Mission

Celebrate accomplished restoration efforts in the Taylor Park watershed and plan for potential new collaborative stream and wetland restoration here in the headwaters of the Gunnison River. Fly with land-managers from the Gunnison National Forest and Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District, along with other stakeholders and members of the media.

Our overflight departed out of Gunnison, skirting by the snow-capped Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area as we headed towards the expansive bowl of Taylor Park. Once in the Taylor Park watershed, contrasted views of healthy streams and degraded streams passed below us - showing the opportunity for more process-based stream restoration in this area of multiple use. Flying over Trail Creek, passengers could see how previous restoration treatments are yielding lush results. The stretch of stream that was treated in 2021 and 2022 was as vibrant as ever with ribbons of green and messy pools of snowmelt. The fecundity of Trail Creek is always impressive from the ground and obtaining a bird's-eye view of the larger landscape emphasized the importance of protecting natural processes in these headwater streams.