The State of Colorado's Watersheds Report 2005

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��err Crete N� V) '�'SHIP FPS Background The Cherry Creek Stewardship Partners emerged from the first Cherry Creek watershed forum held in 1999 and since then have continued to be a vibrant source of energy and support for promoting active stewardship of the Cherry Creek watershed. In 2004 the Partners were awarded the EPA External Environmental Achievement Award for "extradordinary leadership and persistence in ... natural resource stewardship." The Partners promote innovative approaches for achieving better water quality through the use of stormwater runoff controls and open space protection. Actively supported by individual citizens and representatives from land use jurisdictions, state and federal resources management agencies, conservation, recreation, historic preservation groups, and the business community, the Partners have defined their role by providing regular information- sharing forums and opportunities for participants to consider ways to coordinate and integrate projects and activities that affect water resources. Promoting regional cooperation and building on significant regional assessment efforts such as the Cherry Creek Basin Open Space Conservation & Stewardship Plan (Trust for Public Land, et al, 2002), The Cherry Creek Reservoir Watershed Plan (Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority, et al. 2003), our own Cherry Creek Watershed "Smart Growth for Clean Water" Report, 2003, and the Regional Memorandum ofUnderstanding signed by representatives of local government entities within the watershed we have developed a stewardship and education initiative. By utilizing the Partners' network, events and training activities, land use agencies (MS4`Permittees) can meet many of their public education and outreach requirements. The collaboration among Partners recognizes the concept of sustainable development and strives to balance economic, social and environmental priorities. With a focus on education, some of the watershed activities the Partners sponsor include teacher - training activities, field trips, service projects and tours that highlight opportunities to improve community connections. Cherry Creek has become one of Colorado's best examples of local people restoring and becoming reconnected to their stream or river. Recent Accomplishments Water Educ ation Forum introducing the leaders of successful, local education projects who have become important new Partners in promoting our education and stewardship initiative. 0 Project WET Workshop. Focal watershed reports 6th Annual Watershed Conference. Watershed Partnership Seminar support for US EPA regional training. Weed Network Meeting. Cherry Creek State Park Russian Olive Removal. Prairie Canyon Ranch Spring Planting. Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Volunteer Restoration Proj ect. Science Mentorship providing judges and other assistance for local and regional science fairs and promoting water education at the Colorado Science Teachers Convention. The Partners will host our 7th Annual Conference November 4, 2005. If you would like to receive invitations to our events you may contact Casey Davenhill at casey @cherry - creek.org or visit our website at www.cherry- creek.org Grange restoration planting