February 2025
Yampa Ripple Effect Business Partner Highlight
Several local businesses that have signed on to participate in the Yampa Ripple Effect program and we are grateful for their partnership. We think this is a win-win partnership and we asked one of our partners to tell us a little bit about their experience participating in the program.
Yampa Ripple Effect Partner of the Month: Skull Creek Greek/Wild Plum Market/Hypnotic Chicken
Name/Title: Jason Partovi/Owner
What do you love about Steamboat and the Yampa River?
I’m incredibly grateful to call Steamboat Springs home. My wife and I moved here with our two daughters about six years ago, drawn by the incredible quality of life this community offers. Nine months later our son was born. Since then, the Yampa Valley has truly reshaped our lives. Owning and operating Skull Creek Greek, Hypnotic Chicken, and Wild Plum has been a journey of growth and connection—not just for our family but for the amazing employees who have become part of our extended family. Our family enjoys camping, hiking, biking, skiing, and soaking up everything that makes Steamboat so special. The support of this community has meant everything to us, and I’m deeply committed to giving back in ways that make a difference for others. This town has given us so much, and it’s a privilege to be able to contribute in return.
Why is it important to support the river, and why is its health important for our community?
The Yampa River is the lifeblood of our community, supporting recreation, wildlife, and local businesses. Its health ensures that future generations can enjoy its beauty and benefits.
How has the program been received by your customers?
Our customers have been incredibly supportive. They love knowing that their visit contributes to protecting something so vital to our area.
How much does it help raise for the river?
Through the Yampa Ripple Effect, we raised over $7,500 in 2024 to help fund critical conservation and education efforts by Friends of the Yampa. This is a testament to our community’s dedication to the sustainability of the Yampa River and it makes us proud to be a part of it.
Does your team utilize and love the river? Absolutely! Whether it’s kayaking, fishing, or just enjoying the scenery, our team loves spending time on the river and values its many contributions to our community.
What's your favorite thing to do on the Yampa? I enjoy paddleboarding, tubing, and attending the annual Riverfest celebration. But my absolute favorite is spending time with my children, enjoying the river with our feet in the water.
January 2025
Yampa Ripple Effect Business Partner Highlight
Several local businesses that have signed on to participate in the Yampa Ripple Effect program and we are grateful for their partnership. We think this is a win-win partnership and we asked one of our partners to tell us a little bit about their experience participating in the program.
Yampa Ripple Effect Partner of the Month: Corner Slice/Yield
Corner Slice Pizza and Yield founder and owner Bryan Baker grew up in Vero Beach, Fla., moved to Denver for college in 2009, and never looked back. Instead, he got up to the mountains as fast as he could, moving to Steamboat in 2017 to take over the Tap House downtown. A year later he opened Corner Slice as well as a second location in Fort Collins in 2022. He also recently opened Yield at the Commons Food Hall in downtown Steamboat for a healthier, quick service concept. While it all keeps him busy, he heads to the Yampa and its surrounding mountains—fishing, floating, snowboarding, biking, and running—whenever he can and does what he can to help protect the environment he so loves. We caught up with one of the Yampa Ripple Effect’s earliest partners for a little more information on helping preserve the Yampa and its environs.
Name/Title: Bryan Baker, owner, Corner Slice Pizza/Yield
Why is it important to support the river?
The Yampa Ripple Effect is a no-brainer for us as a round-up option for our customers—it’s easily activated, meaningful to our community, and not a burden to our checkout process. We get shoutouts from our customers about it all the time. Most of them love it as a way to help protect the river. We’ve never heard anything against the round-up request for the Yampa. A high percentage of our customers opt in to do it and are glad to have an easy way to do what they can to help preserve this great resource.
Does your team utilize and love the river? Oh yeah. Our crew at both restaurants loves the river and either utilizes or appreciates it every day. We’re all river folks at heart.
What's your favorite thing to do on the Yampa? I love surfing the A-hole when the conditions are right and it forms a perfect wave. Our staff loves getting out on it also.
November 2024
Yampa Ripple Effect Business Partner Highlight
Several local businesses that have signed on to participate in the Yampa Ripple Effect program and we are grateful for their partnership. We think this is a win-win partnership and we asked one of our partners to tell us a little bit about their experience participating in the program.
Yampa Ripple Effect Partner of the Month: Cruisers Sub Shop!
Cruisers Sub Shop owner Kris Shea has always been drawn to the water. Growing up fishing on the rivers and lakes of Michigan, his love for surfing brought him to Southern California for college, after which he traveled to Central America and New Zealand, chasing new bodies of water. After settling down in Steamboat Springs, he started Cruisers in 2011, quickly giving it a surf and river theme. Wanting to help restore and preserve his cherished Yampa River, he founded the River Collective Co., connecting area artists and retailers with a sticker program whose sales benefit local river nonprofits. The program has since expanded to the Colorado River Basin and beyond. Helping launch the Yampa Ripple Effect’s pilot program, Cruisers is also its leading contributor. We caught up with him between his time on the water, behind his sandwich counter and raising his 5-year-old son Julian with wife Jenn for a little more insight on his love for the Yampa.
Name/Title: Kris Shea, owner, Cruisers Sub Shop
Why is it important to support the river?
It's incredibly important to support it. The Yampa is the cornerstone of our community and valley. Its health is vital to everyone living here. It supports so many different industries both directly and indirectly, from ranchers to recreationists. Its health also impacts many communities downstream. It’s one of the most important natural amenities of our town.
How has the program been received by your customers? Our customers are super excited about it. We've provided a simple way for locals and visitors to chip-in and help protect the river. We’ve had a lot of people thank us for giving them an easy way to contribute.
How much does it help raise for the river? A lot. It raises money for the river through the "round up" feature on our point-of-sale system, which works super easily and keeps track of every donation. So far, we’ve raised over $7,400 through it, averaging about $500 per month, all of which goes straight toward helping protect the Yampa by keeping water in it, riparian and agriculture improvements, tree-planting initiatives, and more.
Does your team utilize and love the river? A hundred percent. Our team members love to fish and raft the river throughout spring, summer and fall. It’s right out our backdoor. I can be fishing on it just a minute bike ride away.
Tell us about your River Collective program and how it helps the river: It’s another great way to help protect the Yampa. Through the sales of our custom fish stickers we raise awareness and recurring donations for the Yampa River Fund. We donate 20 percent of all sales to the Yampa River Fund. So far, we've donated over $11,000.
Any river-themed food items? Our Yampa Acai Bowl is pretty popular. It’s a big seller in the summer.
What's your favorite thing to do on the Yampa? I'm a fishing nerd. I love to float and fly fish all over the valley.
July 2024
Yampa Ripple Effect Business Partner Highlight
Several local businesses that have signed on to participate in the Yampa Ripple Effect program and we are grateful for their partnership. We think this is a win-win partnership and we asked one of our partners to tell us a little bit about their experience participating in the program.
Yampa Ripple Effect Partner of the Month: Drunken Onion!
For more than 16 years, the Drunken Onion at 685 Marketplace Plaza has been Steamboat’s friendly, local get-and-go kitchen to fuel local adventures. Town’s go-to spot for fast, slow food, it slow-cooks everything from scratch and stocks its kitchen every day with your favorite meals, so you can grab it fast when you need it. Serving everything from breakfast, lunch and heat-and-serve dinners to full-on group meals and catering options, it’s been voted Best of the Boat Caterer for seven years, thanks to owner and chef Ben Stroock, who brings his culinary expertise to every menu item. It sources ingredients locally and organically whenever possible to let you bring quality meals home, ready to heat and enjoy. Choose from a variety of breakfast and coffee options to deli-style lunches, housemade soups, pizzas, dinners, desserts, and more. It’s also been one of the longest-running supporters of the Yampa Ripple Effect, letting its customers help raise funds for the Yampa River. We caught up with Ben for his take on how the Yampa Ripple Effect’s “round-up for the river” program is going for their loyal customers. (Info: www.drunkenonion.com).
Name/Title: Ben Stroock, chef/owner
Years at business: The Drunken Onion, 16; restaurant business, 34
Why is it important to support the river?
The Yampa is the centerpiece of our community and we are blessed to have it. A healthy river means healthy land, wildlife and people.
How has the program been received by your customers?
Some people don’t notice it and totally ignore it, but the ones who realize what it is and how easy it is to make a difference and help protect the river are thrilled to contribute.
How much does it help raise for the river per month?
Monthly it brings in somewhere in the neighborhood of $225. People love helping out and contributing.
Does your team utilize the river (and how do you use it)?
We all love being near our hometown Yampa River and get out on it whenever we can. A couple of our staff members fish, and I am becoming a rafting fanatic. I try to get out on it as much as I can.
Any products you offer that river users might find useful?
Our breakfast burritos, soups and group meals are becoming a staple on many overnight river trips; a lot of people come to us to cater their meals on multi-day trips, like down in Yampa Canyon. And river enthusiasts of all stripes love my burritos, sandwiches/wraps, and salads to fuel whatever they are getting into along the Yampa, Elk, and other local creeks and river.
June 2024
Yampa Ripple Effect Business Partner Highlight
Several local businesses that have signed on to participate in the Yampa Ripple Effect program and we are grateful for their partnership. We think this is a win-win partnership and we asked one of our partners to tell us a little bit about their experience participating in the program.
Yampa Ripple Effect Partner of the Month: Ace Hardware!
If you stopped in at Ace Hardware in May and June it was easy to round up for the river after buying your paint, grill part or other “glad we have Ace here” product for your summer home or improvement project. Ace is one of 10 inaugural partners that have signed up to help protect our beloved Yampa River by joining the Yampa Ripple Effect, which lets local business customers “round-up” to protect the river, with all proceeds going to the Yampa River Fund. How’d it go for them during the month-long campaign? Swimmingly, we’d like to say, with nearly half of their customers opting to round-up for the river after their purchases. We caught up with longtime owner Marc Swanson for his thoughts on protecting the river.
Name/title: Marc Swanson, owner Steamboat Ace Hardware
Years at Ace: 14
Why is it important to support the river?
The river is the lifeblood of the valley. Not only is it the beautiful gem that defines the valley, without adequate streamflows a whole slew of recreational and economic activities vital to the community, from trout fishing to rafting, are threatened. From an ecological perspective, with the region-wide drought conditions of the last 20 years leading to diminished river flows and higher water temperatures, we need to do everything we can to protect and enhance the Yampa River ecosystem as it faces these challenges.
Why is its health important to the community?
The health of the river and the health of the community are intimately connected. A healthy river is one that we can recreate on, fish, kayak, or simply enjoy as the majestic living organism that it is. There is a big mental health / quality of life component here.
How has the program been received by your customers?
It was received very well and we got a lot of positive feedback. It was readily apparent how deeply valley residents care about the Yampa River.
Does your team utilize the river (and how do you use it)?
There are many of us at Steamboat Ace Hardware who are passionate about fishing or rafting. I got off a couple good runs down the Yampa through town on my 30-year-old raft when the flows were high. It was a blast. A number of us at the hardware store bike to work in the summer months along the Core Trail as well, myself included. Riding along the river is such a great way to start and finish your day.
Any products you offer that fishers, tubers and other river users might find useful?
From cam straps to Yeti coolers and dry boxes, we have a lot that would pique the interest of river users.
What other causes do you solicit donations for?
The other cause that we have solicited donations for is the Children's Miracle Network. We also directly support numerous other causes in the Yampa Valley and have made many donations down through the years for river habitat restoration and enhancement. We love helping the river whenever we can.
May 2024
Yampa River Fund Announces 2024 grants
The Yampa River Fund Steering Committee has announced its grant recipients for 2024. This year marks the fifth year of operation, and the River Fund continues adding to its successes to create a healthier future for the Yampa River as a vital component of Northwest Colorado’s lifestyle and economy.
Five grants totaling $204,125 were awarded for projects that benefit the river and its tributaries. As with each of the four previous years, the Yampa River Fund is providing funding to help ensure additional flows are available in late summer from Stagecoach Reservoir as needed. We saw last year how a significant snowpack does not necessarily prevent low river flows in late summer, and so we will be eager to see how the spring and early summer weather contributes to runoff conditions in the river. The River Fund is also contributing to a floodplain planning project downstream of Steamboat Springs and a bank stabilization and riparian restoration project in that area. Two other projects will improve irrigation diversion infrastructure while incorporating techniques to encourage environmental and recreational improvements.
“Word has gotten out and we are seeing a broad range of important projects applying for Yampa River Fund grants. We believe this critical funding source can help facilitate the types of projects that improve the health of the river for the benefit of us all.” said Mike Robertson, Yampa River Fund manager for Friends of the Yampa.
The five projects and grantees chosen are:
2024 Yampa River Environmental Release Program – Colorado Water Trust
The Colorado Water Trust (CWT) has a 10-year contract with Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District to strategically release up to 5,100 acre-feet from Stagecoach Reservoir to benefit the environment and other water users. Farther downstream on the Yampa River, CWT will also use some Yampa River Fund grant funding in coordination with funds from the Colorado River Water Conservation District to release up to 2,000 acre-feet from Elkhead Reservoir.
Feasibility Study, Modeling, and Planning for Yampa River Habitat Connectivity in Morgan Bottom – Friends of the Yampa
This project will conduct planning to reconnect the Yampa River to its floodplain and improve terrestrial and aquatic habitat, beginning on the Yampavian Ranch and continuing westward. Specific activities include engaging landowners, conducting hydraulic modeling, and developing a conceptual design for habitat connectivity in support of holistic riparian and aquatic health.
Flanders Ranch Habitat Improvement Project – Trout Unlimited
Funding will go toward bank stabilization and riparian restoration work on a 600-foot eroding bank of the Yampa River between Hayden and Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Riparian vegetation will be planted on over an acre of land to help encourage revegetation of the disturbed site. This project will help the landowner retain valuable land from further erosion and improve water quality by reducing excess sediments in the river.
Nickell Diversion and Riparian Restoration – Community Agriculture Alliance
This project plans to install a permanent stop log diversion at the Nickell Ditch. This will also include riparian restoration just above the installed diversion, combining bank grading with tree planting and other techniques.
Duquette Diversion Planning Phase – Community Agriculture Alliance
This Yampa River Fund grant award will be used to start the planning process and development of alternatives for the Duquette Ditch Diversion just downstream of Steamboat Springs. The project will also include riparian restoration on the centennial Stanko Ranch.
“The Fund has had another successful year – partnerships, financial support and high caliber applicants demonstrate our important role in the Yampa River basin,” said Jackie Brown, chair of the Yampa River Fund Board. “Our board and steering committee continue to plan for how we can meet the dynamic needs of a basin facing a multitude of water challenges at a local level”.
The Yampa River Fund was launched in September 2019 to provide a sustainable, voluntary funding source for the Yampa River to enhance water security and support a healthy, flowing river by enhancing critical low flows, and maintaining or improving river function through a holistic approach to restoration of habitat.
The Fund is governed by a 21-member founding Board representing local governments, community and statewide NGOs, businesses, water providers and irrigation districts.
More information on the Yampa River Fund can be found at yampariverfund.org.
MARCH 2024
Yampa Ripple Effect Launching to Provide Local Business Customers an Opportunity to Help Protect River
Unique funding mechanism spearheaded by The Nature Conservancy, Yampa River Fund and Friends of the Yampa
The Nature Conservancy in Colorado, the Yampa River Fund and Friends of the Yampa are launching a new funding mechanism called the Yampa Ripple Effect, which empowers customers of local businesses to help protect the Yampa River by “rounding up” to the next dollar (or making a 1 percent or other small donation) with their purchase. The collaboration between local businesses and nonprofits working toward protecting the Yampa is widely seen as a win-win for everyone involved, with the river the ultimate benefactor.
“Through this new initiative, local businesses can help strategically protect the river we love by teaming with the Yampa Ripple Effect,” said Andy Baur, Yampa Valley Community Liaison with The Nature Conservancy in Colorado, who also served as the Yampa River Fund’s inaugural manager. “All income goes directly to supporting the operations of the Yampa River Fund and projects that keep the Yampa and our valley’s economy flowing and healthy by enhancing river flows, infrastructure improvement, restoration, education efforts, and more.
The program enables customers of participating businesses to voluntarily make a small donation with their purchase via rounding up to the next dollar or other, similar method. It provides an opportunity for businesses to support the local community and the river that is the lifeblood of Northwest Colorado. In turn, businesses will receive recognition from the Yampa Ripple Effect via advertising campaigns, newsletters/website promotions, special events and more.
“My business has actually grown from participating in the program,” said Kris Shea, owner of Cruisers Sub Shop in Steamboat, which has run a pilot program for the Yampa Ripple Effect since spring 2023. “People are psyched to help protect the river and are glad we’re enabling them to do so. It’s an awesome way for our customers to have a hand in keeping the Yampa healthy. Our customers appreciate the opportunity to give.”
Several businesses have already put the Yampa Ripple Effect into action. "We're seeing a lot of interest in it already, with local businesses eager to give their customers the opportunity to help protect the river," added Eugene Buchanan, who is working with Friends of the Yampa with the outreach effort to local companies. "We're pleased to have a handful signup already—especially with spring slowly starting to take hold and the Yampa starting to rise."
For more information, please visit www.yamparippleeffect.org or contact Andy Baur at info@YampaRippleEffect.org, (406) 410-0366.
About Yampa River Fund: Founded in 2019 and managed by Friends of the Yampa, the Yampa River Fund is a collaborative community-based organization dedicated to identifying and funding activities that protect the water supply, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities of the Yampa River. Its goal is to enhance water security for communities, agriculture, the economy, and the natural environment; support a healthy, flowing river and enhance critical low flows through water leases; and maintain or improve river function by restoring riparian and/or in-channel habitat. From 2020 through 2023, it has already allocated more than $750,000 to 18 projects throughout the basin, with plans to distribute at least $200,000 per year going forward. https://www.yampariverfund.org/
About Friends of the Yampa: The Friends of the Yampa’s mission is to protect and enhance the Yampa River’s environmental and recreational integrity through stewardship, advocacy, education and partnerships. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it has a long-standing history of organizing river clean ups, advocating the watershed’s attributes, facilitating habitat and feature improvements, and participating in regional and national policy efforts and campaigns. To join or donate, visit www.friendsoftheyampa.com.
About The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. To date, the Conservancy in Colorado has helped protect more than one million acres and over one thousand river miles. You can learn more about The Nature Conservancy at www.nature.org/Colorado.
SEPTEMBER 2023
Yampa River Fund announces 4th annual celebration
At 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at Snow Bowl Steamboat, the Yampa River Fund will celebrate its fourth anniversary and another successful year of grants. The River Fund and partners are also excited to announce the Yampa Ripple Effect.
“We are thrilled to have our fourth annual celebration of the Yampa River Fund at the Snow Bowl this year. It will be a fantastic time, and we expect a great turnout as we gather to mark our many successes,” Yampa River Fund Manager Mike Robertson said.
The Yampa River Fund was launched in September 2019 to provide a sustainable, voluntary funding source for the Yampa River to enhance water security and support a healthy, flowing river by enhancing critical low flows, and maintaining or improving river function through a holistic approach to restoration of habitat. In 2023, Yampa River Fund had another successful round of distributing grant funds to projects that will benefit the river and beneficiaries that rely on it. Yampa River Fund awarded four grants totaling $166,141 in late June to bolster flows, increase outreach to landowners and fund two infrastructure improvement projects.
This September marks the first full year of Friends of the Yampa acting as manager for the Yampa River Fund. The partnership between the two organizations helps diversify the impact on the Yampa Valley through education, programming and funding.
“Friends of the Yampa has picked up where The Nature Conservancy left off in managing the Yampa River Fund. We continue to see this program have a positive impact on the Yampa River and communities throughout the basin,” Robertson said. “In our first year managing the River Fund, we've continued to raise awareness, solicit new funding, track the impacts of previous grants and oversee a new round of excellent grant applications.”
As envisioned from the outset of the Yampa River Fund, a working group of local business leaders, The Nature Conservancy and Friends of the Yampa have been developing a business engagement program to support the Fund and projects to keep the Yampa and our economy healthy. Called the Yampa Ripple Effect, this program is designed to provide an opportunity for customers to contribute to river health by rounding up to the next dollar on their bill (or other similar voluntary donation methods). More details about the program, success of the pilot program and how to get involved will be provided at the Yampa River Fund Celebration.
The celebration will take place at Snow Bowl Steamboat and attendees will need to RSVP to attend the event. The free ticket includes a complimentary beer pour courtesy of Yampa Valley Brewing Co. Hop House and light refreshments. Eric Delaney will play music before and after programming. Those looking to bowl during or after the event need to book lanes with Snow Bowl.
