About Us

The Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project (RGHRP) was formed as a response to a study completed in 2001 on the Rio Grande. The 2001 Study was prompted by local stakeholders due to a realized deterioration of the historical functions of the Rio Grande, which included the provision of high quality water, healthy riparian areas, fish and wildlife habitat, and a functioning floodplain. The 2001 Study analyzed the condition of the riparian area and structures along a 91-mile reach of the Rio Grande and provided recommendations for improvement. Since our establishment, the RGHRP has grown in scope to include a variety of restoration, infrastructure rehabilitation, and watershed stewardship projects throughout the Rio Grande Basin in Colorado. We have also completed additional planning documents to better inform our work and plan for the future. All these tasks are accomplished through partnerships and collaboration with landowners and local, state, and federal entities.

Our Watershed

The Rio Grande watershed in Colorado covers 8,200 square miles. The Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project area includes the 200 miles of the Rio Grande Corridor in Colorado, including all of the tributaries of the Rio Grande. The Rio Grande enters the San Luis Valley, the largest intermountain basin in Colorado, at the town of South Fork. The San Luis Valley is bounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east, the San Juan Mountains to the west and south, and the Cochetopa Hills to the north.

Colorado Rio Grande Restoration Foundation

Board of Directors

Karla Shriver - President
Doug Messick - Vice President
Mike Gibson - Secretary / Treasurer
Steve Russell - Board Member
Cathy Morin - Board Member
Rick Davie - Board Member
Heather Dutton - Board Member
Greg Higel - Board Member
Steve Vandiver - Board Member
Nathan Coombs - Board Member/Conejos River Representative

Non-profit Status

Board of Directors

The Colorado Rio Grande Restoration Foundation was established in 2004. It acts as the governing body and fiscal agent for the Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project, and 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.

Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project

Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project

About Us

Guiding Documents

Our Watershed

Colorado Rio Grande Restoration Foundation

Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Non-profit Status

Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Restoration Project Staff