Watershed Modeling Paves the Way for Wildfire Mitigation in Cortez | LOR Foundation
In-Progress Water

Watershed Modeling Paves the Way for Wildfire Mitigation in Cortez

  • Local Champion: Mancos Conservation District
  • Date Funded: September 13, 2024
  • Grant Amount: $10,000

For Cortez and southwest Colorado, it’s not a matter of if wildfires will happen, but when. Drought, wildfire suppression, and climate change have all increased the risk of severe fires, making planning for them especially important. The Mancos Conservation District has been one of the local groups preparing for future wildfires, leading a project through the Colorado Water Conservation Board to assess the wildfire risk and post-fire erosion potential of the Upper Mancos Watershed. As part of the project, district staff hoped to create a watershed model for the Upper Mancos River. But with limited funds, hiring a hydrologist was a challenge. So, district staff reached out to LOR for support. LOR’s funding will help the Mancos Conservation District hire a hydrologist to develop a 2D watershed model for the river, laying the groundwork for future wildfire mitigation efforts that will ensure the safety and water security of residents in Cortez and the Mancos Valley.

Contact our community officer in Cortez. Meet Nicci Crowley
More Water Solutions
Water / Libby Hydration Stations Help Libby Athletes Reach Peak Performance
Local Champion:
Libby K-12 Schools
Date funded:
September 5, 2024
Grant Amount:
$3,362
Water / Taos Public Drinking Foundations Provide a Healthy and Eco-Friendly Option in Taos
Local Champion:
Town of Taos
Grant Amount:
$29,283
Water / Cortez Fish Tagging Equipment Helps Cortez Water Managers Look Forward
Local Champion:
Mancos Conservation District
Date funded:
June 28, 2024
Grant Amount:
$9,400
Water / Lander New Water Refill Stations in City Park Ensure Lander’s Active Locals Stay Hydrated
Local Champion:
City of Lander, Wyoming
Date funded:
June 28, 2024
Grant Amount:
$29,594
Water / Cortez A Wildfire Action Plan Bolsters Cortez’s Local Watershed
Local Champion:
Dolores Watersheds Collaborative
Date funded:
June 27, 2024
Grant Amount:
$30,000
Water / Questa Testing Resources Help Keep Questa Drinking Water Safe
Local Champion:
Village Of Questa
Date funded:
June 21, 2024
Grant Amount:
$6,385

Share a Solution

If you have an idea for improving quality of life in Cortez or Monte Vista, Colorado; Lander, Wyoming; Libby, Montana; Questa or Taos, New Mexico; or Weiser, Idaho, use this form to start a conversation with us.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.