HOT ISSUES
RICD
The City of Durango is entertaining the idea of filing for a Recreational In-Channel Diversion (RICD) water right within the Animas River. The idea behind the RICD is that a defined amount of water is contained and directed within the river for the purpose of recreation, primarily boating. FOAR is working with the Animas River Task Force and the City of Durnago to establish an RICD on the Animas River. Learn More.
Russian Olive
Russian olive is an invasive tree species that became established along the banks of western rivers. Its invasive nature has enabled it to out compete native vegetation. The attributes of the tree that make it invasive (rapid and dense growth) also made it attractive for people to plant as a decorative species. By planting the tree, people inadvertently spread it throughout the southwest threatening riverine ecosystems.
Oil & Gas
The current proposal to reduce infill requirements from 160 acres to 80 acres will have negative impacts on our river. Drilling methods and locations can result in hard to trace contamination of water sources. In addition, the infrastructure associated with oil and gas pads (i.e. roads and pipeline corridors) can result in the sedimentation of tributaries and erosion of habitat, especially with the alleviated restrictions granted by the current administration.