The Yampa River, of Northwest Colorado, is widely considered to be the last major tributary in the entire Upper Colorado River basin that still retains the characteristics of a large, free flowing and wild Western river.

The Yampa will always be viewed as a source for our never ending municipal thirst and oil and gas needs. The region's wildlife, agriculture and recreational interests will forever be at risk unless we act to protect it's water flows.

Wouldn't it be nice to see a river like the Yampa to retain it's wildness and rich habitats for generations to come?

Donate to YRAP here.

The Yampa River's free flowing nature makes it special

Yampa River in the Press

Today, most of our rivers in Colorado and the arid West have been dammed, diverted and dewatered to the point where their flushing flows have been drastically reduced.

The Yampa, with only a few small water supply reservoirs in its upper headwaters continues to have a wild and natural hydrograph.

It is this high peak and the timing of the flows that provide for::

• Four federally listed endangered fish
• Globally rare, ancient habitats
• World class, destination, whitewater rafting industry
• Central feature of a National Park unit: Dinosaur National Monument

Wild Yampa Canyon needs preserving: Advocates raise awareness of the last free-flowing tributary of the Colorado River. - Denver Post - Scott Willoughby - 06.26.2011

Why I run rivers, lurk in dark places, dawdle in secret oases - Mountain Gazette - B. Frank 07.11.11

Shell Oil walks away from Colorado's last free-flowing river - vaildaily.com - 02.25.2010

Yampa River water plan hits wall of foes - denverpost.com - 03.09.2009

Shell eyes Yampa River - denverpost.com - 01.09.2009

Yampa pumpback stalled - steamboatpilot.com - 07.06.2008

Yampa Pumpback project discussed - steamboatpilot.com 04.20.2007

Executive Summary of the Yampa Pumpback - Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District - December 2006

The Yampa's big flows puts a bulls eye on the river

In December, 2006, the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District proposed to build a $3-4 billion dollar project called the Yampa River Diversion Project.

Project proponents see the Yampa River as a clean and reliable source for future water development in Colorado.

This project would divert approximately 20% of the Yampa River, near Maybell, Colorado and deliver it via pumps, pipelines, canals and tunnels some 250 miles, up and under the Continental Divide to the growing Front Range cities of Colorado.

In January of 2009, Shell Oil staked its claim by suggesting to build a major reservoir above Cross Mountain Canyon and divert 375 cubic feet per second.

Though Shell Oil pulled out on this claim for water, the Yampa River Diversion Project is still being reviewed as one of a five of large scale project strategies for firming up Colorado's Water Supply Future by the Colorado Water Conservation Board.

The Yampa will and forever be an option for those needing water in Colorado.

Conservationsits Mobilize to Protect River - KUNC - Kirk Siegler - 06.30.2011

Yampa River Runs with Possibility And Protest - Kirk Siegler - KUNC - 06.22.2009

Front Range Eyes Yampa River - Kirk Siegler - KUNC - 06.11.2009

Yampa River Center of Latest Water Battle - Kirk Siegler - KUNC - 06.10.2009

The Yampa River Awareness Project needs your help

Read the 2010 YRAP newsletter here

The Yampa River Awareness Project, along with many other groups of citizens of Colorado and the Nation see these projects resulting in very serious, adverse impacts to not only the Yampa River and Dinosaur National Monument, but the entire Upper Colorado River system.

We believe there are more sound alternatives than the traditional trans-basin diversion or in making a huge water grab for "boom and bust" energy developments. The Yampa River, in its wild state, may prove to be more beneficial for Colorado, in the long run. Mild and moderate, local uses for consumptive needs will need to occur but a large water grab for Yampa water may prove disastrous for the entire Upper Colorado system and it may be best to leave this river flowing as it is today.

The Yampa River Awareness Project needs your help. We are seeking donations and in kind support to help us reach our goal of protecting the free flowing Yampa River.

Click here to see current and future YRAP projects and ways to help.

Our largest current effort is to acquire funding for the creation and national distribution of a full length documentary film that would address the critical elements and attributes of the Yampa River and its importance to the entire Colorado River system. This would build upon the existing YRAP video.

Thank you for your support and helping us spread the word about the Yampa River. Email us at info@yampariverawareness.org.

- DONATIONS -

To make a donation simply write a check out to: “The Friends of the Yampa”. On Memo line write “YRAP or Yampa River Awareness Project”. We have partnered with the Friends of the Yampa located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. It is very important to place “YRAP” on memo line so donation goes to this specific project. . Then mail the check to: Friends of the Yampa, PO Box 776037, Steamboat Springs, Colorado. 80477.

Thank you!