A Message from the Coordinator:
Putting Plans into Action

by Rob Buirgy

This issue of our newsletter is the third in a four-part series examining the impacts of water quality on the beneficial uses of our lakes and rivers. In this issue we explore the link between water quality and aquatic life – the basis of the food web that keeps our waters alive and provides millions of residents and visitors with unparalleled fishing opportunities.

Aquatic communities are vulnerable to nutrient pollution, which distorts the nutrient cycle in streams and chokes lakes with algae. The Forum has identified nutrient pollution as our primary target in the coming year.

In our work to understand the biological potential of our lakes and rivers, we must look at the Big Thompson watershed as a whole and collaborate with all segments of the community. Management decisions affecting aquatic communities are made by government agencies and landowners alike, so we must bring these folks and the necessary resources together in productive partnerships. To further this goal, the Forum is an active member of the Colorado Watershed Assembly, a coalition of more than 40 watershed protection groups and 18 state and federal agencies.

CWA (www.coloradowater.org) serves as the statewide voice for watershed groups and provides them with technical support, a forum to discuss issues, and help with organizational and fundraising needs. In September, CWA hosted its 3rd annual conference, focused on the theme Watershed Groups: Moving from planning to implementation. During the two-day event, I attended a wide range of presentations, strengthened partnerships and compared strategies. Several developments of the past year are of particular interest to us:

• Senate Bill 87 created the Colorado Watershed Protection Fund. Its inclusion in the 2003 Colorado Tax Refund Checkoff program will allow Colorado taxpayers to make a voluntary contribution to protect our watersheds.
• Senate Bill 156 enables the Colorado Water Conservation Board to purchase interests in water for instream flows to preserve or improve the natural environment. This change gives the Board a broader ability to protect streams for their natural qualities.
• The formation of the Colorado Alliance for Water Education, a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and disseminating information to foster a broader understanding of water-related issues.

As we prepare for 2003, we are poised for action. Stay tuned for Forum activities in the months ahead – we need everyone involved to help us move from planning to implementation!