Watershed management projects to improve water quality, water conservation and ecological health in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho and New Mexico were recently awarded Bureau of Reclamation grants totaling $664,754.
Seven projects in those five states will receive the funds through the WaterSMART program launched by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 2010 as a sustainability program, Bureau of Reclamation release said.
"Cooperative watershed groups bring together diverse partners to address water management needs in their local communities," Alan Mikkelson, the bureau's acting commissioner, said in the release. "The projects … will help restore watersheds and reduce water conflicts.”
Animas Watershed Partnership will receive $92,632 for stream restoration near Farmington, New Mexico; Boise River Enhancement Network will net $100,000 to work on Cottonwood Creek in Boise, Idaho; Cienga Watershed Partnership was awarded $92,632 for stream and riverbank restoration in Pima County, Arizona; and Eagle River Watershed Council Inc. will receive $90,000 for work on Abrams Creek near Eagle, Colorado.
Additionally, Friends of Teton River will use $99,987 to stabilize the Teton Valley Aquifer in Idaho; Gila Watershed Partnership will receive $99,000 to balance forest vegetation growth and improve riverside health and water quality in Graham County, Arizona; and Truckee Watershed Council Inc. will obtain $99,998 for restoring Martis Creek near Truckee, California.
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