About Us

Mission:

The Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association protects and defends the natural environment of Colorado’s Crystal River through vigilant grassroots action.

Purpose:

Since its kitchen table beginning in 1972, CVEPA has been a strong leader on behalf of the unique environment and history of the Crystal Valley. CVEPA is the only organization exclusively dedicated to the preservation of the ecosystems in the Crystal Valley. We support public access consistent with the preservation of biodiversity, including wildlife. The board acts as a watchdog on threats to our environment and advocates for environmentally sound practices by government, industry and individuals.

 Started in 1972 by a group of citizens to fight a major ski resort proposal at Marble bound to cause dire environmental consequences, the Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association (CVEPA) has worked for decades to protect the unique environment of the Crystal River Valley. 

After defeating the efforts of developers to secure Forest Service permits for the proposed Marble ski area, CVEPA mounted a major effort to oppose the West Divide Project whose major feature was the Placita Dam on the Crystal River. A big push had been mounted by a variety of interests during the energy crisis of the '70's to build the dam and divert Crystal River water out of the watershed. This battle did not subside until well into the Carter administration when dam building proposals fell under closer fiscal and environmental scrutiny. 

 One of the most important recent accomplishments for the valley was the abandonment of long-held water rights for the Placita Dam thanks to the legal action brought by Pitkin County - an action supported with near unanimity of valley residents. In the '70's, CVEPA vigorously advocated the adoption of state legislation to secure minimum stream flows.

Beginning in the 1970's, through the 80's, and into the '90's, CVEPA called attention  to the massive pollution of Coal Creek and the Crystal resulting from Mid-Continent Resources' coal mining activities in Coal Basin and persistently, but with mixed results, called upon State and Federal agencies to bring Mid-Continent to institute corrective measures. Although the mines in Coal Basin were shut down in 1991 and substantial reclamation efforts have been done by the State of Colorado, the problems are such that ongoing reclamation will be needed for decades to come. CVEPA remains actively engaged in efforts, such as the Cow Stomp revegetation project, to alleviate the condition of the watershed in Coal Basin. 

Click on the Projects link on the navigation bar to see our current project list. From there you can learn about our recent involvement in each project and past projects.