WSCC is shining the spotlight on one of our pivotal volunteers, Ralph D’Alessandro. Having grown up on the east coast, Ralph never thought that he would live anywhere that wasn’t on the water. Luckily, life has a sense of humor, and Ralph’s took him westward to our land-locked, drought-susceptible corner of the country.
Growing up surrounded by water, Ralph’s curiosity was sparked when, in a college law class, he learned about water appropriation issues affecting the western United States. After he moved to Paonia, he saw this classroom curriculum become his reality and began to dedicate his time and effort to water-related activities. Ralph’s long-time love of water, conservation, and the outdoors led him to his work with the North Fork River Improvement Association conducting water quality tests through their River Watch program and serving as a board member. He reflected, “I enjoy the outdoors, I enjoy being on the river. Here, I am not near an ocean at all, so if I can get out on a river, that’s great!”
In 2010, NFRIA merged with what was then the Western Slope Environmental Resource Council to become the Western Slope Conservation Center. Ralph was one of four NFRIA board members who moved to WSCC with this merger, allowing him to continue his river-related work. “I really think we should acknowledge the people that founded this organization, back when it was WSERC… This could be a very different valley if they hadn’t done this work,” Ralph said.
After taking his place on the board at WSCC, D’Alessandro took on the role of chair person for the River Park Committee as well as continued his previous role conducting water sampling tests for River Watch. As chair person, Ralph was responsible for finding the funding needed to reorient the river as well as for troubleshooting the construction of the river park trail and installation of its fencing, an overlook platform, and a shade structure. His dedication to the completion of the river park resulted in one of the most well-loved community spaces in Paonia. “Being the river park chair person was pretty satisfying,” he reflected.
On top of his river park and River Watch duties, Ralph has been involved in many major WSCC events and projects over the years. In helping with grant applications and writing letters of support, he was a vital part of the team that secured grant funding for the Farmers Ditch diversion, the single largest project WSCC has obtained funding for.
Of all of Ralph’s work with WSCC, the event he has found most interesting was the DC Fly-In he attended in 2013 wherein he and several other WSCC representatives flew to Washington to speak with Sen. Bennet about the challenges of western Colorado conservation. Ralph recalls the trip being extremely informative and an excellent opportunity to see in person how government works.
WSCC is grateful for Ralph’s commitment to and care for the Western Slope, especially in relation to watershed stewardship in the North Fork. For years, his volunteer leadership has made countless positive impacts on our community and has contributed massively to WSSC’s mission to protect our land, water, air, and wildlife for all.
“My favorite part is always seeing new faces, especially younger people, get involved. That’s particularly satisfying and sustaining.”