The North Fork and Smith Fork of the Gunnison River watersheds are home to unique ecosystems and key rural communities on the western slope of Colorado. The watersheds are locally referred to as the North Fork Valley. The North Fork Valley has been playing an increasingly important role in Colorado’s agricultural and recreation economy over the last 20 years. Changes in local economy and demographics have resulted in increased human population and overall community growth.
There are some big changes happening in the Paonia River Park, and not at the hands of WSCC’s amazing team of volunteers. Beavers have moved into the Park, and are redecorating accordingly. This may seem concerning to many Park visitors, with the sudden felling of trees and increased water levels, but there is much more to celebrate about our busy new neighbors than there is to fear.
The fight will be harder, the need greater. Over the last several years, conservation efforts in Western Colorado and the North Fork Valley have made momentous progress. WSCC is committed to the important work to protect what we all value in the North Fork Valley.
By Noah Steinberg, WSCC Intern.
I’ve been volunteering with the Western Slope Conservation Center (WSCC) for 3 months now, and it’s truly been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. I came to work with WSCC not only being new to Paonia, but new to Colorado as a whole, and WSCC really made me feel welcome.
We envision landscapes defined by resilient ecological systems, where water management, agricultural practices, and recreation opportunities allow people and the environment to flourish.
