Over two years ago, a group of stakeholders announced the recommendation to seek federal Wild and Scenic classification for the Crystal River, one of three potential preservation measures identified through a scoping process that began in 2022. Last week, after ongoing conversation, five area governments and water districts signed an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) pledging to […]
Wild and Scenic
Posted inColumns
A free-flowing river, and the need for continuing vigilance
According to Ute elder Roland McCook, the Ute name for the Crystal River Valley was “Nuche-Mu-Gu-Avatum-Ada’he,” or “The People’s Place of the Heart.” The first white settlers who arrived in the Valley somewhat unimaginatively named the river “Rock Creek.” The contrast in cultural sensitivity was palpable. It was soon realized by early settlement boosters that […]
Posted inOpinion
CVEPA Views: The River of No Return
My beautiful summer of moderate temps, ample moisture and smoke-free skies got spicier with a phone call from a friend. Their rafting permit on the Main Salmon River in Western Idaho was canceled last year due to a large forest fire. Their permit was honored this summer, and one party could not make the trip […]
Posted inEnvironment
Crystal River update: Wild and Scenic
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 […]
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 inNews, Uncategorized
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 […]