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local watershed r~eports_ J ":.. ..... . Background The Cherry Creek watershed is one of the dominant geographical and cultural features of the Denver metropolitan area. The Creek connects communities in Denver, Arapahoe, and Douglas counties. Although early scttlers in the region were \vamed of the potential for overgenerous flooding of Cherry Creek. communities grew along its banks. The inevitable flooding and loss of life and property led to the construction of Cherry Creek Reservoir by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood protection in 1950. In 1959, recreational demands on the reservoir led to the creation of the Cherry Creek State Recreation Area, Colorado's first state park. Today, the park is Colorado's busiest. with an estimated 1.5 million visitors a year. Constmction of the dam created an artificiaL but vel)' real, dividing line in the watershed. The urban. developed portion of the watershed is located below the dam. separated from the rapidly developing upper portion. The Partners are the first active group to engagc interests in both upper and lower portions of the watershed. Watershed Approach The Cherry Creek Stewardship Partners emerged from the first Chen)' Creek watershed forum held in 1999. Since then we have been successful in promoting active stewardship of the Cherry Creek watershed. I ~ ~". , I -- ------- - - -- Using the watershed approach. a geographical perspectivc that connects cities, counties, and individuals along a body of water. the Partners attempt to address the whole range of land use activities and water resource concerns along Cherry Creek. Actively supported by individual citizens and representatives from land use jurisdictions; state and fed~ral resources management agencies; conservation. recreation and historic preservation groups; and the business community. the Partners have defined our role by providing regular infomlation-sharing forums and, at the same time, providing opportunities for participants to consider ways to coordinate and integrate projects and activities that affect water resources. The Partners receive support from member partners, as well as through grants and fundraising. Some of the watershed activities the Partners sponsor include teacher-training activities. field trips, and tours that highlight innovative approaches for achieving better water quality through the use of stoonwater runotY controls and open space protection. Integrative Planning Numerous political subdivisions exist in and around Cherry Creek. ranging from cities and counties to special service districts. Extensive local The Partners are committed to supporting cooperation and innovation through ongoing efforts to share resources and knowledge in practical, active ways. planning etTorts have resulted in an array of plans. studies, and documents. The Partners, along with the Trust for Public Lands, have \vorkcd to integrate these plans and studies. The best example of this integration is the Cherry Creek Basin Open Space Conservation & Stewardship Plan. This Plan. funded by a grant from Great Outdoors Colorado, relics on existing documcnts and relationships, as well as ncw inventory and mapping efforts to integrate stewardship practices and serve as guidance for cooperation and initiatives which can ensure adequate protection of the qualities that make the Cherry Creek watcrshed unique. ,;..,,:. -.- u_ - ,- - - JI ,.~~.*.~.r ~':- '~;~::!Kt~ :~ IfJ """:1 \ 'If Cherry Creek Reservoir The Partners are committed to supporting cooperation and innovation through ongoing efforts to share resources and knowledge in practical. active ways. The coming year \\'ill provide opportunities for more cross-jurisdictional coordination, field trips, teacher training activities. and more. The Partners will host volunteer events and education forums; and our 6111 Annual Conference scheduled for November 5. 2004. Please contact Casey Davcnhill at eascy@cherry-crcck.org or visit our website for additional infoonatiol1. ~ -