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Celebrating the Colorado River
The Colorado River is one of the hardest working rivers in the West. The Nature Conservancy is working hard across the entire Colorado River Basin to protect this amazing river and resource.
Conservation in the Basin
Learn about a few (of many) projects that we are currently working on to improve the health of this powerful river.
Maybell Diversion Project
TNC and partners have nearly completed construction on a $6.8 million project to update the Maybell diversion and headgate on the Yampa River.
For generations, water users manually operated this headgate, which required a three-mile hike and special tools, and caused water inefficiencies and challenges for fish and recreational boat passage.
Discover the widespread benefits this project brings to the community, heritage ranching, fish, recreators and the river itself.
Preserving Wildlife in the Basin (Video)
From mammals to migratory birds to fish species found nowhere else on Earth, the diversity of wildlife in the Colorado River Basin represents the wonders of the West. TNC has identified over 150 at-risk species that depend on the river for survival.
Endangered Fish Nursery
The razorback sucker fish has thrived in the Colorado River Basin for millions of years—until recent decades. Just a few years ago, only six razorback sucker fish larvae were recorded at TNC’s Scott and Norma Matheson Preserve in Moab, UT. Learn how this nursery is providing endangered fish a chance to grow.
A Win-Win-Win Solution
Tribal Nations play a critical role in addressing water scarcity issues throughout the Colorado River Basin.
The Jicarilla Apache Nation, New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission and TNC have signed a landmark water deal that supports the tribal economy, people and nature.
Nature Podcasts for All
Tune in to TNC's partnership episodes with Mountain & Prairie for exclusive conservation stories, updates, advice and more from TNC leaders and host Ed Roberson. Scroll to our "Waters" category for episodes on collaborative projects in the Colorado River Basin with Tribal Nations, agricultural partners, innovation and more.
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Latest Stories
Maybell Project Restores Hope for Irrigators and Endangered Fish
The Colorado River, for all its complex policies and deep-rooted history, represents a contemporary conundrum: too much demand and too little water.
A River in Crisis
Dire conditions in the Colorado River Basin call for collaborative solutions.
Tier 1 Shortage Declaration for the Colorado River
Drought and climate change are hitting the Colorado River hard, but TNC is working to protect this important river.
Charting a Future for the Colorado River
The Colorado River Basin—which supplies 80% of the water that Coloradans use—is ground zero for climate change in the United States. Learn how Colorado can help improve water security.