Editor’s note: The Ouray County Plaindealer is continuing its tradition of featuring nonprofit organizations based in Ouray County, serving Ouray County in a series of profiles called Season of Sharing. The purpose is to highlight the meaningful work these organizations perform and let the community know how they can help them even more, as the holidays approach and we reach the end of 2025. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of nonprofit organizations in Ouray County.
Year established as a nonprofit: 2013
What does your organization do for Ouray County?
The Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership monitors, preserves and restores the health of the Upper Uncompahgre River Watershed, and shares information about local water resources with the community and visitors. Our work helps protect and improve Ouray County’s streams and riparian areas, and fosters better stewardship of those resources. Ouray County’s quality of life is intertwined with having a healthy watershed. Rivers, groundwater, and every natural water source contribute to daily living – at home, work and play. UWP collaborates with the Ouray Ice Park, city of Ouray and town of Ridgway to clean up and care for the plants at riverside parks. We partner with state and national organizations to collect and analyze data and samples in many rivers and streams, so areas that need water quality improvement or increased conservation efforts can be prioritized for funding. UWP’s work at the headwaters in Colorado have positive impacts downstream through Montrose, Grand Junction and beyond. The Uncompahgre River flows into the Gunnison River that flows into the Colorado River, and eventually gets close to the ocean but often doesn’t reach it due to drought, aridification and overuse.
What do you list as your greatest accomplishments in 2025?
One of UWP’s big accomplishments in 2025 was getting permits and funding to begin design and pre-project monitoring of the Ironton Fens and Wetlands Restoration Project. The objective is to increase watershed resiliency for agricultural, environmental and municipal stakeholders. Another great accomplishment was hiring a River Corps member to take monthly stream measurements at more than 10 locations, combined with contracting with a scientist to study stream flow data. Their work is helping provide important information about water quality and quantity, that can lead to reduced metal pollution in local waters and increased minimal flows for the fish and insects.
What are some goals or projects you have planned for 2026?
In 2026, UWP will be gathering data about the fens and Red Mountain Creek in Ironton Park to develop plans for restoring degraded areas. UWP hopes to work with large property owners to understand where efficient water practices could help conserve water that is critical for fish and wildlife. UWP will be completing our South Ouray Erosion Control Project, renovating and revegetating a steep, disturbed area in the Ice Park to accomplish many benefits including less sediment in the Uncompahgre River.
Tell us how the community can help you do more here in Ouray County.
UWP is searching for a new River Corps member to begin working in February. With this position, UWP has grown to seven year-round contractors, dedicated to moving local projects forward, building partnerships and making our work sustainable. We leverage that professional support by coordinating 12 yearround volunteers who together contribute more than 100 hours per month, plus dozens of event volunteers who give an additional 600 hours per year. While we get grants to cover many project expenses, many of our operational expenses are funded by donations. To donate or learn about volunteer opportunities, visit uncompahgrewatershed.org.
Thank you to Tanya Ishikawa for submitting this information.
