Projects

Blue River Watershed Group

Contact Information:
OSM/VISTA: John A. Hagan
Supervisor: Steve Swanson
Address: P.O Box 1626 Frisco, CO 80443
Phone: 970-485-5581
Email: john AT blueriverwatershed DOT org
Website: www.blueriverwatershed.org
US Congressional District: CO-2
County: Summit

Description of organization and mission:

Mission: The mission of the Blue River Watershed Group is to protect, restore, and promote a healthy Blue River watershed through cooperative community education, stewardship and resource management.

The Blue River Watershed Group has a formal elected board of directors who make decisions for actions and setting missives for the organization. A larger and diverse advisory committee provides insight and advice. This advisory committee is a collaborative group of stakeholders who consist of knowledgeable professionals and concerned community members. BRWG provides water-related education to the general public, supports volunteer efforts, and coordinates with other agencies on water health and issues like mine clean up. Last year we provided volunteers for wetland restoration, water sampling and pebble counts. We collaborated with other local non-profits and local government on the development of the Snake River Watershed Plan and are currently working on a watershed plan for 10 mile creek.

Goals of the OSM/VISTA in the Blue River Watershed Group:

Keeping with the mission of the Western Hardrock Watershed Team and AmeriCorps, the OSM/VISTA Volunteer with the Blue River Watershed Group will focus on building organizational capacity through indirect service. Key objectives during the second year include: fundraising and grant writing; supporting and assisting the executive director; expanding membership on the board of directors; continuing and expanding water quality and acid mine drainage (AMD) monitoring; fostering an active volunteer base and developing volunteer opportunities; strengthening organizational relationships with local governments and municipalities; increasing community support and involvement of the Blue River watershed; and developing relationships with local schools and their water education programs.