The Blue River Watershed encompasses a huge area- 680 square miles! The Blue River starts its journey at Quandary Peak, into the Blue River which runs through Breckenridge into the Dillon Reservoir. From there, the river travels north of town towards Green Mountain Reservoir, eventually connecting to the Colorado River near Kremmling. The river runs for 65 miles containing primarily snowmelt. The Blue is one of three contributors to Dillon Reservoir along with the Snake River and Tenmile Creek. The Blue River Watershed encompasses all of Summit County and parts of Grand and Lake Counties.

The Blue River is the perfect place to recreate in the great outdoors. Some of the ways that our community and visitors enjoy the Blue River Watershed are riverside hiking, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and fishing!

The Blue River Watershed is a sensitive ecosystem with far-reaching implications. There are a variety of channels that can affect this delicate environment.

• Impacts of Mining: Summit County has a long history of dredging and hard rock mining. According to Blue River Watershed Group mining affects the watershed including, “…loss of surface water flows during low stream flow periods, loss of channel stability, loss of aquatic and riparian habitat, and heavy metal and mineral contamination that compromises water quality.”
• Deforestation: The health of our forests affects the health of our rivers. The pine beetle epidemic, wildfires, erosion, mudslides, and development all have an impact on the watershed.
• Roadways: Highways and roads can lead to sediment loading, chemical disbursement, contamination from hazardous material spills, and more.
• Invasive Species: Northern pike, brook trout, zebra, and quagga mussels all have an impact on the Blue River.
• Loss of Gold Medal: Gold Medal is a designation for areas that produce superior trout and fishing conditions. The Blue River lost its Gold Medal designation in 2016.
• Trans-Mountain Diversions: Diverting water reduces river flow and water availability in our basin. This loss has an effect on the ability of the watershed to cleanse itself and impacts plants and animals.

The mission of the Blue River Watershed Group is to promote, protect and restore a healthy Blue River watershed through cooperative community education, stewardship, and resource management.

Blue River Watershed Group was founded in 2004 and aims to protect as much of our complete watershed as possible. Their focus is to restore damaged areas, enhance fish habitat quality, scenery, wetlands functionality, and improve recreational areas. By educating our community about the work of BRWG and spreading awareness about our impacts BWRF promotes and protects a healthy environment.

• Integrated Water Management Plan: The IWMP “…will provide a roadmap for future water use, restoration projects, and other solutions to the issues that currently threaten the health of the watershed.” This strategy was published in 2021 through cooperation with Blue River Watershed Group and Trout Unlimited. The plan will give direction for restoration over the next several years!
• Swan River Restoration: The section of the Swan River near Breckenridge was heavily affected by historic mining. By restoring this area, which is currently rock piles and dredge tailings, the stream will be restored as a natural, stable stream that will improve the habitat for trout and diverse native wildlife and overall functionality and viability of the ecosystem.
• Education: BRWG is continually educating about its goals and purpose in order to achieve their mission. By engaging and educating the community the group can present the issues and challenges affecting the watershed.

Completed Projects

• Tenmile Creek Restoration (2013-16): Restored 2,800 linear feet of stream and 6 acres of stream bank, wetland, and floodplain that had been impacted by mining, deforestation, development, and road construction.
• Brittle Silver Mine (2010-13): Restructured Cinnamon Gulch to combine three channels into one so that the stream would no longer flow through heavy metals of mining tailings.
• Delaware Mine (2010-13): Redirected flow channel to keep water from flowing into an old pond and revegetated the area.
• Silver Spoon Mine (2010-13): Replaced waste rock and drainage channel to keep water from flowing through mineral lode.
• Snake River Watershed Plan (2007-10): The plan was developed to restore the Snake River tributary, identifying ten major problems to address. So far, three have been worked on. The plan serves as an outline for future restoration projects.
• Swan River Restoration Design Planning (2011-13): Remove mine tailings, restore river channel, return river to natural state in an area heavily impacted by historical dredge mining.

• Donations: BRWG relies on donations to continue its important work. One-time donations can be made in any amount.
• Membership: BRWG has the option of individual, family, or business memberships. Membership includes several benefits including access to members-only events.
• Mail Your Gift: If you prefer to donate via check, checks may be sent to the following address:
  • Blue River Watershed Group, PO Box 867, Silverthorne, CO 80498

• State of the River: On Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at the Silverthorne Pavillion, the State of the River will feature presentations about the issues surrounding the watershed. Support the BRWG by becoming an educated participant! 
• Lake Dillon Beer Festival: On Saturday, June 11, 2022, thirty breweries will be at the Dillon Amphitheater along with live music. Tickets are $40 and each ticket includes a $5 donation to BRWG
• Blue to Gold: Saturday, September 17, 2022 Angry James Brewery will be Brewing for the Blue. In support of the goal of restoring the Gold status of the Blue River, there will be live music, an auction and raffle, and of course beer. All proceeds will go to restoring Blue River fisheries. 

• Lake Dillon Beer Fest: Volunteers for this event will receive free admission and a free event t-shirt!
• Annual River Clean-Up: On Saturday, August 27, 2022, volunteers will work to remove trash and litter from our beautiful Blue River.