Farmers and ranchers in the Roaring Fork Valley are coping with the effects of prolonged drought. Roaring Fork Conservancy (RFC) recognizes the value and complexities of local agriculture. To this end, RFC is partnering with several producers, Lotic Hydrological consulting, and Pitkin County Open Space to explore opportunities of enhancing the resilience of ranching operations in the Roaring Fork Valley in times of water shortage. The project team is interested in identifying means for mitigating against the impacts of drought on productivity in mid- to high-elevation grass pastures and hay fields—the dominant agricultural land use in the Roaring Fork Valley. The study will work to identify field-scale treatments that can be used to minimize (or eliminate) reductions in crop yields and forage quality that are expected in times of limited water supply.

Calling ALL photographers!  The 19th Annual Roaring Fork Watershed Photo Contest is now underway.  We are looking for amateur and professional photographers to capture the beauty of the waterways within the Roaring Fork Watershed.

For details and submission guidelines, please visit the photo contest homepage. 

Photos must be submitted by November 18, 2024.

October 24, 2024 - 

Summary: 

The first glimpse of winter weather came through the Western Slope earlier this week. As a result, skiing is already open for the season in Colorado - Wolf Creek Ski Area, specifically! This precipitation temporarily increased stream flows across the Roaring Fork Watershed, which are currently flowing 69-122% of normal for this time of year. Snow water equivalent (SWE) is also being measured at all nine SNOTEL sites located within the watershed. According to the Bureau of Reclamation, releases from Ruedi Reservoir will decrease 50 cfs on Friday. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requested this decrease, which is typical for this time of year, for the continued management of the 15-Mile Reach of the Colorado River. With Election Day right around the corner, learn more about where candidates stand on water issues by reading Roaring Fork Conservancy’s 2024 Voters’ Guide to Water Issues at www.roaringfork.org/.

Check out this month's most current news from RFC!

Roaring Fork Conservancy is pleased to present yet another edition of the Voters’ Guide to Water Issues in the Roaring Fork Valley and Beyond. 

RFC asked candidates in local, state, and federal races for their responses to two water related questions. This online edition presents a non-biased forum for candidates to express their qualifications and platforms on water issues affecting the Roaring Fork Watershed and the state of Colorado...