Thirty-six years ago, Western Rivers Conservancy (WRC) set out to protect the finest remaining rivers in the West. The idea was simple: Buy land along rivers and convey it to the best long-term steward available, delivering permanent protection and public access for all.
In Colorado, WRC has conserved 23,271 acres along 28 miles of 11 rivers and streams, protecting habitat for fish and wildlife and creating new recreational access. WRC recently protected 1,860 acres along five miles of Tarryall Creek, a principal tributary to the South Platte River. The property is now managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to protect its outstanding conservation and recreation values. In the headwaters of the Dolores River, WRC conserved 160 acres and conveyed it to the Juan National Forest, delivering public access to several popular trails. WRC opened new access to more than 80,000 acres of public wilderness by conserving Cross Mountain Canyon Ranch on the Yampa River. We protected lands along the Gunnison River by expanding the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. In Alamosa, we established the Alamosa Riparian Park to preserve a mile of the Rio Grande and create outstanding new recreation opportunities along its banks. Over the past 35 years, WRC has created sanctuaries for fish and wildlife along 224 rivers and streams around the West, protecting 527 river miles and over 200,000 acres of land in nine states.
In the coming year, WRC is working to conserve an additional 47,787 acres and 36 river miles along seven of Colorado's finest rivers and streams.
Testimonials
"At times when our rivers face what seem like insurmountable challenge, I see Western Rivers Conservancy is a real beacon of hope. It goes after the right properties on the right rivers, with results that are beneficial to fish, wildlife and exactly what we need to enhance public access."
Darcy Saiget, Retired Fish Biologist, U.S. Forest Service, WRC Board Member Emeritus
Western Rivers Conservancy’s mission is to protect outstanding river ecosystems in the western United States. We acquire land to conserve critical habitat for fish and wildlife, protect key sources of cold water, provide public access for compatible use and enjoyment, and cooperate with other agencies and organizations to secure the health of whole ecosystems.
WRC is the only organization dedicated exclusively to saving the great rivers of the West through land acquisition. Our approach is to identify strategic stream reaches and gaps in protection, bring together partners, negotiate land purchases, secure short‐term funding to hold properties, arrange long‐term funding, and work with permanent stewards to ensure enduring habitat protection and compatible recreational access. Our vision is to establish sanctuaries on the healthiest, species-rich rivers in each ecoregion. In the face of mounting conservation challenges, we believe these sanctuaries will sustain the well-being of human and natural communities and uphold biological diversity in an age of climate change.
Organization name
Western Rivers Conservancy
other names
WRC
2001
Category
Environment
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
71 SW Oak Street, Suite 100Headquarters
71 SW Oak Street, Suite 100Mailing
71 SW Oak Street, Suite 100OR, US
CO, US