Tomichi Creek, a tributary of the world-famous fishery the Gunnison River, flows from the mining town of White Pine, Colorado. Historically, toxic sediment loading from the abandoned Akron mine site has had a damaging effect on the trout populations.

Project partner Trout Unlimited is working to reconnect and restore fish habitat throughout the Gunnison basin that is presently fragmented, degraded or dewatered. These actions will make this legendary fishery even more spectacular for future anglers.

The Tomichi Water Conservation Program involves regional coordination between six water users on lower Tomichi Creek to reduce consumptive use on irrigated meadows as a watershed drought management tool. The project will use water supply as a trigger for water conservation measures during one year in the three-year period. During implementation, participating water users would cease irrigation during dry months. Water not diverted will improve environmental and recreational flows through the Tomichi State Wildlife Area and be available to water users below the project area.