Core Goal 1: Build Local Capacity

Many Western Hardrock volunteer watershed organizations lack the time, skills, and knowledge to effectively and successfully address regional issues of unemployment, poverty, water contamination, degraded aquatic habitat, the need for economic redevelopment, and the challenge of engaging more citizens in these concerns. The Western Hardrock Watershed Team works to build the capacity of participating organizations, enabling their long-term stability and success.

OSM/VISTAs raise over $ 20,000 through year-end membership drives

OSM/VISTA Aaron Parker works to raise membership dues at the Colorado Foundation for Water Education in Denver, CO

In quarter 1 of FY 2011 several OSM/VISTAs worked on successful year-end membership drives, expanding membership and soliciting funds for their respective organizations. These efforts are a crucial component of their organizations fundraising plans because they produce unrestricted funds that can be used to support general operating expenses. The expanded membership base also helps strengthen community ties and build a stronger support network for their organizations. Scott Conklin with the Eagle River Watershed Council, Whitney Gaskill with the Mountain Studies Institute, Aaron Parker with the Colorado Foundation for Water Education and Anna Santo with the North Fork River Improvement Association Western Slope Environmental Resource Council Conservation Center all reached out to their communities to find new members and solicit donations. Collectively, they helped raise $20,835 for their organizations.

OSM/VISTA helps raise $87,000 to connect two neighborhoods

OSM/VISTA Regina Willis helps with a stream cleanup along the San Vincente Creek in Silver City, NM

In quarter 4 of FY 2010 OSM/VISTA Regina Willis of the Gila Resources information Project (GRIP) wrote and received a grant in partnership with the Town of Silver City for $87,000. The grant will fund a pedestrian bridge across the San Vicente Creek, provide trail improvements to the downtown river walk, and new heritage and interpretive signage along the trail. The improved river walk will increase tourism and pedestrian traffic by connecting two neighborhoods. The increased traffic will help promote local businesses and the downtown economy. Community members like Frank Drysdale appreciate the work being done by Ms. Willis.  Mr. Drysdale said “It’s great to have this influx of young professionals like you to our town. You all have fresh energy and enthusiasm and are truly getting things accomplished.”