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SWCD's B2E Application

Southwestern Water Conservation District’s Upper Basin Environmental Drought Mitigation Project Summary

Background
The Southwestern Water Conservation District (SWCD) leads a robust collaboration, the Water Conservation and Infrastructure Partnership (Partnership), involving over 30 active entities across Southwest Colorado. This initiative focuses on enhancing regional capacity by bundling partner projects and utilizing a community navigator to access unprecedented funding opportunities. SWCD’s recent application for Bucket 2 Environment (B2E) funding supports a bundle of multi-benefit projects aimed at restoring ecosystems and habitats impacted by drought within the Upper Colorado River Basin.

Project Scope
The proposal includes 17 projects along the Dolores River, Yellowjacket Creek, Mancos River, Animas River, Uncompahgre River, and San Juan River. These initiatives encompass:

  • Bank stabilization
  • Invasive species removal
  • Riparian and process-based restoration
  • Fish passage and habitat connectivity
  • Erosion control
  • Fen and wetland restoration

Key Outcomes

  • Restoration of over 1,335 acres of riparian ecosystems
  • Installation of over 330 low-tech process-based restoration structures
  • Restoration of 10 miles of river
  • Connection of over 200 miles of river
  • Drought mitigation across six basins

Budget Overview
The total project cost is $29,314,932, including $3,711,702 in non-federal support from grants, in-kind resources, and technical assistance. SWCD requests $25,603,230 from the Bureau of Reclamation to complete the proposed work. The proposal has received support from 37 federal, state, and local agencies, including Tribal Councils, environmental organizations, and water agencies.

Proposed drought mitigation projects in SW Colorado, showing subbasins, project types, and boundaries.

Conclusion
This comprehensive effort underscores SWCD’s commitment to drought mitigation and ecosystem restoration in Southwest Colorado. By leveraging the Partnership’s collaborative approach, these projects will significantly enhance the region’s resilience to drought while restoring critical habitats and ecosystems.

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