River projects in 10 Western and Pacific Northwest states have been included in a program to conserve and restore key rivers across the nation.
This is latest addition to the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative started by President Obama to expand outdoor recreational opportunities and support jobs in local communities.
The 10 river projects are part of 51 ongoing projects that the Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar is highlighting nationwide, one in each state and the District of Columbia.
“Across the country, we are working hand in hand with states, tribes, local communities and other partners to revitalize our nation’s rivers and expand the opportunities for people to fish, swim, boat, and otherwise connect with the great outdoors.”
Colorado’s Dolores River was included in the initiative because of the two-state citizen driven partnership working to restore 200 miles of the river from McPhee Reservoir to its confluence with the Colorado River in Utah.
The Dolores River project goals include improving fish habitat, restoring riparian habitat, increasing stream flows, reducing wildfire risks and expanding youth employment opportunities.
Earlier this month, two Colorado rivers were included in the 2012 list of the top 10 most endangered rivers in the US.
