2020 FLOW RESTORED IN MILLIONS OF GALLONS2020 NUMBERS
These projects would not be possible without the help of our partners that generously contribute
water rights, time, capital, and support.
Alamosa River: 190.9
Boulder Creek/Blue River: 230.3Colorado River: 387.1
Hat Creek/East Brush Creek: 172.8Hermosa Creek: 14
Lower Yampa River: 81.4Maroon Creek: 280.8
Roaring Fork River: 74.3 Upper Yampa River: 325.8
Washington Gulch/Slate River: 82.1
*2020 flow data is provisional and subject to revision
Thank you for helping us restore
of Colorado’s rivers and streams.
DEAR FRIENDS OF COLORADO WATER TRUST This year, despite the many grave challenges, was one of the most productive and exciting for the Water Trust. In this update, you can read about our impressive 2020 successes. But I want to share with you another reason why I am so very proud to be the President of the Board of Directors of this powerful organization.
You know what this year was like for Colorado and I’m sure your life was altered by the pandemic in one way or another. The Water Trust felt the impact, too. However difficult, the team rose to the challenge — they adapted and innovated and showed just how resilient and creative they can be. The results in this update are proof.
Additionally, we have set ourselves up for an inspiring and productive 2021. We have a great deal to look forward to next year, especially, but not limited to:
our creative arrangement with the Grand Valley Water Users Association and Orchard Mesa Irrigation District for using hydropower capacity in the Grand Valley Power Plant, which allows us to help bring flows to the 15-Mile Reach of the Colorado River back up to a level that supports endangered fish;
installing infrastructure on the Little Cimarron River in the Gunnison to restore flow during critical times of need (also a project ten years in the making!), while, as part of the same project, launching a major study on the effects of split-season irrigation on high elevation agricultural operations, and;
the collaborative project on the Poudre River, which continues on the path to implementation (ten years in the making!).
In order to break ground on innovative concepts for river restoration that are years in the making, we hope you’ll consider continuing your support for the Water Trust in the year to come.
We can’t wait to share 2021 with you and thank you, thank you, for your 2020 contributions!
ANNE CASTLE | President, Board of Directors
2020 FINANCIALSUnaudited
COLORADO WATER TRUST
3264 Larimer Street, Suite D | Denver, Colorado 80205720.570.2897 | www.ColoradoWaterTrust.org
Jeff Abrams
Tom and Pam Acre
Dale Agger
Kyle Akin
Jeff Andersen
Donald Anderson
Susan Anderson
April Fund
Dennis Arbogast
Tanya Ariowitsch
Aspen Business Center Foundation
Jeff Attig
John Bartholow
Linda Bassi
William Battaglin
David Beaujon
Robert Beccard, Aqua Engineering, Inc
David Becher
Laura Belanger
Bradford Benning
Candace Benson
Barbara Biggs
Laurie Rink and Dan Birch
Katie Birch
Andrew Birkholz
Josh Boissevain
Bonneville Environmental Foundation
Parrish Boren
Jeffrey Boring and Emily Patterson
Brett Bovee and Lindsay Reynolds
David Bower
Jerome Brockway
Robert Brogden
Darrell Brown
Mike Brown
Stuart and Joanna Brown
Michael Browning and Frances Hartogh
Art and Roberta Bruchez
Paul Bruchez
Spencer Campbell
Joan Card
Brian M Carroll
John Carron and Traci Telander
Michael Carter
Anne Castle and Frank Daviess
Thomas Castle
Caterpillar Foundation
Sean Chambers
Sharon Clarke and Mark Lacy
Clif Bar Family Foundation
Carol Cochran
Judy and Mark Cole
Colorado Combined Campaign
Colorado Water Conservation Board
Colorado Watershed Assembly-Healthy Rivers
Fund
Community First Foundation
Community Shares of Colorado
Elizabeth Conover
Brad Coors
Joseph Costa
Cynthia Covell
Sean and Kim Cronin
Lurline Underbrink Curran
John and Teddy Ann Currier
Dana Dallavalle
Amy and Eric Daly
Bryce Daniels
Lisa Darling
Jenna Daucunas
John and Marsha Daughenbaugh
Alexandra L Davis
Richard Deem
Sara DeGroot
Theresa Desch
Brian Devine and Melissa May
Reed and Karen Dils
Michael Dino
Wade Dinsmore
Kathleen Doherty
Kathleen Doyle
Dan Drenckhahn
Amy Duggan
Jeannie Dunham
Jenine Ebersohl
Duncan T Eccleston
Nan Eckardt and Simon Tavener
Lisa Feder-Feitel
Tom Feitel
Eli Feldman
David and Cheryl Fellows
Sam Fitch
Peter Fleming
Trish Flood
Wayne Forman
Carolyn Fortino
Jessica Foulis
Kent Fredrickson
Jon George
John Gerstle
Sarah and Judd Goldberg
Thomas Gougeon
Alyson Meyer Gould
Dave and Martha Graf
Great Divide Brewing Company
Green Waves Fund
Hillary Hamann
Erica Hamilton
Karen Hamilton
Carol Hansen
Richard Harris
Harris Water Engineering, Inc.
