Editor’s note: The Ouray County Plaindealer started publishing profiles of nonprofits between Thanksgiving and New Year’s in 2020 as a community service. The purpose of these profiles is to highlight the meaningful work being performed by these organizations and let the community know how they can help them even more, as the holidays approach and we reach the end of 2023. Nonprofi t organizations that are based in Ouray County and serve Ouray County are eligible for these profiles.
Year established as a nonprofit: 2013
What does your organization do for Ouray County?
UWP works to develop stewardship of, preserve and restore water quality and environmental conditions in the streams, groundwater, and other water bodies in the Upper Uncompahgre River Watershed.
We monitor and analyze watershed conditions, share scientific information and implement projects including reducing invasive weeds and erosion, litter removal, diversion of water from polluted sources, improved water filtration and planting native species. As the main organization focusing full-time on water quality locally, UWP helps Ouray County maintain and increase access to healthy waters for drinking, recreating and wildlife.
What do you list as your greatest accomplishments in 2023?
UWP completed an extensive strategic planning process in 2023, which will help guide our watershed protection and restoration activities over at least the next five years. We organized a series of meetings and field trips to discuss priorities and watershed conditions with community members and potential project collaborators. We also continued planning and partner communications on two major projects: Governor Basin mine site restoration and erosion control south of Ouray. We also held three litter removal events, collaborated on several educational outings, and contributed scientific information on government decisions that impact water.
What are some goals or projects you have planned for 2024?
UWP just gained a new volunteer who joins our River Watch team to sample water monthly through a state program, helping to ensure important water quality data continues to be collected around our watershed.
The South Ouray Erosion Control Project will be designed in 2024, and lead to improved conditions for people recreating in and around the Uncompahgre River Gorge. Educating youth and adults about watershed science and how to conserve water and preserve water quality is a priority, so our staff and volunteers will again work with partners on educational activities and develop new ways to share watershed science with all ages.
We also hope to collaborate with the U.S. Forest Service to plan a responsible recreation information campaign and future restoration activities in the Ironton and Crystal Lake areas on Red Mountain Pass.
Tell us how the community can help you do more here in Ouray County.
Donations and memberships help us establish a strong financial foundation for planning projects and keeping staff engaged throughout the winter and spring. Our biggest event is Ridgway RiverFest on June 29, which is an opportunity for the community to contribute through sponsorships and volunteering. We need at least 45 volunteers to ensure the free community festival remains a great way to enjoy the watershed and share information about our natural resources in the watershed. Please mark the date on your calendar and be ready to sign up to volunteer or sponsor the event.
Thank you to Tanya Ishikawa for providing this information.
