Dear Editor:
There’s a lot of folks talking about the White River these days. Drought, water storage, algae, and the river’s overall health are a big focus. Along the way the White River Alliance has joined efforts to promote education and share information related to the White River. Over the past couple years, we’ve hosted presentations from experts in many fields that have given us a better insight to understanding our river and water resources.
Our presentations are available to everyone. We’ve a hosted PhD economist on population trends, our local BLM archeologist, several state water experts, partners who specialize in invasive species, our local CPW fish biologist, the White River Water Initiative coordinator, and River Watch. All have been sharing their information for people like me who want to know more.
In addition to sponsoring well received guests and presentations, the White River Alliance will be giving out again this year a scholarship to a deserving graduate at Meeker High School graduation next month and another scholarship at the Rangely High School graduation as well – to students that have shown leadership in conservation.
The White River Alliance is committed to bringing people together, regardless of political party or what side of the river they’re on, who share a community of thought and support for the White River.
As a landowner on the upper White River, I have a grown to appreciate how our activities might affect the river. With a trout pond, ditches and livestock along the river, I’m more aware of our practices than ever. I have found that fellow landowners and stewards along the White River feel the same way. They want to learn more, and see the healthiest river possible.
About the time the algae bloom peaked in 2018 a real movement began and folks started looking closer at the river and thinking more about how their practices might affect the river and possibly algae. This awareness about the river has been supported by everyone I know.
This may be great for the river but maybe not the algae study group. With people becoming more aware of what we do along the White River, activities and practices may have changed enough to make it difficult or impossible to fully determine what caused the algae bloom. Let’s hope so!
In 2021 the same low flows and high water temperatures occurred along with Lake Avery releases like they did in 2018, but the algae didn’t appear (as much).
To learn more about these issues, please check out the White River Alliance. Join us at our next gathering on May 5th 6:00 PM. We’re excited to host a presentation by Frank Alfone from the Mt Warner Water District. He will tell us about new “filtration galleries” they will be using to provide clean water for Steamboat.
Local driller Travis Day will also be joining us! He will share some of his expertise about drilling for ground water along the White River.
Please check us out at WhiteRiverAlliance.net. See you there!
Shawn Welder
President, White River Alliance
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