This report synthesizes key programmatic successes and lessons learned from collaborative watershed restoration partnerships in the Colorado River Basin (CRB), with emphasis on partnerships funded by the Walton Family Foundation (WFF or Foundation), through its Freshwater Initiative Program. The intended audience for this report includes potential funders interested in replicating or contributing to a comparable program, as well as other professionals and community members looking to initiate or enhance collaborative restoration efforts within their respective watersheds.
RiversEdge West (REW), a regional nonprofit with the mission of improving riparian habitat through education, collaboration, and technical assistance, was tasked by the WFF to synthesize this report given its long-term role as a leader and technical assistance provider for the watershed partnership groups profiled in this document.
Utilizing its long-standing relationships, REW completed interviews with a suite of partners in an attempt to discern and catalogue programmatic successes and lessons learned across watersheds. Information garnered from these discussions has been compiled, with specific comments remaining anonymous. Other literature was utilized to augment personal communications.