American Whitewater has been the lead recreational voice in the development of a management plan to protect the paddling values on Upper Colorado from Kremmling to No Name, in Glenwood Canyon. A provisional plan has been in place since 2012, allowing for the group to collect more data and refine the plan. The finalized plan is due to the federal land managers (both the Bureau of Land Management and US Forest Service in this case) in June of this year. Our affiliate club, Upper Colorado Private Boaters Association, is coordinating a happy hour in Edwards on March 20^th to discuss how the plan would protect boating and get feedback from the local community on the draft plan. Stay tuned for a location for this meeting.

In 2008, the Upper Colorado River Stakeholder Group convened to develop a management plan that would protect the Outstanding Remarkable Values (ORVs) identified in the BLM and USFS Eligibility Reports for Segments 4 through 7 of the Upper Colorado River, while still provided certainty and flexibility for the water user who rely upon diversions from the Upper Colorado River. The Upper Colorado River Wild and Scenic stakeholder group represents a diverse range of interests, including local governments, East Slope and West Slope water user organizations, environmental and recreation organizations, and private landowners.

With the finish line in sight, we are looking forward to sharing the protections in place and getting feedback from folks who love and use the river most. This plan encompasses gems of Colorado like Gore Canyon, Barrel Springs, and Shoshone, not to mention some of the best class II-III overnight trips in the state. Thanks to water deliveries to the Grand Valley and across state lines, the Upper Colorado appreciates a (mostly) reliable and long season, and hosts headlining Colorado event in August, Gore Fest. Recreational boating on this segment was identified as outstanding years ago. This plan intends to not only protect, but also enhance that status.  Please join us on March 20^th in Edwards, CO (location TBD) and learn more about how the plan has progressed over the years and let us know your thoughts.