Fraser River Tributaries Project – Skunk Creek

Background

In 2015, after the Colorado Water Trust received the first approval of an SB-19 Water Conservation Program on Willow Creek, another Grand County, Colorado water user reached out to us. The water user read about the Willow Creek project in a local newspaper and wanted to see if their water rights could help the Fraser River. Water Conservation Programs address existing Colorado water laws that encourage people to “use it or lose it” by allowing water users to keep their water in the river without injury to their water rights.

Tool

Loans & Leases

This SB-19 Water Conservation Program allows the water user to cease diversions during low flow conditions for up to 5 years in any 10 year period without penalty to their water rights, boosting flows in Skunk Creek, Pole Creek, Crooked Creek, and the Fraser River.

Partners

Anonymous water user, Bonneville Environmental Foundation

Impact

Through 2023, the Fraser Tributaries project has restored

160
Million gallons

489
Acre-feet of water to the Fraser River and its tributaries.

Timeline

2016-2026