By Michael Gorman, Lea Linse and Hattie Johnson The upper Crystal River is one of the last “free-flowing” rivers in the state of Colorado — unrestrained and connected to its headwaters, without dams or out-of-basin diversions. As with all water issues in the West, it’s easy to find conflict, but communities along the Crystal River […]
Crystal River
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Scuttlebutt & Calendar
Thompson DivideIt’s official! The Department of the Interior announced on April 3 the finalization of the Thompson Divide Administrative Mineral Withdrawal — protecting 225,000 acres from future oil and gas leasing and mining for the next 20 years. In 2009, ranchers, recreationalists and conservationists formed the Thompson Divide Coalition to defend this cherished landscape and […]
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Crystal River Caucus weighs in on Redstone Castle
The evening of Jan. 11, the Crystal River Caucus convened for a lengthy discussion concerning the Redstone Castle, Filoha Meadows and the Crystal River’s potential Wild and Scenic designation.The meeting opened with a presentation concerning the latest developments with the Redstone Castle, led by private Land Use Planner Glenn Horn. The Redstone Castle, included in […]
Posted inEnvironment
Crystal River committee hosts community summit, Oct. 26
Few would disagree that the Crystal River is a treasure worthy of protecting. This undammed, wild river is boasted for its scenic beauty, sustaining local agriculture, residences, recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat. The river has faced previous threats, including two dam attempts, one of which would have flooded Redstone. In 2013, the Colorado River District […]
Posted inEnvironment
Crystal River augmentation study raises hopes and concerns
Just downstream of the confluence of Avalanche Creek and the Crystal River, a 50-acre floodplain has become a site of optimism — and controversy — among water users in the Crystal River Valley. Early this summer, the West Divide Water Conservancy District and the Colorado River Water Conservation District published a report on a joint […]
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Crystal River Restoration project spills diesel
Update: Based on encouraging test results from water and soil samples taken by Ecos Environmental and Disaster Restoration, it was determined that work could resume on the afternoon of Thursday, Aug. 10. Around 8pm on Monday, Aug. 7, members of the public noticed a harsh smell emanating from near the southern River Valley Ranch bridge […]
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Crystal River diesel spill causes concern
Update: Read the Town of Carbondale’s official press release, sent at 5:15pm on Aug. 8, here. Around 8pm on Monday, Aug. 7, members of the public noticed a strong odor emanating from near the southern River Valley Ranch bridge over the Crystal River. Less than two weeks before, work had begun in the river as part […]
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Crystal Caucus: Wild and Scenic and Redstone Castle monopolize meeting
Residents, officials and board members gathered at the Church at Redstone for the bimonthly Crystal River Caucus meeting. Among those in attendance was Kayo Ogilby, a member of the Crystal Wild and Scenic Coalition and “one of hundreds of local citizens who support the efforts of a large group of organizations working to secure one […]