The long concrete boat ramp at Yamcolo Reservoir is normally mostly underwater in early summer, but this dry year, the ramp never opened. Shown July 3, the bottom of the ramp is already about 60 yards distant from the water level. Photo by Suzie Romig
Recreating on reservoirs or camping near a picturesque lake this summer in a time of extreme drought in Northwest Colorado may require more forethought than a glance at a map. Multiple agricultural use reservoirs in and near Routt County have already dropped to extremely low levels much earlier than in past years.
Local water officials say some key agricultural-use reservoirs, such as Stillwater Reservoir, which serves South Routt County ranchers, only filled to 34% of its acre-feet capacity this year. In other words, the reservoir started the summer as low as it normally is in the fall following the irrigation season, said Andi Schaffner, secretary for reservoir owner Bear River Reservoir Co. Schaffner, a Yampa resident, said 129-acr
From piping irrigation canals to monitoring water quality after wildfire, the Colorado River District’s Partnership Project Funding Program is helping update water infrastructure, keeping clean water flowing to our communities and protecting river health.
Since March, the Colorado River District has awarded a total of $399,575 to seven projects across the Western Slope.
“These multi-benefit projects support and protect our water users farmers and ranchers who need reliable irrigation water, communities whose drinking water supplies have been impacted by wildfire and those who enjoy casting a line in our streams,” Colorado River District Director of Strategic Partnerships Amy Moyer said. “We’re excited to see these projects and the Partnership Project Funding Program take shape to benefit West Slope communities.”
Area projects among recipients of latest river district funding gjsentinel.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from gjsentinel.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.