Colorado River, Colorado A setting sun casts a shadow over the Colorado River as it cuts through a canyon near Kremmling, Colorado © Rory Doyle
The Colorado River flows 1,500 miles through seven states and two countries. It provides a vital water resource for more than 40 million people, including 30 federally recognized Tribal Nations. The Colorado sprawls from the snowy Rocky Mountains to the deserts of America’s Southwest, acting as the lifeblood for its vast watershed. Its waters flow from snowy mountaintops, shimmer in Los Angeles swimming pools and, 500 miles away, irrigate newly planted lettuce on an Arizona farm. The river is critically important for 150 threatened species that depend on it for their survival, and 70% of native fish species in the Colorado River Basin are found nowhere else on Earth.
A River in Crisis
The health of the Colorado River is indispensable. But now, the Basin is facing an unprecedented water crisis fueled by climate change, a 25-year drought, and decades of increasing demand and policies that have been unable to fully address the mounting challenges facing the Basin. The river’s flow has decreased by 20% since 2000 and its largest reservoirs are now below 40% capacity.
Quote: Kate Wilson
Our desire to support The Nature Conservancy is rooted in shared values, and motivated by a shared passion for preserving the natural environments we all love.
TNC x Vail Resorts: For the River
Vail Resorts has made a four-year, $1,000,000 contribution to The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to help support a healthier Colorado River and the many diverse ecosystems in its Basin.
“Our desire to support The Nature Conservancy is rooted in shared values, and motivated by a shared passion for preserving the natural environments we all love,” said Kate Wilson, vice president of environmental and social responsibility for Vail Resorts.
People gather on park benches at Grand Lake, Colorado. The lake is fed by the headwaters of the Colorado River and snowmelt from the Continental Divide.
With this support, TNC is working to preserve livelihoods and protect nature through partnerships with farmers, ranchers, Tribal Nations, communities and decision-makers, pursuing collaborative solutions to challenges facing the Colorado River.
The Solutions Behind the Project
Using the strategies below, TNC is working toward a healthier, more resilient Colorado River Basin.
Balancing Water Needs
TNC is working to balance water uses and supplies to achieve long-term environmental water security. We will achieve this balance through innovative water management projects that increase river flows for nature while helping communities become more resilient.
Upgrading Water Infrastructure
Improving the design and operation of water infrastructure can increase river flows and improve fish habitat, while meeting the needs of recreational and agricultural water users.
Restoring Watershed Resilience Through Nature Based Solutions
Through low-tech nature-based restoration projects, TNC is making watersheds more resilient in the face of drought, wildfire, and flooding–improving river health and wildlife habitat.
Co-creating Solutions with Tribal Nations
Tribal Nations have lived in and stewarded the Colorado River Basin since time immemorial and hold senior rights to nearly 25% of the water in the Basin. TNC is elevating the voice, choice, and action of Tribal Nations to ensure equitable outcomes for all life.
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More from Colorado River
Videos of the Colorado River Basin
From incredible wildlife to agricultural innovation to partnerships with Tribal Nations, watch videos to learn more about the Colorado River.
We Must Save Fresh Water to Save Ourselves
The Nature Conservancy joins others in pressing for urgent stewardship of our world's precious fresh water.
A River in Crisis
Dire conditions in the Colorado River Basin call for collaborative solutions.