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KJCT, September 26, 2024 – The Colorado West Land Trust recently released its Water Protection Plan. This plan will guide them as the Colorado River Basin faces growing challenges due to climate change and water scarcity.

The plan was made in partnership with Freshwater Trust. Their goal is to implement water and agricultural preservation practices in vulnerable areas. The plan also includes initiatives to respond to lower water levels in rivers and streams, support farmers and ranchers who may be affected, and enhance the watersheds that Western Slope communities rely on.

“For decades we have been working on water conservation. We realized five years ago that we need to be more ambitious in how we were thinking about water,” said Rob Bleibeg, the executive director with the Colorado West Land Trust.

One key approach they have developed is ‘PIPS.’ (Purchase, Innovate, Protect, Sell) They purchase land and water rights. They innovate and protect it. And sell it to a farmer that maintain the land.

By Ja’Ronn Alex