Upper Colorado River Commission - Inside Climate News

Using Less of the Colorado River Takes a Willing Farmer and $45 Million in Federal Funds

The System Conservation Pilot Program is intended to help Upper Basin states reduce water usage, but some experts and participants say the costs and sacrifices outweigh the savings.

By Alex Hager, KUNC and Heather Sackett, Aspen Journalism

Leslie Hagenstein indicates where the New Fork River flows through her property on Mar. 27. She signed up for a program that pays her to pause irrigation on her land in order to save Colorado River water. Some experts say the System Conservation Pilot Program, or SCPP, is costly and may not be the most effective way to save Colorado River water. Credit: Alex Hager/KUNC

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