David L Harrison
Ed Harvey
Taylor Hawes
Collin Hiew
Deanna Hiew
Ryan Hilbig
David and Amy Hill
Eliza Hillhouse and William A. Hillhouse II
Gregory and Barbara Hobbs
Kathy Hoenig
Kevin Hollis
Jake Holtrop
David Hopkins
Horse and Dragon Brewing Co.
Corrine Houpt
Caroline and Thomas Hoyt
Ben Hrouda
Emily Hunt
James Hunt
Jennet Hunt
Nancy Hunt
Finnius Ingalls and Verita Perry
Diane and Reese Jameson
David Jankowski and Nancy Connick
Seth Jansen
Michelle Johnson
Janet Jones
Jeff Kahn
Julie and Bryan Kallenberger
Melinda Kassen
Linda Kemp
Walraven Ketellapper
Mary and Arnel Kimmett
Patti and Kevin Kinnear
Sarah Klahn
Jill Klancke
Richard Kloetzli
Geneva Kowalski
Teresa Krizman
David Kueter
Laffey McHugh Foundation
Laura Laffoon
Cindy & Robert LaGreca
Tony and Anna LaGreca
Jessica Lave
Kelly Lear
Jennifer Lee
Nancy Leibig
Mike and Michelle Lewellen
Chrystal Leyva
James and Margaret Lock
Brandy Logan
Linda Loughrey
Lyda Hill Philanthropies
Lawrence and Margo MacDonnell
Juan Roberto Madrid
Lindsey Marlow
Maynes, Bradford, Shipps and Sheftel
Kevin McAbee
Pete McBride
Molly McConnell
Melissa McCoy
We are grateful to the following individuals, foundations, corporations, and agencies for their generous financial contributions to Colorado Water Trust between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020. Their support makes our work possible.
Peggy McCoy
Dawn McKnight
Steven Menyhart
Matthew Merrill
Kay Meyer & Dan Gould
Edward and Alinda Michael
Sami Miller
Haley Mirr
Eric Mischnick
April Montgomery
Scott Mosiman
Lucy Murphy
Abby Murray
Namaste Foundation
Julia Nania
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Network for Good
Newton Family Fund
Peter Nichols
Lee O'Brien
Julie Ohara
Michael O'Hara
Mickey O'Hara
Colleen and Geoff O'Parkhill
Oreg Foundation
Mary Ott
Do and Jack Palma
Andrew Palmer
Richard Parachini
Laila Parker
Patagonia
The Payne Family
Gina Pedrett
Jacob E and Sadie Pelton
Bob Peters
Raymond and Catherine Petros
Paul Phillips and Susan Zimmermann
Jayla and Bret Poppleton
Poudre Sand Fund
Eddie Punch Bohn and Carol Hudak Bohn
Ruth and Ken Wright
Gene Reetz
Adam Reeves
Jeannette Reynolds
Ann Rhodes
Matt Rice
Robert Riker
Tim Ring
Matthew and Denise Rivera
Sarah Romero
In-Kind Donors Colorado Water Trust Tributaries (Monthly Donors)
Tom Romero II
Kelly Romero-Heaney
Matt Rooney and Andrea Torres
Julie Rosanova
Jeff and Diane Roth
Lee and Mary Rozaklis
Martha Rudolph and Bob Brown
Jennifer Russell
Kate Ryan
Nick Ryan
Christy and Chris Sanchez
Sanitas Brewing
Michael Sawyer
Andy Sayler
Michael Sayler and Lori Dietrich Sayler
Mollie Schreck
Andy Schultheiss
David and Nancy Schwenke
Chad Seahorn
Matthew and Anita L Seitz
Nicole Seltzer
Kevin and Elaine Shea
Marianne Sheldon
Jeff Shoemaker
John Shuler
Andy Simpson and Wendy Eder
Samantha Sitterley
Mike Smith
Nancy Smith
Zach Smith and Liz Scordato
Craig Sommers
Vince Sortman
Laurel Stadjuhar
Marilyn Starrett
Tim Steele and Inge La Cour
David Stiller
Allen Stokes
Lisa Stokes
Holly Storm and Rob Cobb
Lisa Strachan and Pat Nicholson
Tony and Randi Stroh
Gregory Sullivan
Brian Sundberg
Joe Szuszwalak Jr
Mr. David and Kim Taussig
Nancy Terrill
Jessica Terry
The Colorado Trust
The Denver Foundation
The Walton Family Foundation
Third Dune Productions
Tiffany Tom
Al Tucker
Brad Udall
Peter Van De Carr
Melissa van der Poel
Mary and Tom VanBerkel
Taylor VanBerkel
Barbara Vasquez
Leslie Volkar
David Wallace
Andrew and Rachael Walsh
