Released on: April 17, 2008, 3:27 pm

Press Release Author: Save the Poudre Coalition

Industry: Environment

Press Release Summary: American Rivers names the Cache la Poudre one of America's
Most Endangered Rivers due to the NISP/Glade Reservoir Project

Press Release Body: Fort Collins, CO (April 17, 2008)-American Rivers, the nation's
leading river protection organization, today designated the Cache la Poudre River as
one of the "Most Endangered Rivers in America." In response, a rally and press
conference was held in Fort Collins this morning to increase awareness about the
Poudre's plight and to protest the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP)/Glade
Reservoir. The project is a water diversion plan that would severely degrade the
ecological health of the river, dry up farmland, and threaten the quality of life
and economy of the region.

"This is a very unfortunate day for Fort Collins and northern Colorado," said Gary
Wockner, a member of the Save The Poudre Coalition, who sponsored this morning's
event. "What's happening on the Poudre today is 'ground zero' for the next phase of
regional water wars. We are standing at a place, and in an issue, of national
significance."

Today's announcement by American Rivers, designating the most endangered rivers, was
based on three criteria: (1) a river's threat level, (2) a major decision in the
next year regarding the river, and (3) its regional and national significance. For
the Cache la Poudre, the threat is the NISP/Glade Reservoir, a project that will
drain even more water out of the already degraded Poudre. The major decision coming
this year will be the Environmental Impact Statement by the Army Corps of Engineers
regarding the project. Finally, the Cache la Poudre has great significance
regionally as a driving force for recreation and business in Fort Collins. The
river is also the only "National Wild and Scenic River" in Colorado as designated by
an Act of Congress.


"Instead of draining our rivers, Colorado should be moving aggressively forward with
water conservation and mutually beneficial partnerships with the agricultural
community," said Susan LeFever with the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Sierra Club.
"If this project goes forward, it will set the stage for more Colorado rivers to
make the 'Most Endangered' list for years to come."

The NISP/Glade project, a massive dam-and-reservoir project that would include the
177,000 acre-foot Glade Reservoir, is the largest engineering project proposed along
Colorado's Front Range in a quarter century. If built, the project would divert
about 35% of the water out of the
Poudre River as it flows through Fort Collins-and that is in addition to the 60% of
water that is already diverted out of the Poudre. It would also wipe out a scenic
valley just north of Fort Collins and require the relocation of part of Highway 287
at an enormous cost to ratepayers.

The ecological costs are even higher. Besides draining the Poudre to a trickle and
threatening a variety of plant and animal species, the NISP/Glade project would
severely deplete the already beleaguered "June Rise," the natural increase in stream
flows that occurs during snowmelt that is critical to the overall health of the
Poudre River ecosystem.

"Over the last decade, Fort Collins has received a number of national accolades, so
receiving this negative publicity about one of the key elements of our city - the
Cache la Poudre River that flows through the heart of our town - tarnishes our
image," said Lisa Poppaw, City Councilmember from District 2 in Ft. Collins. "More
important than our image, however, is the very real threat to this river. Our
downtown economy is increasingly dependent on a healthy river."

With its massive size and price tag, the NISP/Glade project also puts at risk
downtown Fort Collins businesses and the multi-million dollar investment citizens
have made in the public land corridor that runs along the river and through the
city.

. Fort Collins calls the environment one of its "economic engines," and cultural and
recreational resources such as the Downtown River District, Beet Street, and
UniverCity
Connections all benefit from a healthy river flowing through town.

. Tens of millions of dollars have been allocated to natural areas and bike paths
along the
Poudre River corridor to preserve and enhance recreational, aesthetic, and
ecological
assets for the citizens of Fort Collins, Larimer County, and Colorado.

For farmers, the NISP/Glade project represents an additional challenge as at least
20,000 acres of farmland will have to be cleared, paved over, and converted into
residential housing in order to finance the project.

On April 30, the Army Corps of Engineers is scheduled to release its Environmental
Impact Statement about the Glade Reservoir project and citizens will have a chance
to let their voice be heard through a 90-day public comment period. Opportunities
include:

. Sign the Save The Poudre Petition:
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-the-poudre-river.html

. Contact local government:
http://www.savethepoudre.org/write_your_representatives.html

"This sad day also brings a chance for clarity and hope," continued Wockner. "The
river is not dead yet. Each year, as American Rivers designates the 'Most
Endangered Rivers in America,' there are great success stories as dams are stopped
and removed and rivers are cleaned up. Citizens can speak out and make a difference
and I encourage you to do so."

For the complete list of endangered rivers from American Rivers log onto
http://www.americanrivers.org/site/PageServer?pagename=AR7_MER2008_pressroom. For
more information on Save The Poudre go to
http://savethepoudre.org/endangered_river.html.

About Save The Poudre Coalition:
The Save The Poudre Coalition (www.savethepoudre.org) is committed to positive,
balanced solutions for the long-term health of the Poudre River and for the
sustainability of our communities. The Coalition believes that what's good for the
land, air, water, and wildlife is good for people and good for our economy. Member
groups include Poudre Paddlers, Cache la Poudre River Foundation, Friends of the
Poudre, Sierra Club Poudre Canyon Group, Fort Collins Audubon Society, Citizen
Planners, Wolverine Farm Publishing, American Rivers, Defenders of Wildlife, The
Bean Cycle and Matter Bookstore, and the Colorado Environmental Coalition.

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Web Site: http://www.savethepoudre.org/

Contact Details: Contact info:
Gary Wockner
Save The Poudre Coalition
970-218-8310
garywockner@comcast.net