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Consider a Charitable RolloverIndividuals over 70½ may donate to charities directly from their IRA, known as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). QCDs count towards any required minimum distribution (RMD) an account holder must take from their IRA. With a QCD you can benefit your Roaring Fork Watershed, fulfill your RMD requirement, and exclude that amount from your income. Ask your financial advisor if this is a good strategy for you to support your rivers! |
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Would you like to be featured as a Spotlight Business Member?Join us as a Premier Business Member! Show your clients and customers that you support essential river research, education, and conservation work and be featured as a Spotlight Business Member!
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Supporting Your Watershed is as Easy as 1-2-3!
If you have a City Market loyalty card, supporting your watershed is as easy as 1-2-3!
1) Click enroll and log in to your account at www.citymarketcommunityrewards.com
2) Search for Roaring Fork Conservancy or CV113
3) Click Enroll and you're ready to support your rivers while you run errands!
Learn more at: https://www.citymarket.com/account/enrollCommunityRewardsNow/
NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT BUSINESS MEMBER!
Our Goal at Aspen Fly Fishing is simple - to show our guests an excellent time while Colorado Fly Fishing or Clay Shooting in the beautiful Roaring Fork Valley. We offer full day and half day Guided Colorado fly fishing trips on the Roaring Fork, Frying Pan and Colorado Rivers.
Colorado Guided river wading trips have historically been the most popular way for our guests to experience guided fly fishing here in the Roaring Fork Valley. Aspen Flyfishing guides take pride in their ability to provide an exceptional experience for veteran fly-fisherman, as well as for our guests who are first-timers to our peaceful pursuit.
Give Us A Call To Book Your Aspen Colorado Fly Fishing Adventure!
ABOUT | GUIDED TRIPS | PLAN YOUR TRIP | CONTACT