RiverFest set for Aug. 17 on Colorado River

EAGLE COUNTY — The Eagle River Watershed Council has announced that RiverFest 2013 will return Aug. 17. The annual float will be held along the Upper Colorado River in celebration of two new access points.

Eagle County acquired two more Colorado River access points after successfully launching the Dotsero and State Bridge landings in 2012. RiverFest will launch at the new Red Dirt Creek access point and take out on the Colorado River Ranch, one of the county’s latest conservation easements. The four-mile float along this scenic stretch of the Upper Colorado below the Flat Tops will be the perfect opportunity to learn about the health of the Colorado River and explore the mighty river that flows through our backyard.

RiverFest highlights the Colorado River Restoration & Conservation Project being conducted by Colorado State University and the Eagle River Watershed Council. Ongoing data collection and assessment will guide the Watershed Council in selecting conservation projects along the upper reaches of this great western river.

The celebration begin at Colorado River Ranch, where participants will be shuttled by Timberline Tours to guided rafts provided by Lakota Guides. After a fun float, there will be a party at the Colorado River Ranch featuring music from local favorite The Olora Bros. Dinner includes all natural beef from the ranch, prepared by Moe’s Original BBQ and beer from Bonfire Brewery. Other activities include pony rides, a bouncy castle, a silent auction. The cost is $75 for the whole day or $40 for dinner and evening festivities. Children 12 and younger are $10. All funds raised support the Eagle River Watershed Council. Registration is open at http://www.erwc.org or you can call the office at 970-827-5406.