Summary
In 2021, the town of Ridgway, Colorado adopted a resolution recognizing the rights of the Uncompahgre River, tributaries, and watershed, along with the living and other things existing naturally within them. The resolution recognized that the residents’ own health and welfare depends on the well-being of the river and encompassing watershed, and that the river supports a huge diversity of species. Since the tributaries of the river provide residents with clean drinking water, the resolution declared “the Town and its citizens understand that they must reciprocate this gift by acting as good stewards for these and other waterways upon which they and their children will continue to depend.” The resolution also notes the threats of ongoing climate change, drought, and certain land development in relation to the river.
The Town Council intends to include and consider the rights specified by this resolution in Town actions and decisions that impact the river, take necessary measures to effectuate its rights, oppose actions that would violate its rights, create mechanisms for giving the river a voice in public decision-making processes, and prepare a written report about the health of the river every 12 months.
Impact Statement
As of March 2025, Ridgway had not appointed any advocates to enforce the rights of nature it declared in 2021. The resolution remained largely a symbolic statement.
Related Initiatives
Suggested Citation:
Kauffman, Craig, Catherine Haas, Alex Putzer, Shrishtee Bajpai, Kelsey Leonard, Elizabeth Macpherson, Pamela Martin, Alessandro Pelizzon & Linda Sheehan. Eco Jurisprudence Monitor. V2. 2026. Distributed by the Eco Jurisprudence Monitor. https://ecojurisprudence.org/initiatives/ridgway-resolution-recognizing-the-rights-of-the-uncompahgre-river/.
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