Read more — Steamboat Pilot & Today: Customers can tip the river when ordering lunch
September 2023
Yampa River Fund Announces 2023 grants
The Yampa River Fund Steering Committee has announced its grant recipients for 2023. Now in its fourth year of operation, the River Fund is building on the success of the previous grant cycles to create a healthier future for the Yampa River as a vital component of northwest Colorado’s lifestyle and economy.
Four grants totaling $166,141 were awarded to entities for projects that benefit the river and its tributaries. This year, unlike the last several years, substantial runoff has provided excellent conditions in the river, but if conditions change, funds will be available to bolster river levels and reduce temperatures late in the summer and fall. In addition, the River Fund is partnering with the Community Agriculture Alliance to create a new community outreach position focused on landowner engagement to help identify additional opportunities to improve river health with interested private property owner partners. The River Fund is also providing support to two infrastructure improvement projects that will replace failing agricultural diversion headgates that will help improve efficiencies and reduce water waste.
“The Yampa River Fund continues to provide critical funding for a wide range of projects that benefit the river and its diverse group of stakeholders. We all benefit from a healthy flowing river and I look forward to seeing these new projects get underway,” said Mike Robertson, Yampa River Fund manager for Friends of the Yampa.
The four projects and grantees chosen are:
2023 Yampa River Environmental Release Program – Colorado Water Trust
The Colorado Water Trust has a contract with the Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District to store and strategically release up to 5,100 acre-feet of water from Stagecoach Reservoir in 2023. During weekly coordination calls with a working group of stakeholders, CWT staff will determine appropriate release rates and timing to ensure maximum benefit and administration of releases. The Yampa River Fund will contribute funding to support any releases that may be required in 2023.
Landowner Outreach for Coordinated Projects to Improve River Health – Community Agriculture Alliance
Funds from the Yampa River Fund will contribute to creating a new Outreach Coordinator position to engage landowners and build capacity to develop and implement coordinated river projects that focus on a balanced river system and riparian function that improve river health. This work will build on prior stakeholder engagement efforts and help expedite local project development opportunities.
Norvell Infrastructure Improvements Project – Community Agriculture Alliance
Funding will go toward replacing an aging headgate that sends water from Elkhead Creek down a four-mile ditch where multiple owners irrigate over 600 acres of crops. In addition to ensuring the continued supply of water to local agricultural producers, this project will improve safety related to maintenance of the structure. Replacement will also provide improved efficiency of water use with a greater ability to fully seal during low flow periods and ensure flow releases for environmental benefit from Elkhead Reservoir can pass the diversion to support endangered fishes as intended.
Shelton Ditch Headgate Project – Shelton Ditch Company
Funding provided for this project will go toward replacing an aging headgate that is in danger of failing. A new headgate will provide a consistent flow of water with which to irrigate crops and water livestock along the approximately six miles in length. There is also municipal water use from this ditch for enhancing parks and open space. After implementing the critical replacement of the headgate this year, the ditch company intends to further improve this diversion from the Yampa River with a permanent structure that that will eliminate the need for creating a temporary push up dam each year that disturbs the ecosystem of the river and impacts recreational use opportunities for fishermen and boaters.
“The Fund continues to receive excellent projects in response to the RFPs and this year was no different ,” said Jackie Brown, chair of the Yampa River Fund Board. “The Yampa River Fund is doing what it was designed to do – improve the river’s health and support the communities that depend on it. The Fund continued to prioritize flows in the event that late summer brings dry conditions, and funded an agricultural diversion, and capacity for supporting our ag community as they design and replace aging infrastructure. This year, the Fund will host a strategic planning session so we can fine tune our processes and continue meeting the broad needs of our river valley.”
The Yampa River Fund was launched in September 2019 to provide a sustainable, voluntary funding source for the Yampa River to enhance water security and support a healthy, flowing river by enhancing critical low flows, and maintaining or improving river function through a holistic approach to restoration of habitat.
The Fund is governed by a 21-member founding Board representing local governments, community and statewide NGOs, businesses, water providers and irrigation districts.
More information on the Yampa River Fund can be found at yampariverfund.org.
September 2022
Yampa River Fund announces new Fund Manager and transitions management to Friends of the Yampa
The Yampa River Fund is changing hands in more ways than one.
At 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, at Snow Bowl Steamboat, the Yampa River Fund has many things to celebrate, one of which is new River Fund Manager Mike Robertson. The Fund will also be celebrating its third anniversary and the official transition of the management of the Fund from The Nature Conservancy in Colorado to the local watershed group, Friends of the Yampa.
“From the outset, it was the intention to transfer the management of the Yampa River Fund to a qualified local organization. We are excited that Friends of the Yampa has stepped up to take on this key role,” said Andy Baur, the Yampa River Fund manager for TNC since its launch in 2019. Baur will remain with TNC as its Yampa Valley Community Liaison. “FOTY, along with Mike, the new Fund manager, is a perfect fit. They are deeply engaged in our basin’s water challenges and are broadening their reach to engage the diverse interests involved in our water future.”
