Why the CRWUA Conference Matters to the Megafauna Ecosystem

 At Megafauna, rivers aren’t just places we play—they’re living systems with essential cultural, ecological, and economic significance. Each year, the Colorado River Water Users Association (CRWUA) conference brings together the stakeholders shaping how water is managed across the Colorado River Basin, including states, federal agencies, conservation groups, and Tribal Nations.

The basin is facing unprecedented challenges. If policy does not change, it is only a matter of time before overuse crashes a system that over 35 million people depend on. Climate change, drought, antiquated water policy, and decades of over-allocation mean tough decisions need to be made about who gets water—and when. If we have another CRWUA is where those decisions take shape, influencing long-term management plans that can either support healthy rivers or leave them–out to dry.

We're waiting to see what plans–and what stakeholders–will present at this year's conference. Years of gridlock emphasize the need to put politics aside and consider the survival of water in West. After all, WRA notes, 1 in 10 Americans depend on the Colorado River and if we have another year like this, water usage across the basin will exceed flows by the equivalent of 7 million families for a year. All stakeholders need to be willing to work together to avoid a tragedy of the commons.

Why River Users Need to Follow Along and Participate

For decades, river recreation and health were left out of Western water conversations. That’s changing because river users and advocacy groups have stepped up and demanded a seat at the table. Paddling, fishing, and floating aren’t fringe interests—they’re a vital part of river communities and local economies.

But we can only move downstream if we stay engaged.

How the Megafauna Community Can Take Action

You don’t need a conference badge to make a difference:

• Support river advocacy organizations like Western Resource Advocates, American Whitewater, and Rig to Flip that fight for clean rivers, access, and public representation. They're doing it right now at the conference!!!

• Support Megafauna to show people that rivers are essential to staying cute, fun, healthy, and wild!

• Stay informed and speak up when it counts during public comment periods and local decision-making processes.

• Recreate with intention—care for river corridors, respect access points, and model good stewardship.

• Vote for rivers by supporting leaders who prioritize conservation, tribal sovereignty, and public lands.

A Future with Rivers

The conversations happening at CRWUA shape the future of the rivers we love and need. We believe protecting rivers goes hand-in-hand with enjoying them. 

As a community built around water, we have both the voice, savvy, and responsibility to stand up for them.

Stay tuned for more updates in "Catch the Eddy," Instagram, and Facebook!