April Mountain Memo – CB Land Trust

Photo by Xavi Fane

April Mountain Memo E-Newsletter

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Slate River Working Group to Convene

As spring runoff begins to shape the Slate River once again, the Slate River Working Group (SRWG) is preparing to reconvene for the season to continue its mission of balancing recreation with conservation along this vital waterway. Comprised of landowners, conservationists, local agencies, and recreation advocates, the SRWG works collaboratively to create and implement river-specific management strategies. Our beloved Slate River provides critical wildlife habitats and recreational opportunities, requiring thoughtful stewardship to maintain its health and accessibility.

As a reminder, the Slate River Working Group recommends a voluntary “no float” period between Gunsight Bridge and the Town of Crested Butte from March 15 through July 15 to protect wildlife during the critical spring season. Keep an eye out for more information from the working group as we get closer to summer. Thank you for helping to protect this important landscape.

Beers, Bands & Barb Wire Strands

Mark your calendars for May 16-18 and join us at Beers, Bands & Barb Wire Strands Bash hosted by Backcountry Hunters & Anglers to celebrate Colorado Public Lands Day. This annual event brings together conservation-minded individuals for an evening of great music, local brews, and meaningful, boots-on-the-ground stewardship! More details here.

Importance of Snowpack

With spring in swing, the Gunnison Valley is entering a crucial period of transition. Rivers are rising, trails are beginning to thaw, and the snowpack that accumulated over the winter is starting to melt. This shift marks more than just a change in seasons – it signals an important phase for our water systems, landscapes, and communities.

Snowpack and the snow water equivalent (SWE) act as natural reservoirs, sustaining people, ecosystems, and economies. Each winter, the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Cooperative Snow Survey Program gathers snowpack data from sites across the western US, including one located on Land Trust property on the Lower Loop. This data helps forecast runoff and drought and supports water management across the West.

Spring weather will continue to influence how and when the snowpack melts. Continued monitoring is essential to understanding what lies ahead and ensuring that our valley, and the broader region, can respond effectively.

The Crested Butte Land Trust is proud to work alongside our partners to support resilient ecosystems and sustainable water use. Click here to explore up-to-date snowpack and water data from the NRCS.