Colorado Wildlife Federation Big Thompson River Restoration Coalition has launched a fundraising campaign. CWF is represented on the Steering Committee by our Issues Co-Chair Walt Graul. It deserves your support! Here is the message from the Coalition:
Hello and Happy New Year,
On behalf of the Big Thompson River Restoration Coalition, we ask for your help to restore the Big Thompson River after the devastating flood of 2013. We are a diverse coalition of riverfront property owners, community members, outdoor enthusiasts, non-profit organizations, businesses, and public agencies working together to restore The Big Thompson River.
If you love rivers and would like to help restore one of Colorado’s most iconic rivers, please make a tax-deductible contribution here: www.youcaring.com/btrrc. Any amount you give will help us reach our $50,000 fundraising target by January 31, 2014.
Your tax deductible donation will be put directly to work to restore riverside vegetation, enhance fish habitat, remove debris, rebuild vital structures, and put tools and food in the hands of hundreds of volunteers. Contributions go directly to the Big Thompson River Restoration account, managed by our Fiscal Sponsor, Wildlands Restoration Volunteers (WRV), a non-profit charitable organization with an impressive track record in restoring landscapes affected by disasters, such as the High Park Fire.
Our restoration efforts are being supported by the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Rotary, and local companies. But we need the help and participation of citizens like you to tackle the massive job ahead. Please donate today!
If you cannot make an on-line donation, please send a check, payable to œWildlands Restoration Volunteers to:
Big Thompson River Restoration Coalition
c/o: Wildlands Restoration Volunteers
418 So. Howes St, #115
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Together we can make a difference for œThe Big T.
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John Giordanengo
Wildlands Restoration Volunteers
Coordinator of the Big Thompson River Restoration Coalition
Big Thompson River Restoration Steering Committee Members:
David Jessup (Sylvan Dale Ranch), Dan Stubbs (Big Thompson School District), Ralph Trenary (Land Owner), Chris Carlson (City of Loveland), Brian Chavet (Elkhorn Fly, Rod, and Reel), David Piske (Trout Unlimited), Katie Jagt (Walsh Environmental), Greg Dewey (City of Loveland), Matt Lafferty (Larimer County), Walt Graul (Colorado Wildlife Federation), Gordon Gilstrap (Big Thompson Conservation District), Jeremy Sueltenfuss (Colorado Natural Heritage Program), Casey Cisneros (Larimer County Natural Resources).
MORE INFORMATION about the Coalition
The Big Thompson River flood that occurred September 12, 2013 changed œThe Big T from a beautiful and iconic landscape to a raging torrent, destroying roads, homes, bridges, farms and ranches. Recognized as one of Colorado’s premier trout fisheries and wildlife corridors, and home to so many people, the Big Thompson River has been reduced to cobble and rock beds in many places. Unstable river banks and channels have left roads, bridges and homes at further risk from normal spring floods, requiring immediate action. While the floodwaters have receded, the work to restore the river has just begun.
The Big Thompson River Restoration Coalition was formed to assist in the recovery of the degraded river and ensure œThe Big T remains a vital and essential element of life in Northern Colorado for generations to come. We have assembled an impressive team of biologists, hydrologists, community members, public agencies, and university specialists to help us achieve our goals:
· Short term protection of infrastructure such as ditch diversions, roads, bridges and access points, in ways that complement and enhance other long-term, comprehensive river restoration goals.
· Restoration and enhancement of riverbed function and structure to optimize wildlife habitat.
· Restore riparian and wetland plant communities along river banks to enhance water quality, encourage species diversity, and improve aesthetic values.
· Incorporate designs that reduce the risk to life and property during future flood events.
· Encourage responsible river use and floodplain management.
For more information, please visit our website at The Big Thompson River Restoration Coalition. Friend us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Read about us here: http://www.reporterherald.com/news/colorado-flood/ci_24496849/big-t-river-landowners-begin-looking-at-restoration, and about the flood here: http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_24198622/big-thompson-canyon-struck-again-by-tragic-flooding
Please make a donation on You Caring here. www.youcaring.com/btrrc. And don’t forget to share this opportunity with your friends, family and neighbors.