About
Management decisions about the Colorado River and its water supply must be based on sound climate, watershed, and river science. Policy decisions about the river’s future have traditionally been debated among lawyers and engineers who primarily focus on water as a commodity that is to be divided based on considerations such as historical use, legal right, political influence, economic power, and social justice. However, the water of the Colorado River is also the foundation of riverine ecosystems that are the central focus of the great national parks of the watershed and also provide critical habitat for endangered species. In the face of climate change and decreasing watershed runoff, the water supply agreements of the Colorado River are being reconsidered in overt and behind-the-scenes negotiations. The best available river science is needed now to inform these negotiations and to empower stakeholders to identify and address the key issues regarding the future of this enormously valuable and challenged resource.
The Center for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University is a nexus for innovative research, teaching, and outreach that informs management of the Colorado River and other major rivers of the American Southwest. We undertake critical studies that inform how different parts of the Colorado River and its tributaries can be effectively managed. We train future researchers and managers who will be responsible for tomorrow's Colorado River. We provide education and training to stakeholders to support informed and focused decision making. Because the water available to restore the Colorado River ecosystem is increasingly limited, we are especially interested in research and outreach that helps inform the very difficult decisions about priority locations and actions that provide the best opportunity for significant restoration success.
Lael Gilbert
Outreach Coordinator
Phone: (435) 797-8455
Email: lael.gilbert@usu.edu
Jack Schmidt
Program Director
Phone: (435) 797-1791
IconEmail: jack.schmidt@usu.edu
RiversEdge West
RiversEdge West works to help people manage invasive plant species and to restore native riparian vegetation. They promote cross-boundary, ecosystem-wide restoration approaches with a landscape-scale perspective. Their geographic focus is characterized by potential habitat at risk for tamarisk establishment. They also act as an information clearinghouse, and develop important resources, methods, and solutions necessary for restoring riparian landscapes.
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Colorado River Research Group
A self-directed team of Colorado River scholars. Each member has led a research program concerning water resources management, river science, or water law and public policy, or has written widely on these topics. Their purpose is to provide a non-partisan, basin-wide perspective on matters pertaining to the Colorado River, helping all those with a stake in the river identify, justify and implement actions that sustainably meet society's demands for water while maintaining the distinct attributes of the Colorado River ecosystem.
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WaterMaps USU
TA custom water demand management tool developed for promoting urban landscape water conservation. It identifies urban properties with irrigated landscapes that have the greatest “capacity to conserve” water so that conservation information and interventions can be tailored to those locations. It helps water suppliers assess the effectiveness of conservation program delivery by monitoring site-specific and service-area changes in landscape water use efficiency over time.
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Grand Canyon River Guides
Grand Canyon River Guides is a grassroots non-profit organization of individuals who care about the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. They provide annual guide training seminars, work to foster dialogue and engage in negotiation with the National Park Service. Their goals are:
- Protecting Grand Canyon
- Setting standards for the river profession
- Celebrating the river community
- Providing the best possible river experience
NPCA
The National Parks Conservation Association has been the independent, nonpartisan voice working to strengthen and protect America's favorite places. With more than a million members and supporters, they work to protect and preserve the nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for present and future generations. They celebrate the parks — and work tirelessly to defend them — whether on the ground, in the courtroom or on Capitol Hill.
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Glen Canyon Dam AMP WIKI
WIKI Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program. Includes information, training, announcements and discussion. An independent website for collaboriteve information sharing among Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Mangement Program members and stakeholders.
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John Fleck Blog
Informal thoughts from John Fleck, a journalist, scientist, and thinker living in New Mexico. For 25 years, John Fleck wrote about science for the Albuquerque Journal. He's the director of the University of New Mexico Water Resources Program. His latest project is an book book about the future of the Colorado River, called Water is for Fighting Over: and other Myths About Water in the West.
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SW Climate Science Adaption Center
The Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (SW CASC) was established in 2011 to provide objective scientific information, tools, and techniques that land, water, wildlife, and cultural resource managers and other interested parties can apply to anticipate, monitor, and adapt to climate change impacts in the southwestern United States.
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