“We welcome Mike and his passion for this cause and believe in his abilities to provide both continuity and increased opportunities for the Yampa River Fund,” said Jackie Brown, Yampa River Fund chair. “The Yampa River Fund has been a key element of creating meaningful solutions in the basin, and much sooner than any of us could have imagined. It is critical that the Fund is managed professionally and dynamically on a day-to-day basis to honor our communities, our donors and this river system.”
Robertson recently moved with his family from Cheyenne, Wyoming, to their home in Steamboat Springs. The Yampa Valley has been a special place since purchasing a second home here in 2010, and they are excited to become full-time residents. He loves spending virtually all of his spare time exploring the natural world with his wife, Margee, and family, and embraces the strong emphasis on community in the Yampa Valley.
Working in and around rivers for over 20 years, Robertson worked in river basin planning for the past three years in Wyoming and worked for nearly 10 years as the instream flow biologist for Wyoming Game and Fish. In addition, Robertson served as a representative for the state of Wyoming on the Upper Colorado Endangered Fish Recovery Program, which brings together stakeholders from several states and divergent interests to work on the common goal of recovering the four listed fish species while continuing to develop water use for communities throughout the basin.
“I am excited to join the Friends of the Yampa and have a role in implementing the Yampa River Fund,” said Robertson. “I welcome the opportunity to build on the foundation of hard work and insight of the people who set up the Yampa River Fund to make a difference in this community.”
Friends of the Yampa sees the management of the Yampa River Fund as a way to diversify its impact in the Yampa Valley and focus its expertise on educating supporters on ways to donate that benefit and protect the Yampa River.
“Friends of the Yampa is very excited for Mike to join our team. His experience in river system function not only solidifies Friends of the Yampa's credentials but is also an asset to the entire Yampa Valley,” said Ben Beall, Friends of the Yampa board president. “His background in the execution of projects that bring benefits to the many users who rely on healthy river flows will be an incredible resource for the Fund as it moves into its next phase of development.”
May 2022
Yampa River Fund Announces 2022 grants
The Yampa River Fund Steering Committee made its decision on this year’s round of grants on May 10, 2022. Now in its third year of operation, the Yampa River Fund is building on the success of the first two grant cycles to create a healthier future for the Yampa River as a vital component of northwest Colorado’s lifestyle and economy. This year, three grants totaling $203,612 were awarded to entities to accomplish projects that benefit the river and its tributaries. The projects that will be funded focus on enhanced flows to bolster river level and lower temperatures during the driest times in the Summer. In addition, the Fund is partnering with the City of Craig to help establish a water park and an upgraded associated diversion. “The YRF Steering Committee see enhanced flows as critical again this year and the Fund is pleased to see the progress on an important amenity in Moffat County.” Said Andy Baur, Yampa River Fund Manager.
The three projects and grantees chosen are:
Yampa River Environmental Release Program – the Colorado Water Trust
Colorado Water Trust anticipates contracting with the Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District and the Colorado River Water Conservation District to store and strategically release water from Stagecoach Reservoir and Elkhead Reservoir, respectively.
Yampa River Corridor Project -- the City of Craig
Construction phase of the Yampa River Corridor Project to replace existing degraded municipal water diversion dam. Implementation will promote safer boater passage and create enhanced aquatic/riparian habitat and fish passage, in addition to converting to a recreational asset for Craig and Moffat County.
Elkhead Reservoir Release Project -- Colorado River Water Conservation District
In 2021, the River District released 1,500 acre-feet made available through the River District's Community Funding Partnership 2021 Yampa River Flow Pilot. This project would fund another year of this continued effort to benefit consumptive and in-channel uses during low flow periods.
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“With limited funds available, the YRF Steering Committee really felt that flow releases are an important priority this year. And we are grateful to be able to continue to support the great project on the Craig water park and diversion project.” said Jackie Brown, chair of the Yampa River Fund Board. “It shows that the Yampa River Fund is doing what it was designed to do – improve the river’s health and support the communities that depend on it.”
The Yampa River Fund was launched in September 2019 to provide a sustainable, voluntary funding source for the Yampa River in order to enhance water security and support a healthy, flowing river by enhancing critical low flows, and maintaining or improving river function through a holistic approach to restoration of habitat.
The Fund is governed by a 21-member founding Board representing local governments, community and statewide NGO’s, business, water providers and irrigation districts.
February 2022
Yampa River Fund Business Survey
The Yampa River Fund is a collaborative community-based organization dedicated to identifying and funding activities that protect the water supply, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities provided to us by the Yampa River.
Launched in 2019, the Yampa River Fund, has awarded $400,000 to eleven projects in 2020 and 2021. These projects invest in conservation and restoration activities that positively impact Yampa River flows to support the livelihoods of recreation outfitters and ranchers throughout the valley, and to ensure that a healthy, flowing Yampa River remains the thriving center of our communities for generations to come.
The Yampa River Fund genuinely values its partnerships with the business throughout the Yampa Basin. As such, we are seeking feedback from businesses to determine the best ways to engage with them and if there may be mutually beneficial ways to support each other’s goals. Other similaar models in the region include the Land and Rivers Fund in the Eagle Valley; 1% for Open Space in the Gunnison Valley; and Friends of the Verde River in Arizona.
If you are a business owner or you know someone that is, please take a moment to take the survey or share. It is completely anonymous, and the data will assist us in making key decisions in our business engagement strategy moving forward.
