The Colorado River is a lifeline for the southwest and the Rocky Mountains. In addition to providing clean drinking water, food and energy for millions of people and habitat for countless wildlife species, it is also a beloved destination for recreation and a sacred a sacred body of water with deep cultural significance.
The river’s journey begins high in the snow-packed peaks and flows nearly 1,500 miles to nearly the Gulf of Mexico, traversing some of the driest and hottest landscapes in the country.
This iconic river is at extreme risk from warming temperatures and severe drought driven by climate change. Rising temperatures lead to accelerated snowmelt, increased evaporation rates and subsequent water scarcity, creating conditions that exacerbate wildfire severity.
In addition to the Colorado, its tributaries including the Gunnison, Escalante and Verde are some of the rivers that we have recently prioritized.
All projects must demonstrate inclusion in project planning and execution by actively seeking and valuing a variety of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences from the communities the project will serve.
Grantmaking through this program protects and restores natural the processes of the river and its tributaries. Priorities include but are not limited to projects that:
• Support biodiversity and improve connectivity between streams and their floodplains.
• Restore degraded wildlife habitat by removing invasive species or planting native species.
• Improve breeding and nesting habitat for migratory birds.
• Minimize fire danger and habitat loss by destroying invasive, fire-prone plants.
• Reduce streambank and soil erosion.
• Improve instream water quality, quantity and temperature.
