Those of us who live, work, and play in Grand and Summit counties know that our rivers are more than just a resource — they are the lifeblood of this mountain community. From the headwaters near Hoosier Pass to the stretches that wind through Breckenridge and Silverthorne, and finally to its confluence with the Colorado River in Kremmling, the Blue River shapes not only our landscape but our livelihoods, recreation and way of life.

Yet, like so many mountain rivers in the West, the Blue River faces pressures from every direction. There are historic mines and tailings piles that still leach metals into tributaries. Two large dams that alter flow, temperatures and nutrients as well as multiple water diversions including five trans-basin diversions shunting water to the Front Range. We have a major highway corridor, Interstate 70, and four large mountain passes that together, with development and a changing climate, test the balance that maintains healthy rivers and clean water.

Blue River Watershed Group is a local nonprofit dedicated to restoring and protecting the health of the Blue River and its surrounding lands that works to mitigate these issues. Founded by concerned residents more than two decades ago, the group’s mission centers on three intertwined goals: to promote water issues while educating our community, restore our rivers and protect the watershed for future generations.

Through partnerships with schools, government agencies and other conservation organizations, the group has garnered a reputation of maintaining a focus on science-based restoration and a convening people who care deeply about Summit and Grand counties waters, so they can make a difference.

Education is at the heart of Blue River Watershed Group’s work. Each year, the organization brings students, volunteers and local leaders together to learn how water connects us all. Our first annual Water Year Wrap Up brought experts in water policy and management together with our community to learn about the history of water in our basin and how forecasting, water policy and management affect our community directly. 

Programs like Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s River Watch water-quality monitoring give participants hands-on experience collecting data on stream health — turning residents into scientists and stewards. Classroom visits, community talks and guided field days help demystify complex topics like water rights, aquatic ecosystems and how upstream actions affect downstream neighbors.

Beyond education, Blue River Watershed Group is leading the charge in on-the-ground restoration in the county. Projects like the Swan River Restoration near Breckenridge have transformed what was once a scarred mining valley into a thriving stream ecosystem where native fish have now returned. Work to mitigate the effects of the large dams aim to bring back the ecosystem and economic benefits of Gold Medal Status to our river below the Dillon Dam.

The group also plays a crucial role in coordinating partners to address legacy mine pollution, improve riparian habitat and design more natural river flows below local dams. Each project represents years of planning, collaboration, and persistence — and visible results that can be seen and felt by anyone who walks the river trail.

Collaboration remains the key to success. Blue River Watershed Group works closely with Summit County, the U.S. Forest Service, Trout Unlimited and a range of local stakeholders. Together, they leverage funding, share expertise, and tackle challenges that no single group could handle alone. 

Whether it’s tracking the health of the watershed, advocating for smart water policy, or simply organizing volunteers for a cleanup, the watershed group keeps the focus on one simple but powerful truth: healthy rivers mean a healthy community.

As Grand and Summit counties continue to grow and face the realities of a warming West, let’s remember that stewardship begins at home — and that our choices ripple downstream. Protecting the Blue isn’t just about fish or flow; it’s about preserving the balance, beauty, and resilience of the places we all love. You can join a volunteer day, support a restoration project, or simply learn more about how your actions impact the watershed.

If you value the Blue River and the wild lands it nourishes, now is the time to get involved. Join a volunteer day, support a restoration project, or simply learn more about how your actions impact the watershed. The Blue River Watershed Group welcomes everyone who wants to be part of the solution — because when it comes to protecting our rivers, we’re all connected.

Vanessa Logsdon is the Executive Director of the Blue River Watershed Group. Her free time is spent kayaking on any one of our western rivers. If you would like to reach out with any questions, please contact Vanessa at Director@blueriverwatershed.org.