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Community Meetings: Learn About, Comment on Colorado Water Plan

Jul 21, 2015

Crested Butte, Water For Colorado

Citizens around Colorado will get a chance to hear about and comment on the state’s first-ever water plan at upcoming free, and open-to-the-public community meetings around the state.

The Colorado Water Plan is in its second draft and the public has limited time (only until mid-September) to make their voices heard before the final plan is presented to Governor Hickenlooper for his signature later this year. The water plan will impact how Colorado manages its resources amid a significant statewide population expansion, ongoing drought and increasing demand for water from urban and agricultural communities and the state’s multi-billion dollar river-related recreation industry.

Colorado’s rivers are under stress because of reduced flows due to many out-of-stream uses. Among other things, conservation and outdoor experts will stress that the plan should include dedicated funding toward meeting environmental and recreational needs to ensure Colorado residents and communities are not harmed by the long-term effects of the plan.

Even if you cannot make it to one of the community meetings listed below, your voice can still be heard – take action now to protect Colorado’s rivers.

The Colorado State Water Plan meetings are open to the public and will take place at:

Yampa-White River Basin Craig, CO – Clarion Inn and Suites, 300 S. Highway 13 Wednesday, July 22, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00
Rio Grande Basin Hearing Alamosa, CO – Inn of the Rio Grande Hotel and Conference Center, 333 Santa Fe Avenue Monday, August 10, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Arkansas River Basin Hearing Salida, CO – Salida Community Center, 305 F Street Tuesday, August 11, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Colorado River Basin Hearing Granby, CO – Inn at Silver Creek, 62927 US Highway 40 Wednesday, August 12, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
North Platte River Basin Hearing Walden, CO – U.S. Forest Service Offices Monday, September 14, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
South Platte River Basin Hearing Greeley, CO – Island Grove Event Center Monday, September 14, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Denver Metropolitan Area Hearing Aurora, CO – Aurora City Council Chamber Tuesday, September 15, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.