Conservation Committee: October 2010 Update

The Conversation Committee is the arm of SVATU chapter charged with promoting the protection, restoration, and conservation of our local watersheds. The Conservation Committee focuses on promoting the health of our local waters by working with water stakeholders to find creative ways to improve seasonal water flows, water quality, and fish habitat, while meeting the other stakeholders needs and legal rights.

The complete update follow the link: October 2010 Stream Committee

Conservation Committee: March 2010 Update

Erik Wilkinson's Times-Call Opinion Letter on the Fraser River

Our state’s resources have provided seemingly limitless prosperity for generations, but have also attracted growth and put our heritage in jeopardy.

One immediate example is the proposal to draw additional water from the Fraser River for the Front Range.  Since the first water diversions to the Front Range were installed, the Fraser River has experienced a 60% reduction in its flow.  Today there are plans to reduce the flows further, leaving the river with roughly a quarter its historic flows. 

For the complete article follow the link: Letter to the Times-Calls About The FraserRiver

Conservation Committee: February 2010 Update

Rubicon Gate One The SVATU Stream Committee recently met with Boulder County Open Space officials to check in on the status of three Rubicon gates that are being installed on major ditches along the St. Vrain river drainage. Rubicon gates are designed to insure that water, purchased by the cities of Longmont and Lyons and Boulder County to maintain minimum flows in the St. Vrain river, actually flows down the main river channel. A scientific evaluation of the St. Vrain river done by our TU chapter in 2005 to 2006 found that sections of the river were going dry during the winter months due to major ditches diverting the entire river flow. In conjunction with the St. Vrain Corridor Committee, three Rubicon gates were purchased to insure that minimum flows in the river channel were maintained.

We are please to announce that one of the Rubicon gates is fully operational on the Oligarchy Ditch and the remaining two are partially installed on the Palmerton and Highland Ditches. The ditches should be fully operational by late Spring if all goes well. Maintaining consistent flows in the St. Vrain river is the first step in strengthening the health of the river and the fish and animal life that depend upon the St. Vrain. Stay tuned for future news on other Stream Committee activities aimed at improving the St. Vrain river. SVATU Stream Committee Update February 2010 Rubicon gate on the Oligarchy Ditch

Gallery of the Highland, Oligarchy and Palmerton Gates