Schedule and event details below.

High Country Citizens’ Alliance (HCCA) and Coal Creek Watershed Coalition (CCWC) are pleased to bring the fifth annual River Awareness Week, August 14 through 18, to the Gunnison Valley. The week’s events are held in conjunction with the Gunnison River Festival. HCCA & CCWC are excited about this year’s events and invite residents and visitor a like to participate in any or all of the events. The week’s events are organized to create a spirit of community and to educate about the important roles rivers and streams play in not only the natural environment but also the economy.

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River Awareness Week Schedule of Events
August 14 - 18, 2008

Thursday, August 14 ~~ “State of the Watershed” presentation at the Crested Butte Center for the Arts
High Country Citizens' Alliance and the Coal Creek Watershed Coalition invite the community to attend the “State of the Watershed” presentation on Thursday, August 14 at the Crested Butte Center for the Arts. Doors are at 6pm with presentations beginning at 6:30. The evening is free for all to attend. Come learn about watershed issues in the Upper Gunnison River Basin and how local and regional organizations and agencies are working to protect local waters.

Friday, August 15 ~~ Birding Tour with Dr. Pat Magee of the Black Canyon Audubon Society
If you love birds, this is a not-to-be-missed opportunity. Meet at 7 a.m. at Neversink west of Gunnison. Advance sign up required, 349-7104. Don’t forget your binoculars.

Friday, August 15 ~~ Donor Appreciation Float
Members and donors who give at the Sustaining Level ($100 or more per year) are invited on a complimentary float trip with High Country Citizens' Alliance and Scenic River Tours on the Gunnison River. Space is limited. RSVP early to Sammye Meadows at 349-7104 ext 6. Trip meets at 9 a.m. at Scenic River Tours in Gunnison.

Saturday, August 16 ~~ "Gunnison River Festival" in Gunnison Whitewater Park and downtown Gunnison
All day Saturday, check out the Gunnison River Festival. HCCA will host the New Belgium Beer Garden at the Whitewater Park and share information about the Gunnison River and watershed issues. Visit www.gunnisonriverfestival.com for more information.

Sunday, August 17 ~~ "Third Annual Dutch Oven Cook-Off" at the Crested Butte Town Park Pavilion
All day Saturday, check out the Gunnison River Festival. HCCA will host the New Belgium Beer Garden at the Whitewater Park and share information about the Gunnison River and watershed issues. Visit www.gunnisonriverfestival.com for more information.

Sunday, August 17 ~~ "Black Canyon Bluegrass Benefit Concert" in Crested Butte
Wrap up the night with foot-stomping music with Greensky Bluegrass. Winners of the 2006 Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Competition, Michigan’s Greensky Bluegrass is earning recognition nationwide as a growing force in acoustic roots music. Performing at festivals, theaters, clubs and listening rooms all over the U.S., their rare traditional sound is piquing the interests of not only bluegrass enthusiasts, but lovers of music of all genres. It is their unique “fusion of tradition and enthusiasm for improvisation” that has come to define the band’s creative style. The show begins at 10 p.m. Advance tickets cost $10; $12 at the door.

Monday, August 18 ~~ "Workshops"
Monday’s workshops are free to attend. Please note: advance sign-up required by calling 349-7104 ext. 4.

9 a.m. – noon ~ Learn about water quality in Coal Creek with hands on demonstrations by the Coal Creek Watershed Coalition. Meet at the CB Chamber of Commerce parking lot for carpool.

2 p.m. – 5p.m. ~ Hike to the Standard Mine and hear about the Environmental Protection (EPA) Agency’s progress to clean up the Standard Mine Superfund site at. Meet at the CB Chamber of Commerce parking lot for carpool. Please bring sturdy hiking shoes, water, sunscreen and appropriate summer hiking weather gear.

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. ~ Visit the restored Peanut Mine site and learn how this community-organized mine cleanup has protected local rivers and riparian areas. Bring your binoculars! Meet at Peanut Mine handicap parking lot at 5:30 p.m. – ride your bike or walk. Finish the day off with a tour of the Peanut Mine and learn about the efforts to remediate this site.

River Awareness Week is organized by High Country Citizens' Alliance and Coal Creek Watershed Coalition and is sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency, Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Non-Point Source Program, Scenic River Tours, Northwest River Supply, Colorado Kayak Supply, Johnson Outdoors, Buffalo Joe’s Rafting, Raft Masters, Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center, Astral Buoyancy, Salida Mountain Sports, Black Canyon Audubon Society, The Eldo and Old Town Inn. For more information about or to volunteer with River Awareness Week events, please contact Meghan Craft at 249-7104 ext 4.


For more information, please contact Meghan Craft at High Country Citizens' Alliance at 970-349-7104 or Anthony Poponi with the Coal Creek Watershed Coalition at 970-596-7496

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Returning for a third time, we are offering delicious campfire gourmet food at our Dutch Oven cook-off in Crested Butte’s Town Park on Sunday, August 17th from 5:00 to 8pm. Participants will begin assembling their entrees at 4:30 and will serve them up after 5:30.

Now is the time to perfect your favorite Dutch Oven recipe to share with others and get recognition for creating the Best Breakfast, Entree or Dessert. This river celebration at Crested Butte Town Park is a great opportunity to register for any of the week’s activities, meet other river enthusiasts, talk water issues, taste great food, and drink a cold one while playing your favorite river games.

Contact HCCA today if you’d like to participate in the Dutch Oven cook-off, for your chance to become King or Queen of Dutch Ovens.

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We Also Need Volunteers!

HCCA will be at the Gunnison River Festival on Saturday the 16th with our beer garden. We will need volunteers to help out at the beer tent in the afternoon as well as at the HCCA table. Help us out and taste your favorite frosty beverages.

On Sunday the 17th, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer. In the early evening, savor the delights at the Dutch Oven Cook-Off. This will be followed by the Black Canyon Bluegrass benefit concert where Sunday night volunteers will receive free admission.

Proceeds from all River Awareness Week events benefit HCCA’s work to protect and restore the waters of the Upper Gunnison River Basin.

For more information, please contact Meghan Craft at High Country Citizens' Alliance at 970-349-7104 or email Meghan at: meghan@hccaonline.org

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For more information, please contact Meghan Craft at High Country Citizens' Alliance at 970-349-7104 or email Meghan at: meghan@hccaonline.org