About KVRC
The Kawuneeche Valley Restoration Collaborative (KVRC) is a group of organizations that share the common goal of promoting a healthy and resilient Kawuneeche Valley to benefit ecological, recreational, and economic interests. KVRC includes representatives from:
Colorado State University
Grand County
National Park Service – Rocky Mountain National Park
The Nature Conservancy
Northern Water
Rocky Mountain Conservancy
Town of Grand Lake
United States Forest Service – Arapaho Roosevelt
National Forest
Our Purpose
KVRC is a collaborative of agencies and organizations focused on supporting ecosystem restoration of the Kawuneeche Valley to support its ecological, economic, and community well-being. We are committed to:
Using an inclusive process that seeks and values input from diverse residents, businesses, landowners, and interests from the Valley and throughout the Colorado River watershed
Strengthening the Valley’s resilience to the impacts of hotter and drier conditions
Developing comprehensive and ambitious restoration plans for implementation with local partners
Achieving long-term benefits of a healthy environment, including improved water quality, wildlife habitat, and aesthetic and recreational value
View Our Ecosystem Condition Assessment Report
In September 2023, several KVRC collaborators published a Kawuneeche Valley ecosystem condition assessment report. The assessment analyzed nearly 70 years of air photo and climate records and more than 20 years of hydrology and vegetation data to assess the Valley’s ecological conditions.
Funding Our Work
Each of KVRC’s collaborators contributes resources to restore the Valley, and the Collaborative continues to apply for and receive grants to complete its important work. Restoration work is expected to cost about $7 million over the first 10 years. However, that cost may change, depending on conditions and circumstances.
Collaborative Contributions
Together, KVRC collaborators have contributed more than $1 million to this critical restoration effort.
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In 2021, the Colorado Water Conservation Board awarded KVRC $106,151 to support its hydrological and ecological conditions assessment and feasibility analysis. These helped KVRC prioritize project sites and begin developing restoration plans.
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In 2022, the Colorado River District awarded KVRC $48,500 for work on the Beaver Creek project site. These funds made it possible for KVRC to survey and assess the project site, begin project design, and engage with community members.
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In 2023, the Grand Foundation awarded KVRC the Windy Gap Environmental Fund, worth $660,000. Exclosure fencing installation and willow planting at Beaver Creek would not be possible without funding from the Windy Gap Environmental Fund.
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In 2023, Colorado Parks and Wildlife awarded KVRC $216,700 for work on the Onahu Creek project site and educational outreach. These funds are helping KVRC implement the first phase of its three-phase restoration approach for the site.
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In 2023, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, with support from Great Outdoors Colorado, Oxy and the Walton Family Foundation, awarded KVRC a competitive grant for work on the Beaver Creek project site. These funds will help implement phase one of the Beaver Creek project. This includes fencing, building simulated beaver structures, treating exotic plants, and planting willows.
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In 2023, the Bureau of Reclamation awarded KVRC $761,000 to support several functions of its restoration work, including hiring ecologists and planners, conducting surveys, and engaging with the community.
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In 2024, the Colorado Water Conservation Board awarded KVRC $150,177 to support project monitoring.
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In 2025, the National Park Foundation awarded a grant to KVRC to actively restore 35 acres at the Onahu Creek site. KVRC will use these funds to construct approximately 6,000 feet of exclosure fencing-a key component of KVRC’s restoration approach.
Grants Awarded to KVRC
If you’re interested in contributing to KVRC’s restoration work, you can do so through Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s Kawuneeche Valley Restoration Collaborative Fund.
Contribute
Our Partners
Restoration is a collaborative effort. We strive to include diverse interests and expertise as we work toward a healthier Kawuneeche Valley. The organizations listed below are KVRC’s current partners. If your organization is interested in a partnership with KVRC, please contact us here.
KVRC is a collaborative of organizations. Its individual members or partners may have projects or partnerships separate from the Collaborative. These individual efforts are distinct from KVRC's work.
Don’t Miss an Update
Our project team is hard at work to ensure the Valley and its wildlife return to the conditions that nature intended. As our work continues, there will be opportunities for you to join our team on field tours, site visits, and more!
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