The Upper South Platte Watershed area is extremely diverse with regard to land ownership and resources. Dozens of organizations including local, state, and federal agencies, universities, businesses and environmental organizations have become active partners in the cooperative management of the watershed. In addition, there are numerous private landowners actively participating in management of their lands to improve ecological conditions. Such mixed ownership has offered challenges for collaboration but has also presented tremendous opportunities to work together.

In 2002, the Coalition was supported by a grant awarded to the National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils, Inc. from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to coordinate and implement emergency watershed restoration/enhancement projects and fire recovery efforts in the Hayman burn area.

In 2003, funds from the USDA Forest Service Community-Based Watershed Restoration Partnerships supported the Coalition to coordinate and complete fire recovery and restoration efforts using volunteers to repair the watershed of the Upper South Platte following the devastating Hayman Wildfire.

Now, the Coalition for the Upper South Platte depends mostly on the support of its volunteers, membership, fundraising efforts, and support from its partners.

CUSP serves the watershed community through many projects and programs, including fire restoration, fuels reduction, trail restoration, river restoration, and public education.  Without the contributions and support of our partners, these programs/ projects simply could not happen.  Click here for links to our Major Contributing Partners.

Many government entities have provided technical and financial assistance, playing a critical role in supporting CUSP’s efforts toward stream and riparian restoration, forest health and management initiatives,  fire management and conservation education.  Click here to learn more about our Government Agency Partners.