Roaring Fork River – Wheeler Ditch

Background

The City of Aspen, concerned about the effect of local diversions and large transmountain diversions on native flow with the river, reached out to Colorado Water Trust to find a solution to bolster streamflow. The partnership began with two single-year agreements in 2013 and 2014 that provided short-term support to river health, and eventually led to a long-term agreement that would bolster flows and protect the City’s water rights.

Tool

Loans & Leases

In 2013 and 2014, the Water Trust entered singular Non-Diversion Agreements with the City of Aspen to support flows in a critical reach of the Roaring Fork River. In 2016, a 5-in-10-year Non-Diversion Agreement was formalized to provide a longer-term solution that boosts the Roaring Fork during five of ten years while protecting the City of Aspen’s water rights.

Partners

The City of Aspen, Pitkin County Healthy Rivers and Streams Board, Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Laffey-McHugh Foundation

Impact

Through 2023, the Wheeler Ditch Project has restored over

510.7
Million gallons

1464
Acre-feet of water to the Roaring Fork River.

Timeline

2013 - 2026