Dear Trout Unlimited Members and Supporters,
While the nation awaits final election results on a sharply divided vote, Colorado’s western slope voters showed a broad and bipartisan consensus of support for investment in the Colorado River. With approval from more than 70% of voters, Ballot Measure 7A easily passed and will provide much-needed funding to the Colorado River Water Conservation District. The measure was supported by a diverse coalition of interests – including Trout Unlimited.
The voter-approved measure will increase property taxes by a half-mill – or an extra $1.90 per year for every $100,000 of residential home value. While a modest cost for property owners, the measure will provide nearly $5 million annual for the River District to invest in securing western slope water. Funds will be used for projects across five categories: productive agriculture, infrastructure, healthy rivers, watershed health and water quality, and conservation and efficiency.
TU has partnered with the River District and other local water stakeholders across its boundaries on a range of projects that highlight the benefits the new funding can provide. From agricultural partnerships like those benefiting Tomichi Creek, to healthy river efforts such as restoring fish passage on key Colorado River tributaries like Elk Creek, Trout Unlimited has demonstrated the ways that collaborative water projects can benefit our fisheries, communities, and working lands across the western slope. With the passage of 7A, the River District will be able to continue to build on these partnerships for the benefit of all users within the basin.
In a period of great national divisiveness, it is great to see voters of all stripes joining together to support our Western Slope waters and the River District’s vital role in sustaining them. And Trout Unlimited is proud to be a part of those efforts building common ground around healthy and productive rivers and watersheds across western Colorado. Thank you to all of you who voted for 7A and who have helped support TU in our work to benefit west slope rivers!
Sincerely,
David Nickum
Executive Director, Colorado Trout Unlimited
Drew Peternell
Director, Trout Unlimited – Colorado Water Program
