Water Protection Plan

Ensuring Tomorrow's Water through conservation

The Colorado River Basin faces pressing challenges due to climate change and increasing water scarcity. This critical resource supports seven states, providing water, power, recreation, and more. The Colorado West Land Trust (CWLT), a leader in conservation since 1980, recognizes the urgent need to protect our region’s water resources and ecological health. In partnership with The Freshwater Trust (TFT), CWLT has developed the Water Protection Plan—a strategic blueprint aimed at strengthening agricultural water supplies, preserving essential habitats, and enhancing watershed health throughout our communities.

This plan will serve as a guide, enabling us to efficiently identify and protect the most critical, water-secure agricultural lands and wildlife habitats, addressing the needs of our communities and providing long-term support. Following concerns facing the Colorado River Basin, this plan aims to strategically integrate land and water conservation efforts while promoting sustainable resource management practices. The Water Protection Plan is not just a response but a proactive step towards ensuring resilient and thriving landscapes for our community and future generations.

Responding to lower water levels in rivers and streams

Supporting farmers and ranchers amid growing uncertainty

Protecting and enhancing natural habitats in watersheds to sustain wildlife and agricultural communities

Goals: Protection, Permanence, Resilience

Central to the Water Protection Plan are five strategic goals designed to:

1. Accelerate Land and Water Protection:

CWLT will increase efforts to protect critical areas with secure water resources, using innovative approaches like Purchase-Innovate-Protect-Sell (PIPS). This strategy involves acquiring land and water rights, supporting young farmers, and enhancing watershed health.

2. Enhance Resilience in Vulnerable Areas:

Implementing strategies to bolster resilience in areas with limited water security is crucial. CWLT will work to fortify these regions, ensuring the sustainability of agricultural production and protecting water.

3. Promote Forest Health and Floodplain Restoration:

By engaging in projects that enhance forest health and restore floodplains, CWLT aims to improve ecological functions. These efforts not only increase water availability but also safeguard communities and irrigated lands.

4. Preserve and Restore Natural Habitats:

CWLT will prioritize the conservation of vital habitats such as wetlands, riparian zones, and wet meadows. This focus ensures that biodiversity thrives alongside agricultural activities.

5. Build Collaborative Capacity:

CWLT will expand partnerships with stakeholders across the river basin to protect water resources, support agriculture, enhance watershed health, and innovate in response to challenges like aridification and global change.

Alignment with Colorado Water Plan and Basin Implementation Plans

The five core goals of CWLT’s Water Protection Plan closely align with the objectives outlined in the Colorado Water Plan (CWP), the Colorado Basin Implementation Plan (Colorado BIP), and the Gunnison Basin Implementation Plan (Gunnison BIP). Aligning our goals with these crucial frameworks ensures that our actions contribute to broader, statewide initiatives for sustainable water use and protection.