Originally formed to research alternative methods to reduce extreme and accelerated bank erosion along the North Fork of the Gunnison River in Colorado, NFRIA quickly transformed into an innovative local watershed group aimed at rehabilitating the ecology of the river corridor while working closely with all river interests to develop consensus and collaborative efforts.  In 2000 the Watershed Restoration Action Plan was created.  Hunting, fishing, boating, tourism and scenic enjoyment are important to the area's quality of life and help create a stronger, more diverse economy.

As a valuable community resource, the North Fork of the Gunnison is inseparably linked to the surrounding land and the species that depend upon it. By enhancing and restoring the river, we protect our health, ensure our economic viability, and serve as stewards of our natural world. NFRIA strives to be a model watershed organization, working hard to develop consensus, collaboration and local participation on watershed issues in the North Fork basin.

Goals

Educate the community on the value of the river's natural resources and their responsible use. Engage local farmers and ranchers in riparian enhancement and agricultural conservation Improve water conservation through innovative and sustainable irrigation practice

• Encourage the community to build consensus and develop collaborative solutions to complex resource problems
• Restore proper riverine function to damaged stretches of the river
• Enhance fish and wildlife habitat
• Improve and monitor water quality
• Disseminate information to the community, government agencies, and other watershed groups on ecosystem protection and conservation

Accomplishments

• Published a morphological assessment of the river identifying problems and recommending solutions (1997)
• Developed a Watershed Restoration Action Strategy for long-range planning (2000)
• Restored 1.5 miles of river and floodplain through the Hotchkiss Demonstration Project near the Town of Hotchkiss, Colorado (1999)
• Reconstructed seven irrigation diversions to conserve water, improve irrigation efficiency, and enhance habitat
• Created, coordinated and currently maintain a volunteer water quality monitoring program
• Organize the "Annual River Awareness Float" that takes up to 250 people down the North Fork each spring
• Sponsored and participated in a study of the effects of Paonia Dam on restoration efforts downstream (2000 to 2002)
• Invited and sponsored experts to conduct technical workshops on specific resource issues
• Monitor and record data from 26 permanent river cross-sections
• Print and distribute a newsletter semiannually
• Restored 4.5 miles of river and floodplain through the Midway Enhancement Project between Paonia and Hotchkiss, Colorado (2002)
• Restored .5 miles of river and floodplain at the Upper Curry Restoration Project in conjunction with NRCS, and local conservancy districts.
• Removed the Chipeta Dam in early 2006 by working with federal, state, and local partners.
• Opened the River Park near Paonia in June of 2006 to give the public access to the river.

NFRIA Awards
2006 Partners in Fisheries Habitat Conservation Award
The US Fish and Wildlife Service granted NFRIA this award for completing the Chipeta Dam Project with the Hotchkiss Fish Hatchery, other USFWS officials, and local partners. This national award honors those who have made outstanding contributions to sustaining and enhancing native fish and wildlife and their habitats, and who have actively engaged citizens in shared resource stewardship. The award was recieved on March 9th in Washington, D.C.	Elsie Winne accepting the award in Washington, D.C.
2005 CF Industries National Watershed Award
	On October 30th, 2005 NFRIA Director Teresa Steely went to Washington, DC to accept an award and a check for $10,000 at the Water Environment Federation’s Technical Conference.
Director Teresa Steely accepting the award in Washington, D.C. The CF Industries National Watershed Award was launched in 1996 as a partnership between CF Industries, The Conservation Fund, and the National Geographic Society. The award, administered by The Conservation Fund, focuses on innovative, non-regulatory approaches to improving water quality. Particular emphasis is placed on local partnerships that demonstrate the success of economic incentives, voluntary initiatives, and education.
2002 Environmental Achievement Award
On September 13th, 2002 at the Colorado Watershed Assembly (CWA) in Breckenridge, NFRIA was presented with an Environmental Achievement Award.
This recognition was for outstanding leadership in building a watershed partnership on the North Fork of the Gunnison River, resulting in significant restoration and improved aquatic and riparian habitat. Thanks to all our partners who made this possible!

Community Involvement

NFRIA promotes community led conservation by addressing resource concerns at the local level. The community is encouraged to participate in monthly board meetings, and the annual membership meeting in March. Staff are regularly invited to speak to local schools, civic groups, and organizations about ongoing efforts to improve resource management and enhance the overall quality of life in the valley. The Association has served as a model for other watershed groups by developing multi-objective solutions that accommodate all interests associated with the river.

Download the 2006 Member/Riverfront Landowner Survey Results

View the 2008 Member Survey Results

Board Members

Staff

Dave Stiller Executive Director dave@drywest.com	Maggie Shishim Administrative Assistant maggiesh@tds.net	Grady Harper OSM/AmeriCorps*VISTA gradyh@tds.net www.hardrockteam.org