Marcie Warner
Heather Waters
Scott Waters
Casey Weaver
Zoe and Brian Wedel
Brad Weinig and Anne Harrington
Robert Weiss
Curtis Weller
Jessica Welser
Brian Werner
Western Water Partnerships
Barney White
Kristin Whitten
2020 DONOR LIST
SILVER SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS
Bishop-Brogden Associates
Carlson, Hammond & Paddock
City of Thornton
Coalition to Keep Durango Rowdy
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Former Board Member Ruth Wright
Holland & Hart
Holsinger Law, LLC
Conscience Bay Company
Davis Graham & Stubbs
Flywheel Capital
The Fellows Group LLC
Wingfoot Water Resources
THANK YOU TO OUR MANY AUCTION ITEM DONORS AND HARD-WORKING VOLUNTEERS!
FLOWING WATERS PARTNERSHIP
The Flowing Waters Partnership is a unique giving program for companies to give back to rivers and communities by supporting the work of Colorado Water Trust. Flowing Waters Partnership member’s contributions, combined with Colorado Water Trust’s experience in flow restoration, creates a powerful partnership. Together we are demonstrating that member organizations are part of the solution for healthy, flowing Colorado rivers and strong local communities. Thank you to our Flowing Waters Partnership members for another great year of support!
GOLD SPONSORSPLATINUM SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS
Aurora WaterScotts Roofing & SolarTri-State Generation & Transmission Association, Inc.
City of Boulder
Lyons Gaddis
Midfirst Bank
Northern Water
Porzak Browning & Bushong
Somach Simmons & Dunn
The Nature Conservancy
Wilson Water Group
2020 ANNUAL UPDATE
EXPENSES
Financials are presented in accordance with latest GAAP reporting requirements adopted in 2018
Program Services ($598,831)
Management ($219,304)
Fundraising Costs ($177,702)
Tyson and Ellen Williams
Thomas Williamsen
Erin Wilson
Justin and Courtney Wimbish
Laura Wing
Scott Wisor
James and Anne Witwer
Karen Wogsland and Linda Pratt
Woods Boss Brewing Company
Adam and Caroline Woolley
Wright Family Foundation
Wright-Hager Foundation
Kristina Wynne
Yampa River Fund
Yampa Valley Community Foundation
Taylor Ybarra
John and Kathleen Zaffore
William Zaki Robbins
Tyler Ziskin
PLATINUM SPONSOR
to
2020 NOTABLE PROJECT ACHIEVEMENTSYAMPA RIVER 2020 SUCCESS
Releases from Stagecoach Reservoir, at certain points during the fall, were able to hold off recreational closures on the river in Steamboat Springs and accounted for up to half of the river’s flows (our local partners also released water to support the river in 2020);
We implemented a new project on the lower Yampa River by leasing water from Elkhead Reservoir to boost flows in a critical reach of the river, home to endangered fish (supporting the decades-long effort to recover these endangered fish), and;
We employed the dollars from our first grant from the Yampa River Fund, a local funding mechanism aimed at supporting river projects in the long-term, to purchase and return water to the river.
POUDRE FLOWS 2020 SUCCESS
With the passing of House Bill 20-1037, a bill that provides direction for instream flow augmentation plans, the Poudre Flows’ innovative concept moved closer to reality, and;
The cities of Fort Collins, Greeley, and Thornton, which are
providing initial water supplies to the project’s pilot process, finalized offer letters and water delivery agreements that set the terms for protecting that water in the Cache la Poudre River.
