CPRW Receives Colorado Healthy Rivers Fund Grant for Lower Poudre Design Project

Reach 13 was deemed an ideal location for restoration efforts with a primary focus on enhancing river health, bolstering resilience, and demonstrating innovative restoration techniques. (Photo credit: Sharon Bywater-Reyes)

The Colorado Watershed Assembly recently announced the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed as one of 10 Colorado organizations to receive a Colorado Healthy Rivers Fund grant in 2023.

The Lower Poudre River-Reach 13 Design Project will receive $20,000 from the Colorado Healthy Rivers Fund. In 2017, the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed collaborated with the Lower Poudre Steering Committee to develop a comprehensive plan for flood recovery and resiliency along the lower Cache la Poudre River. This area extends from east of I-25 to the point where the river meets the South Platte River. The primary objective of the plan was to identify sections of the river that required restoration and resiliency measures the most. Based on the plan, The Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed, and the steering committee, decided to focus on a specific segment called "Reach 13". Reach 13 was deemed an ideal location for restoration efforts with a primary focus on enhancing river health, bolstering resilience, and demonstrating innovative restoration techniques. This particular reach spans 1.2 miles, encompassing areas within the Town of Windsor and the City of Greeley's growth management areas in Weld County.

The Colorado Healthy Rivers Fund grant program awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. These funds support projects that contribute to cleaner water, healthier wildlife habitat, improved recreation, and vibrant local economies throughout the State of Colorado.

The program was established by the Colorado Watershed Assembly in cooperation with Colorado Water Conservation Board and the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission. The Colorado Water Conservation Board is the state executive branch agency responsible for state water policy and planning. The Colorado Water Quality Control Commission is the administrative agency responsible for developing specific state water quality policies in a manner that implements the broader policies set forth by the General Assembly in the Colorado Water Quality Control Act. The Colorado Watershed Assembly is a 501(c)(3) Colorado organization that supports collaborative efforts to protect and improve land, water, and other natural resources by providing the network to connect a diversity of interests with Colorado's watershed groups and other decision makers. To learn more about the Colorado Watershed Assembly, visit coloradowater.org.