Like the river itself, the Eagle River Coalition just keeps doing its job
Work ranges from streambank restoration to turf grass removal
Chris Dillmann/Vail Daily archive
The Eagle River Coalition started life when the river was in trouble. The Eagle River still faces threats, and the coalition keeps working.
Staffers from the local nonprofit spent some time Tuesday providing the Eagle County Board of Commissioners with an update about the group’s activities in 2024 and a look into this year.
The river is no longer running orange, thanks to the continuing cleanup of the Eagle Mine near Gilman. But it still faces threats from the aridification of the West, transmountain diversions, increasing river temperatures, habitat loss due to development and other issues. That keeps the coalition’s small staff busy.
That work requires several partnerships and community participation.
In recent years, the coalition has launched a water quality report card on its website, and staffers and volunteers monitor water quality.
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The group also recently released a water plan for the Eagle River watershed.
Community Engagement Manager Rose Sandell noted that the group’s quality report card will be updated this year.
Sandell added that there weren’t any temperature alerts issued last year, which is good news for both fish and anglers. That information is available online. Commissioner Tom Boyd said he’s one of the 100 or so subscribers to the online resource, and Sandell said she hopes to put more regular temperature updates on the site.
Watershed restoration manager Peder Franson said a new project this year will help improve the floodplain in spots on the lower Eagle. In addition, the coalition has been working to eliminate invasive species from the riverbanks.
The coalition is also the lead sponsor of river and highway cleanups. Last year’s cleanups removed more than 22 tons of trash from the roadways and streambanks.
People are already starting to email about getting involved in this year’s efforts, Franson said.
The group’s work also includes educational events including a community float to educate residents about water quality. Last year’s event, done in conjunction with Exploramos, drew 70 participants.
Sandell noted that the float and other events fill up quickly.
Melanie Smith, the coalition’s development director and manager of the Eagle River Fund, said that the fund allows the coalition and its partners to find projects that benefit both present and future projects, particularly to determine what river stretches are at risk.
Coalition Executive Director Vicki Flynn thanked the commissioners for their continued support.
“We really appreciate the partnership,” Commissioner Matt Scherr said.
