Instream Flow Project

The Alamosa Riverkeeper was awarded $1.6 million for an Instream Flow Project.  The goals of the project are to help develop a fishery in the Alamosa River, to help replenish the depleted aquifer and to improve the river's natural environment.

With a goal of purchasing 10 cfs of water, 2.5 cfs of senior water rights were purchased and stored in Terrace Reservoir. With the irrigation season typically ending on October 31, the stored instream flow water is released on November 1. 

The success of the project was dependent on the partnership with Terrace Irrigation Company which donated storage in their reservoir in exchange for financial assistance in replacing their deteriorated spillway. Additional key partners were the Colorado Water Conservation Board/Instream Flow Program, the Colorado Water Trust, and the Rio Grande Basin Roundtable.

The first instream flow in the Alamosa River is an-going project. The Colorado Water Trust recognized the Alamosa Riverkeeper with the David Getches Flowing Waters Award for improving environmental water resources and recreational values in the Alamosa River through collaboration, innovation and inspiration.

Also, the Headwaters Center in Winter Park has designated the Alamosa Riverkeeper a River Hero at their educational center. ​