The White River Partnership (WRP) is committed to restoring and maintaining healthy riparian areas along the White River in northwest Colorado and northeast Utah through collaboration among public, private, and non-profit entities.

 

The White River is a dynamic riverine ecosystem where the threats from Russian olive, tamarisk, and related invasive plant species have been mitigated and native, resilient vegetation communities reflect a healthy river system beneficial to fish and wildlife habitat that supports the ecological, social, and economic sustainability of the multiple land uses found along the White River corridor. 

 

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The focus area of the White River Partnership is the main stem and tributaries of the White River that have been impacted by tamarisk and Russian olive.

Watershed Concerns

The health of the White River is vital to the socio-economic well-being of local communities that depend on it for agricultural production, industry, recreation, aesthetics, and cultural uses. The lower White River and its tributaries provide crucial habitat for important native fish including several endangered and endemic species such as the Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker. Large herds of elk, deer, and other animals depend on the White River corridor for habitat and forage. 

 

The lower White River's riparian areas are becoming increasingly dominated by invasive plants such as tamarisk and Russian olive. These trees increase the risk of wildfire, diminish aquatic and riparian habitats, reduce natural river functions, and impede recreational, agricultural, and cultural uses of the river.

The White River Partnership aims to further develop and implement a collaborative and comprehensive approach to improving the condition of riparian areas that complements ongoing efforts by partners as well as identifies and creates new opportunities for restoration. 

The WRP follows a holistic approach that incorporates local communities' social, cultural, management, and economic goals into restoration planning. 

Current priorities include:

• RiversEdge West
• Ute Indian Tribe
• Bureau of Land Management Green River District, Vernal Field Office, and Utah Fisheries and Riparian Programs
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife
• US Fish and Wildlife Service and Partners for Fish and Wildlife
• Utah Partners for Conservation and Development
• Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
• Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration
• Tri-County Health
• Uintah County Weed Department
• Utah Department of Environmental Quality
• Utah Conservation Corps
• Utah State University

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Contact Information