Dear friends,
Thank you for supporting your rivers in 2025! Whether you contributed time, treasure and/or talent, we thank you for enabling us to continue to inspire people to explore, value and protect the Roaring Fork Watershed. You make our work possible and we are so grateful!

Rick Lofaro, Executive Director

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 from 5:00-6:30pm at Basalt Regional Library

Beyond Boats and Bonytails: How innovative management of Ruedi Reservoir is benefitting the Roaring Fork Watershed

A presentation by 
Heather Lewin, Director of Science and Policy at Roaring Fork Conservancy

Roaring Fork Valley residents and visitors flock to Ruedi shores throughout the summer to camp, paddleboard, sail, and water ski. But why is Ruedi Reservoir there and what is the water used for beyond recreation? With most of the water destined for use in the Colorado River over 100 miles downstream, learn how RFC is ensuring local environmental and ecological needs are met. Spoiler alert: this reservoir is NOT used for drinking water! 

This is a free program but registration is required due to limited seating.

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 from 5:00-6:30pm at Basalt Regional Library

Zebra Mussels on the Western Slope: An Update

A presentation by
Madeline Baker, Invasive Species Specialist at Colorado Parks & Wildlife 

Aquatic Nuisance Species are more than just a minor inconvenience! Learn how a zebra mussel infestation's detrimental effects can impede water conveyance on Colorado's western slope. Updates will be provided on CPW's latest sampling results and subsequent containment measures, as well as what partners and citizens can do to support these efforts and stop the spread. Everybody has a role to play when it comes to being a Pain in the ANS!

This is a free program but registration is required due to limited seating.

 

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 from 6:00-8:00pm at The Crystal Theatre

The American Southwest Film Screening

The American Southwest is a family-friendly wildlife movie that takes viewers on an unforgettable journey down the mighty Colorado River. Narrated by Quannah Chasinghorse and directed by Ben Masters, the film beautifully showcases the region’s abundant wildlife, confronts the ecological impacts of dams and water overuse, and advocates for better management of the river. Made in association with Natives Outdoors, the movie incorporates an indigenous storyline and is told through the perspective of some of the Southwest’s most charming characters… such as industrious beavers, bugling bull elk, and soaring condors. Between its legendary landscapes and fascinating wildlife, The American Southwest aims to endear millions of people to better cherish, love, and conserve this unique region.

 

Roaring Fork Conservancy is partnering with American Rivers on the showing of this stunning feature-length film.

COST: $10

 

BUY TICKETS HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snowpack Update

As of January 6, snowpack in the Roaring Fork Watershed is 62% of normal.  This is a statistical measurement where 100% of normal is average.  In addition to snowpack conditions being well below average, drought conditions in the Roaring Fork Watershed are exceptional and extreme (4 and 5 out of 5 in intensity) - the most intense drought conditions in all of Colorado.

If you are not already receiving our Weekly River and Snowpack Reports, sign up now. Every Thursday RFC staff provide updates to river levels and snowpack conditions, and what these conditions can mean for spring and summer river levels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

	Double your Impact with a Company Match By taking advantage of a company's matching gift benefit, you may be able to double or even triple the amount of your contribution. Ask your HR department today and notify RFC by emailing sheryl@roaringfork.org.

Consider a Charitable Rollover Individuals over 70½ may donate to charities directly from their IRA, known as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). QCDs count towards any required minimum distribution (RMD) an account holder must take from their IRA. With a QCD you can benefit your Roaring Fork Watershed, fulfill your RMD requirement, and exclude that amount from your income. Ask your financial advisor if this is a good strategy for you to support your rivers!

	Would you like to be featured as a Spotlight Business Member? Join us as a Premier Business Member! Show your clients and customers that you support essential river research, education, and conservation work and be featured as a Spotlight Business Member!

 

 

  If you have a City Market loyalty card, supporting your watershed is as easy as 1-2-3!

  1) Click enroll and log in to your account at www.citymarketcommunityrewards.com

  2) Search for Roaring Fork Conservancy or CV113

  3) Click Enroll and you're ready to support your rivers while you run errands! 

  Learn more at: https://www.citymarket.com/account/enrollCommunityRewardsNow/

JANUARY SPOTLIGHT BUSINESS MEMBER! 

INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE CREATIVE SOLUTIONS WITH INTEGRITY

Colorado Wildlife Science, LLC is a wildlife and ecological consulting firm based in Basalt, Colorado, specializing in wildlife research, management, and monitoring; ecological assessments; NEPA compliance; baseline inventories for conservation easements; ecological and land use planning; wetland delineations & permitting; habitat management; wildfire hazard mitigation and ecological restoration. Colorado Wildlife Science is a State of Colorado certified Level 1 Emerging Small Business (ESB) and qualified to complete CDOT Section 240 Protection of Migratory Birds surveys & clearances.

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Thank you for helping protect our rivers and streams!