Our Water. Our Future. Our Turn to Speak.

Water is the lifeblood of our valley. From the peaks that feed the headwaters to the stunning expanse of Lake San Cristobal, the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River defines our landscape, our economy, and our way of life. But with changing climate and shifting dynamics across the West, what does the future hold for our home?

Please join the Lake Fork Valley Conservancy (LFVC) for a vital community event. Together, we’ll dive into the reality of drought conditions in the Colorado River Basin, explore how inter-state water negotiations impact us right here at the source, and map out a collaborative vision for our public lands and water quality.

Event Schedule & Highlights

Part 1: The Big Picture

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: Mountaineer Theater, Lake City, CO

Grab a seat and join the conversation as we host expert speakers to unpack the complex water issues facing our region:

• The Colorado River & Inter-State Negotiations Presented by Caleb Foy, Senior Water Resources Engineer with the Colorado Water District. Get the latest updates on the high-stakes negotiations happening across the Colorado Basin States. Discover exactly how these massive political and environmental shifts trickle down to impact water use here in the Colorado River headwaters.

• The Role of Lake San Cristobal Presented by Michelle Pierce, Chair of the Lake San Cristobal Water Activity Enterprise. Learn about the critical role our local gem plays in providing augmentation water to meet downstream water rights calls.

• LFVC's 3-Year Roadmap Presented by LFVC Board and staff members. We will pull back the curtain on what we currently know about the state of our watershed. We will share our strategic plan and highlight the key capital projects and programming we have in the works for the next three years.

Part 2: Boots on the Ground

Time: Post-Lunch 

Location: In the Field

In the afternoon, we will break into active working groups and head out into the field to various LFVC project sites to get community input into our work. Details coming soon.

Your Voice Matters: This is your chance to give direct, local input on our upcoming capital and program plans for LFVC properties and public lands.

The ideas, concerns, and solutions generated by you during these field sessions will be directly incorporated into our upcoming grant applications and work plans. If you want a say in how our local environment is managed, this is where it happens.

Why You Should Attend

Whether you are a lifelong resident, a local business owner, an avid angler, or simply someone who loves the rugged beauty of Lake City, this conversation belongs to you. The decisions made today will shape the valley for generations to come.

• Get Informed: Demystify complex Western water laws and climate data.

• Get Involved: Shape the actual work plans and grants LFVC pursues.

• Get Connected: Meet neighbors who share your passion for public lands and conservation.