15-MILE REACH 2020 SUCCESS
For the second consecutive year, we leased water from Ruedi Reservoir that flowed down the Fryingpan, Roaring Fork, and Colorado Rivers till it reached the Grand Valley Power Plant, to restore flow to the 15-Mile Reach. This effort supports populations of four endangered, native fish that spawn and travel through the Reach, and;
The 387 million gallons of water leased in 2020 was made possible by a collaboration of funders including Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Coors Seltzer, Coca Cola, and Intel Corporation.
LITTLE CIMARRON RIVER 2020 SUCCESS
We launched a major multiyear project in the Gunnison basin, where we’ll be partnering with Colorado State University, Trout Unlimited, and a ranch management company to study the impacts of split-season irrigation on a high elevation ranching operation.
200RiverBank
Participants in Net Revenue
$51,700Congratulations to Nancy Smith and The Nature Conservancy for winning the David Getches Flowing Waters Award for her incredible leadership in bringing to life the Yampa River Fund.
My favorite project is the Stagecoach Reservoir release project in the Yampa Basin. The Water Trust helps ensure some water is released to help alleviate any stress in low water years. We love our wild river but a slight help for resiliency is appreciated. I am also a part of the Yampa River Fund and working with CWT to help get these releases to happen started this year, it has been a great process.
Lindsey MarlowFriends of the Yampa & Yampa River Fund
The Colorado Water Trust is one of our most valued partners. Not only do they get the job done, they’re smart, creative, and fun to work with!
Linda BassiColorado Water Conservation Board
Albeit different, we still had a great deal of fun with our week-long virtual RiverBank event in September. It was wonderful to have participants from all across the state. Thank you to our sponsors, silent auction item donors, and everyone who made RiverBank so special this year!
24Sponsors
VIRTUAL RIVERBANK 2020
Our 2020 RiverBank fundraiser was a grand success, raising $51,700 for our work to restore flows to Colorado’s rivers in need. A special thank you to our 2020 sponsors.
December 31, 2020
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts, grants and pledges receivable
Total Current Assets
OTHER ASSETS
Water rights
Fixed Assets
Total Other Assets
Total Assets
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable
Payroll Liabilities
Total Liabilities
NET ASSETS(unrestricted)
Operating
Donor Restricted Net Assets
Total Equity
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
December 31, 2020
REVENUE
Contributions
Foundations and Nonprofit Organizations
Government and Government Agencies
Revenue from other sources
Special Events Income
Less: direct event expenses
Release from Temporary Restriction
Total Revenue
EXPENDITURES
Program services
Management and General
Fundraising
Total Expenditures
Change in net assets
Net assets, beginning of year
Net assets, end of year
TOTALUNRESTRICTED
$101,107
$217,538
$132,026
$107,385
$63,210
($12,020)
$597,132
$1,214,537
$598,831
$219,304 $219,304
$990,837
$223,700 ($311,265)
$959,000
2020
$1,334,303
$68,098
$1,402,401
$684,650
$2,340
$686,990
$2,115,361
$19,096 $28,217
$47,313
$1,182,700
$885,348
TOTAL
$151,307
$398,205
$192,026
$107,385
$63,210
($12,020)
($0)
$908,272
$598,831
$995,837
$87,565
DONORRESTRICTED
$50,200
$180,667
$60,000
$0
$0
—
($597,132)
($306,265)
—
—
$5,000 $172,702 $177,702
$5,000
$1,196,613 $2,155,613
$1,182,700 $885,348 $2,068,047
$2,068,047
$2,115,361
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
OVER 50 PEOPLE COMPETED IN OUR FACEBOOK RIVERBANK OLYMPICS GROUP FOR PRIZES — HERE ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS
We launched a new program this year for those who wish to leave a lasting legacy for the life-sustaining rivers of Colorado. Long-time donors and supporters are signing up to leave their mark on Colorado’s rivers and the livelihoods of our communities for the years to come.
Forever Flows Society members receive exclusive benefits and have options for how they wish to designate their gift. We look forward to when this community can gather in person and share in our collective love of Colorado’s rivers.
For more information, visit: ColoradoWaterTrust.org/Forever-Flows-Society
Human lifetimes are limited. The value and beauty of healthy streams are forever. Please leave a legacy to help protect them even after you are gone.
Michael Browning
Colorado Water Trust Founder, former Board Member, and Forever Flows Society member. Founding partner of Porzak Browning & Bushong LLP