Task Force:

The Rio Grande Headwaters Task Force was formed to prioritize the recommendations from the 2001 Study and undertake a number of collaborative projects. The San Luis Valley Water Conservancy District (SLVWCD) became the lead agency for the RGHRP.  Money was secured from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 319 fund, the SLVWCD and the Rio Grande Water Conservation District (RGWCD) and other sources.  These funds were used for an education and outreach program, riparian and stream bank stabilization, debris removal from the river channel, and a county development design standard for possible use in the Rio Grande County land use codes. It was clear that more work was needed to be done and a strategic approach was necessary to maintain momentum.


Colorado Rio Grade Restoration Foundation:

In order to move forward the Task Force and the SLVWCD Board determined that a nonprofit foundation should be formed to seek funding from a broader population.  The Colorado Rio Grande Restoration Foundation (Foundation) was established in 2004.

Non-Profit Status:

The Colorado Rio Grande Restoration Foundation was formed as a Colorado Nonprofit Corporation, with the State of Colorado identification number 20041324471.  In January 2005, the Foundation received its 501 (c) 3 status as a public foundation.  The Foundation is exempt from Federal income tax under section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code.  Contributions to the Foundation are deductible under section 170 of the Code.   The Foundation is qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under section 2055, 2106, or 2522 of the Code.

Foundation Board of Directors :

Mike Gibson – Secretary / Treasurer

Doug Messick – Board Member

Cathy Morin- Board Member

Rick Davie – Board Member

Greg Higel – Board Member