Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 5:00-7:30pm at TACAW

Sacred Water, Wondrous River with Lorelei Cloud & Johnny Le Coq

“We know that water is sacred. We also know that water is alive.”  Lorelei Cloud, member of the Southern Ute Tribe and the first Indigenous person to chair the Colorado Water Conservation Board, grew up hauling water to her home. Johnny Le Coq, an avid fly fisher, combined his passion with his design skills to start Fishpond, a Colorado-based fly fishing and outdoor gear company. Their different backgrounds meet at the Colorado River, and they share a mission to protect it. Join Roaring Fork Conservancy (RFC) and The Nature Conservancy for this special installment of the Brooksher Watershed Institute. Special Guest and former RFC board member, Ramsey Kropf, will emcee a lively evening featuring Lorelei and Johnny in a conversation about Tribal engagement in the Colorado River basin. 

COST:  $15 for TNC and RFC Members, $20 for non-members.

Get tickets and additional details at 
https://tacaw.org/calendar/sacred-water-wondrous-river-with-lorelei-cloud-johnny-le-coq/

The Colorado River District is hosting its annual Water Seminar Friday, October 3, at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.

This year’s seminar will explore the spaces where perspectives don’t always align in the world of western water, and how we still have to find our way forward together. Sometimes, these perspectives are split between upstream and downstream, sometimes between the data and the real-world experience, between science and policy, and between East Slope and West. As we face mounting challenges across the Colorado River Basin, this year’s event will bring together diverse voices to confront those divides, question assumptions, and work toward shared understanding with a focus on what it all means for water users on the Western Slope.

Through candid conversations and solution-focused dialogue, we’ll examine what’s missing, what’s misunderstood, and what bridges we can build. From political disconnects to on-the-ground impacts, we'll shine a light on the gaps and highlight the innovations, partnerships, and leadership working to close them.

Secure your seat by registering at https://www.coloradoriverdistrict.org/annual-water-seminar-2025/.

Happy New Water Year!
Sign Up for Weekly River and Snowpack Reports

Wednesday, October 1 is the beginning of a new water year. The water year, which begins on October 1 every year, is a term commonly used to describe a 12-month period for which precipitation totals are measured. Its beginning differs from the calendar year because in the late autumn, snow begins to accumulate creating the first and primary source of moisture that will become next summer’s runoff. The high-elevation Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir forests in the watershed act as frozen reservoirs, collecting and holding the winter snow, then slowly release the valuable stores of water throughout spring and early summer.

 

With the arrival of water year 2026, we happily usher in the cooler weather and beauty of fall colors and the optimism that a new year can bring. Although unforeseen challenges lie ahead, we all remain hopeful for a good or even average water year to replenish the ecosystem.

Do you know we write a weekly River and Snowpack Report?

Every Thursday afternoon you can read the report at  https://roaringfork.org/news/ and RFC's social media pages; read it every Friday on page 2 of The Aspen Times; or sign up to receive the reports in your inbox.

 

Dear River Stewards, I noticed some boat cleaning stations pop up at  boat ramps here in the valley.  What is that all about? Signed, Aspiring Clean Freak   Dear Aspiring Clean Freak,  Colorado Parks & Wildlife set up boat and wader cleaning stations around the valley, and across the state, to make cleaning your gear simple and easy. Cleaning your gear before moving it to a new stretch of river is essential for preventing the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species, which often hitchhike on watercraft, trailers, vehicles, tires, boots, waders, equipment, and other gear. You can help prevent their spread by Clean, Drain, Dry practices: Clean your gear by removing all visible plant material, animals, and mud. Drain all water from your inflatable watercraft, including footwells, storage areas, and compartments. Dry your watercraft by toweling it off or leaving it inflated until it has completely air-dried. Fishing gear and waders require a slightly different process. Start by removing any visible plant material, animals, and mud. Then, choose one of the following methods:  Submerge in a quaternary ammonia cleaner for at least 10 minutes. Heat-treat with hot water for at least 10 minutes. Dry completely for 10 days before next use. Freeze overnight before next use. Local boat cleaning stations are located at the Carbondale and Two Rivers boat ramps. Wader washing stations can be found at Frying Pan Anglers, Taylor Creek Fly Shop and Roaring Fork Conservancy.   Do your part to keep rivers healthy: Clean, Drain, and Dry every time! River Stewards Alyssa, Alex, Chase, PJ, & Melissa

 

 

  

 

 

Calling all photographers!

The 20th annual Roaring Fork Watershed Photo Contest is now underway.

We are looking for amateur and professional photographers to capture the beauty of the waterways in the Roaring Fork Watershed.

Details and submission guidelines at
https://roaringfork.org/education-and-outreach/annual-photo-contest/

Photo contest prizes sponsored by

 

 

 

  

 

 

	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/

OCTOBER SPOTLIGHT BUSINESS MEMBER! 

Ferguson Schindler Law Firm

Great lawyers inspire us. Ferguson Schindler is Aspen’s preeminent law firm. Our attorneys nimbly and skillfully conduct cases to win in court rooms and strike deals in boardrooms throughout Colorado, including Pitkin, Eagle, Summit, Denver and Garfield counties. Whether our client is a local, regional, or national company, a high-profile individual/entrepreneur, a neighbor, friend or well-loved local business, we pursue an outstanding outcome in every case and success in every business and real estate deal. We work tirelessly and with passion. Ask any client – better yet, ask a lawyer who has been opposite us.

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Thank you for helping protect our rivers and streams!