It may seem surprising, but keeping more water in Colorado's rivers and streams adds dollars to the bank accounts of Coloradans. Benefits for healthy ecosystems are already clear, but recent research also confirms that keeping more water in Colorado rivers and streams directly benefits our state's economy as well.

New research shows that higher river flow levels, or "instream flows," generate significant value for Colorado citizens by supporting our state's important recreational economy.

Prof. John Loomis of Colorado State University recently assessed how rafting and fishing expenditures in Colorado respond to variation in instream flow levels. He found that increased river flows lead to increased Colorado income. Overall, slightly increasing instream flows across Colorado would generate $4.4 million dollars in income and 340 additional jobs from increased rafting and fishing expenditures alone. Colorado's other recreational industries that benefit from healthy river systems may also show a similar response, amplifying the benefits for the state's economic vitality.

Instream flows support Colorado's spectacular natural environment and directly increase economic activity in the state. Programs that support instream flow rights are a good value for Colorado citizens as well as for Colorado's environment.

Read the full report (pdf).