The White River Integrated Water Initiative (WRIWI) is, “A Community based initiative to identify actions promoting a healthy river that ensures a vibrant economic community capable of securing the future vitality of agriculture, fisheries, recreation, municipalities, and industry while protecting water rights, quantity, and quality with respect for the local customs, cultures, and property rights.”
There is a diverse stakeholder group made up of sixteen members of the Rio Blanco Community who are serving on the Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) for the WRIWI. This group of committed individuals have continued to meet regularly to consider priorities on the White River to meet the above stated mission. They have identified the top five priorities including: 1) upland vegetation treatments, 2) hydrology study of irrigation return flows, 3) water education efforts, 4) diversion structure and riparian health assessments.
Four public meetings will be held in August. Please plan to attend one of the following meetings to learn more details and provide feedback on the priorities before they are finalized into a Phase III scope of work for future efforts.
Meeting dates and locations:
• August 17th – Buford School House 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• August 22nd – Meeker Fairgrounds 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• August 23rd – Piceance Creek School House 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• August 29th – Rangely, CNCC Weiss Conference Room 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
To learn more, visit www.whiterivercd.com or call the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation District office at 970-878-9838.
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