May 2021
Yampa River Fund Announces 2021 grants
On May 3rd the Yampa River Fund Steering Committee made its decision on this year’s round of grants. The Yampa River Fund is in its second year of operation and building momentum to create a healthier future for the Yampa River as a vital component of northwest Colorado’s lifestyle and economy. Six grants totaling $200,000 were awarded to entities to accomplish projects that benefit the river and its tributaries. The projects that will be funded represent a wide swath of the Yampa basin and all three eligible funding categories: enhanced river flows, restoration actions and improved infrastructure. “The Fund is grateful for the interest in our grant program from all corners of the Basin. All of the groups leveraged other funding to amplify the impact of Yampa River Fund dollars.” Said Andy Baur, Yampa River Fund Manager.
The six projects and grantees chosen are:
Yampa River Environmental Release Program – the Colorado Water Trust
Colorado Water Trust will contract with the appropriate entities to release stored water from Stagecoach Reservoir and Elkhead Reservoir to benefit the natural environment and the local communities as needed during drier periods of the Summer and Fall.
Yampa River Corridor Project -- the City of Craig
Engineering for a whitewater park in Craig. This project will feature drop pools and safe boater facilities, while allowing fish passage. Engineering will also encompass replacement of an existing municipal water diversion dam.
Process Based Design for Trout Creek Restoration -- Trout Unlimited
YRF funds will be used for project design to protect and restore a 2.5-mile section of Trout Creek using low-tech, river restoration techniques that aim to restore natural river processes. The project is located on a ranch west of Oak Creek.
Pleasant Valley Habitat Recreation Improvement -- Yampa Valley Stream Improvement Charitable Trust This project includes design and engineering for a restoration effort that improves aquatic habitat in a critical reach of the Yampa River. The project will benefit stream health, function, and recreational opportunities.
Maybell Diversion Restoration - Permitting -- The Nature Conservancy
This grant supports pre-construction permitting and stakeholder engagement for restoration of the Maybell Diversion and headgates on the Yampa River. When complete, the Maybell project will provide improved boat and fish passage on this section of the Yampa as well as improved water delivery for the ditch users.
Yampa River Forest Restoration Project-Snake/Hitchen’s Island -- Yampa Valley Sustainability Council
YVSC will plant mid and upper canopy tree species on City of Steamboat Springs property on Snake Island. Tree planting will help restore degraded riparian habitat and provide long-term benefits to stream temperatures in accordance with the 2018 Stream Management Plan.
“We are really excited to partner with these organizations on this amazing group of projects,” said Kelly Romero-Heaney, chair of the Yampa River Fund Board. “It shows that the Yampa River Fund is doing what it was designed to do – improve the river’s health and support the communities that depend on it.”
The Yampa River Fund was launched in September 2019 to provide a sustainable, voluntary funding source for the Yampa River in order to enhance water security and support a healthy, flowing river by enhancing critical low flows, and maintaining or improving river function through a holistic approach to restoration of habitat.
The Fund is governed by a 21-member founding Board representing local governments, community and statewide NGO’s, business, water providers and irrigation districts.
MARCH 2021
Yampa River Fund announces increase in funding ahead of grant application deadline
The Craig Daily Press/ Read Full Article
October 2020
AUGUST 2020
Yampa River Fund wins “King of the Mountain Tap”
Yampa River Fund participated Mountain Tap Brewery’s Token Tuesday program in July. Every Tuesday, Mountain Tap Brewery in Steamboat Springs, gives customers a token for every beer they buy, which they can then choose their favorite organization out of the choice of three. For the month of July, Yampa River Fund came out on top. Because of this, Yampa River Fund remains a beneficiary for the month of August! Go to Mountain Tap Brewery on Tuesdays in the month of August and drop your token in the Yampa River Fund’s box. Thank you all for your support!
August 2020
MAY 2020
Yampa River Awards First Round of Grants
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2020
Contact: Andy Baur, Yampa River Fund Manager: andrew,baur@tnc.org, 406-410-0366
The Yampa River Fund has awarded its first-ever round of grant funding to five applicants, allocating $200,000 in available funding. On April 29, the Yampa River Fund Steering Committee met to review grant applications and make its decisions. Seven applications were received by the March 24 deadline and $273,000 was requested of the Fund. “We were very pleased to see project applications from throughout the Yampa Basin for a variety of project types,” said Andy Baur, Yampa River Fund manager. “After several years of work with so many groups and entities, it is really exciting to see the first Yampa River Fund grants going out to projects as the program was intended.”
The projects funded in this round of awards are:
1. Stagecoach Reservoir Environmental Release Project, $45,000. Applicant: Colorado Water Trust. This project will provide funding for vital flow releases from Stagecoach Reservoir if flows fall below critical levels in 2020.
2. Irrigation Project for Yampa River Forest Restoration, $30,358. Applicant: Yampa Valley Sustainability Council. This project provides funds for critical irrigation infrastructure to support Yampa River forest restoration efforts.
3. Oak Creek Restoration & Greenway Design, $44,821. Applicant: Town of Oak Creek. Funding will be used to provide key planning and design services for the Oak Creek restoration efforts.
4. Lower Elkhead Creek Restoration Project, Phase 1, $35,000. Applicant: Trout Unlimited. Funds will be used to bolster stream restoration and stabilization efforts below Elkhead Reservoir.
5. Loudy Simpson Improvements Projects, $44,821. Applicant: Moffat County. Moffat County will put funds towards building a redesigned boat ramp and bank stabilization at a popular Yampa River access site.
Kelly Romero-Heaney, Chair of the Yampa River Fund Board and Steering Committee, touts these first Yampa River Fund grants as critical to advancing these projects especially in a time of economic uncertainty associated with the COVD-19 crisis. “We recognize that there are many critical funding and support needs in our communities right now. The Yampa River Fund grants will support this river that adds so much to our economy and way of life which is so important as we cope with the uncertainties and stress related to Covid-19. We hope these funds will provide a bit of good news for the community and applicants along with their key benefits to the Yampa,” she said.
The Yampa River Fund was launched in September 2019 to provide a sustainable, voluntary funding source for the Yampa River in order to enhance water security and support a healthy, flowing river by enhancing critical low flows, and maintaining or improving river function through a holistic approach to restoration of habitat.
The Yampa River Fund is governed by a 21-member founding Board representing local governments, community and statewide NGO’s, business, water providers and irrigations districts.
December 2019
Yampa River Fund richer thanks to forthcoming Tri-State donations
The Craig Press / Read Full Article
September 2019
Steamboat Resort to donate $500k to Yampa River Fund
The Steamboat Pilot / Read Full Article
September 2019
Yampa River Fund launches this week, aims to keep the river flowing from the Flat Tops to Dinosaur
The Steamboat Pilot / Read Full Article
September 2019
Join us: Yampa River Fund launch party!
Thursday, September 19th at 5 pm Mountain Tap Brewery, Steamboat Springs
JULY 2019
In hiring a full-time staff member, Friends of the Yampa aims to do more for the Yampa River
The Steamboat Pilot / Read Full Article
FEBRUARY 2019
New endowed fund seeks to improve Yampa River health across Northwest Colorado
The Steamboat Pilot / Read Full Article
News Releases
Yampa Valley Community Partners Launch Yampa River Fund
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 17, 2019
Contact: Lindsay Schlageter, 612-968-3141
Fund will support activities to protect the Yampa River
Steamboat Springs, CO - With the waters flowing high this summer thanks to great winter snowfall, its hard to believe that last summer the Yampa River was so low that it couldn’t provide for all water needs. That’s why a group of community members have come together to launch the Yampa River Fund.
The Yampa River is critical to our area’s economic vitality. Agriculture, local businesses, wildlife, and residents rely on the river. However, worsening drought and the needs of a rapidly growing population has threatened the river’s ability to support the community.
Seeing a need to plan for a secure future for the Yampa River, over twenty community partners including outdoor recreation businesses, the City of Steamboat Springs, the Yampa Valley Community Foundation, Routt and Moffat counties, local NGOs, and many others, came together to create the Yampa River Fund.
The Yampa River Fund is a community-driven water fund dedicated to identifying and funding activities that protect the water supply, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities provided to us by the Yampa River.
“No single government entity, non-profit, corporation, or individual is responsible for preserving the health of the Yampa River. We all are,” said Kelly Romero-Heaney, Water Resources Manager for the City of Steamboat Springs. “And the Yampa River Fund has brought this community together to collectively steward its uniquely wild and healthy river system from the Flattops Wilderness to Dinosaur National Monument.”
The Fund will invest in conservation and restoration activities that positively impact Yampa River flows to support recreation outfitters and ranchers throughout the valley, and to ensure that a healthy, flowing Yampa River remains.
“This fund is critical for helping the agriculture industry in the Yampa Valley maintain our 100-year-old systems as well as upgrade our systems with new more efficient technologies while simultaneously enhancing the environmental and recreational aspects of water usage,” said Doug Monger, Routt County Commissioner. “It also allows us to prepare for a future with less water. It will help us continue our way of life and the rich heritage, and it will protect our picturesque working landscapes that ranching has brought to this part of the state.”
Yampa River Fund projects will be designed to benefit all visitors and residents in the Yampa Valley. Ensuring the Yampa flows in the late summer months will help ranchers who rely on water for their operations; fishing and river recreation outfitters who depend on flows to attract tourists and operate their businesses; and residents throughout the Valley for their health and quality of life.
“At Smartwool, we believe in protecting the places where we play and fostering a love of the outdoors for future generations,” said Jen McLaren, CEO of Smartwool. “The Yampa River Fund helps us do just that. Protecting one of our free-flowing rivers in the western United States and a critical asset to our local communities and outdoor recreation economy.”
Water Funds has been used around the world as a tool for bringing together water users, providers and communities to plan for a secure and healthy water future and then to fund and implement those activities. Water funds are locally-controlled and can be tailored to address the unique needs and priorities of different communities and partners.
“Water funds are an amazing tool that allow us to think ahead and plan for our water future,” said Nancy Smith, external affairs director for The Nature Conservancy’s Colorado River Program. “The Yampa River Fund will allow the Yampa Valley to build capacity and create a steady funding source for needed projects along the river.”
The Yampa River Fund will officially launch on September 19 with a ribbon cutting and celebration at Mountain Tap Brewery in Steamboat Springs. Events will begin at 4:30pm and more information can be found at yampariverfund.org.
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Banner Photo Credit: Tim Murphy Photography