OUR COLLABORATION STORY

The Land and the Rivers.  A Story of Collaboration. 

In 2016, the Eagle Valley Land Trust heard about a surcharge program from another land trust in Colorado. Seeing an opportunity to further fund its mission with great potential,  EVLT immediately reached out to its frequent partner, Eagle River Watershed Council, the only other nonprofit whose mission is focused on protection of our local natural resources.  The two nonprofits and their boards quickly recognized that we could form an even stronger program together and the planning began in earnest. Teaming up to research, design, and implement a joint program, the organizations created a memorandum of understanding to outline expectations and key responsibilities. In addition, each organization designated two board members to sit on an  oversight committee that meets at least two times throughout the year. Thorough initial planning created a robust launch in 2018 and a successful funding source that will protect the land and rivers we all love.

Eagle River Watershed Council and Eagle Valley Land Trust

The Land and Rivers Fund benefits the ongoing conservation efforts of Eagle River Watershed Council (ERWC) and Eagle Valley Land Trust (EVLT) through partnerships with local businesses. Participating businesses collect a small, optional (typically 1%) donation on qualifying purchases. The Funds are split between ERWC and EVLT to help them protect fish and wildlife habitat, scenic views, agricultural heritage and recreational access of Eagle County. Once the program is generating $100,000 in annual net revenue, a portion of the proceeds will be allocated through a grant application process to other organizations and entities working on land and water conservation projects.

Eagle River Watershed Council advocates for the health and conservation of the Upper Colorado and Eagle River basins through research, education and projects. ERWC restores an average of 10 acres of riparian and wetland habitat annually and coordinates over 1,250 volunteers to remove 26,000 pounds of trash from our highways and streams every year.

The Eagle Valley Land Trust is dedicated to protecting the lands we love, to preserve our heritage, scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and wildlife habitats, and to build a permanent legacy for future generations.  EVLT permanently protects over 11,000 acres across 35 properties in Eagle County and aims to conserve an additional 2,000 acres per year.

Read Conservation News from EVLT and ERWC