The Yampa River Fund will host a celebration at 5 p.m. Sept. 21 at Snow Bowl Steamboat after awarding four grants worth $166,141 combined this summer to boost river flows, increase outreach to landowners and pay for two infrastructure improvements.

“We are thrilled to have our fourth annual celebration of the Yampa River Fund at the Snow Bowl this year,” Yampa River Fund Manager Mike Robertson said in a news release. “It will be a fantastic time, and we expect a great turnout as we gather to mark our many successes.”

According to event organizers, the Yampa River Fund was launched in September 2019 to provide a sustainable, voluntary funding source for the Yampa River to enhance water security and support a healthy, flowing river by enhancing critical low flows and maintaining or improving river function by restoring habitat.

In 2023, the Yampa River Fund distributed grant money to projects in Moffat and Routt counties, including awarding the four grants for $166,141 combined. This September also marks the first full year with Friends of the Yampa acting as the manager of the fund.

Additionally, a working group of local business leaders, The Nature Conservancy and Friends of the Yampa have been developing a business engagement program to support the fund and projects to benefit the Yampa River.

Called the Yampa Ripple Effect, the program is designed to provide customers an opportunity to contribute to river health by rounding up to the next dollar on their bill, or other similar voluntary donation methods. More details about the program, success of the pilot program and how to get involved will be provided at the Yampa River Fund celebration. Attendees need to RSVP for “The Yampa River Fund Celebration” at EventBrite.com.