In 2012, the first-ever short-term lease of water to Colorado’s Instream Flow Program occurred when water was released from Stagecoach Reservoir to support streamflows, aquatic habitat, and reduce water temperatures. The 2012 environmental releases were the result of an emergency effort between the Colorado Water Trust, Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District, City of Steamboat Springs, and the Colorado Water Conservation Board to boost flows in the Yampa River downstream of Stagecoach.

Building on that success, many partners, local, state, and federal, have continued efforts for more than a decade to identify and implement a range of tools to boost flows in dry years. In 2021, a new 10-year flexible agreement was established, allowing for instream flow leases in up to half of those years—with the option to renew twice. This creates a long-term framework to support the Yampa River for up to 15 out of 30 years. At times, these releases supply more than half of the Yampa River’s flow through Steamboat Springs, underscoring their critical role in sustaining the river and community.

Watch the video below to learn more about our environmental releases from Stagecoach Reservoir: