(formerly called the Fryingpan & Beyond River Cleanup)

Registration opens April 1 and closes April 19!

Hosted by the Colorado River District and a variety of local partnership organizations in nine communities across their fifteen-county District, the State of the River event series is a spring tradition in Western Colorado.

Originally designed to give residents a peek at upcoming water forecasts, these casual, public-information evenings include not only a look at the upcoming hydrology, but a summary of major western water issues, and a spotlight for the projects and priorities of each local community. Light dinner provided.

Registration required, but both the event and the meal are free.

Stop Wishin' & Let's Go Fishin'!

RFC is offering several beginner fly fishing clinics this spring. During these introductory clinics, anglers will receive complete casting instruction, gear education, proper fish handling, identify aquatic insects and how that translates to fly selection, and of course fish! We'll even provide the fishing gear (rods, reels, flies and net). 

May 16 - Women's Fly Fishing Clinic

June 9-11 - Youth Fly Fishing Clinic

June 16-18 - Youth Fly Fishing Clinic

Sign up soon as each clinic is limited to 10 anglers!

The women's clinic is provided in partnership with the Roaring Fork Valley Fly Fishing Club.
The youth clinics are provided in partnership with Taylor Creek Fly Shop.

Dear River Stewards,

I’m a river otter, and I love a good swim, but lately, 
I’ve noticed my favorite backwater eddy getting kind of… gross.
Is there something wrong with the river?

Signed,
Otterly Annoyed 

Dear Otterly Annoyed:

We feel you! Healthy riparian areas help keep water clean by filtering runoff, stabilizing banks, and keeping excess sediment out of the river. When these areas are disturbed—by erosion, pollution, or loss of vegetation—water quality can take a hit. The best fix? Restoring riparian plants, reducing runoff from roads and trails, and keeping heavy impacts away from streambanks. It’s a team effort, but with the right care, your favorite swimming spot should clear up. In the meantime, runoff is just around the corner which will also provide a flushing flow and refresh that water.

Happy swimming!
River Stewards Alyssa, Alex, Chase, PJ, & Melissa

News from the Education Team

The Meet Your Headwaters display, created after last summer's 3-day immersion experience, will be on exhibit at the Hydro building at CSU SPUR in Denver starting April 10! Check it out if you're in the area. We're looking forward to more people learning about the source of their water!

We are also excited to have recently launched the fourth year of the Watershed Pen Pal program, thanks to funding from Pitkin County Healthy Rivers and the Colorado Water Conservation Board.  We will be partnering once again with four schools and Aurora Water's Environmental Education and Outreach team to deliver watershed education aimed at building common ground between shared water users on both sides of the Continental Divide.

Through a series of shared classes, activities, field experiences, and letter exchanges, students in both Aurora and the Roaring Fork Valley learn about where their water comes from and why it’s important to value, conserve, and protect this life-giving resource. As a part of the program, students will meet their pen pals virtually and be given the opportunity to apply to the Meet Your Headwaters summer program. Students who are accepted into the summer program experience their headwaters with their pen pals through rafting and exploring the Roaring Fork Valley. 

  

 

	Come See Us on Earth Day! Join us at the Basalt Earth Day Celebration on Tuesday, April 22nd at the Basalt River Park! Stop by our table to learn more about how to Keep it Clean, 'Cause We're All Downstream!

 

 

	Double your Impact with a Company Match By 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 sheryl@roaringfork.org.

Consider a Charitable Rollover Individuals 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!

	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!

 

 

  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/

APRIL SPOTLIGHT BUSINESS MEMBER!

Waste Management Solutions to Fit Your Needs

Black Dog Site Services LLC was founded in 2024 in Carbondale, Colorado. We service the entirety of the Roaring Fork Valley, from Aspen to Glenwood Springs. Our aim is to provide top-notch roll-off dumpster service to contractors and private customers. Our primary focus as a business is professionalism—this includes punctuality, professional appearance, and attention to detail when on-site.

970-404-9620 | PO Box 208, 655 Main Street, Carbondale, CO 81623 | blackdogsite.com | Contact | Roll-Offs