Organized in late 2006 by the Southwestern Water Conservation District and the San Juan Citizens Alliance, the River Protection Workgroup (RPW) organized and convened  five public Workgroups on these river and stream segments:  Hermosa Creek, Animas, San Juan – East and West Forks, Vallecito Creek/Pine River, and the Piedra. The successful Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act, passed by the United States Congress in 2014,  was one result of this project. Currently, the RPW Steering Committee is working to determine if there is agreement on a regional approach(es) which may result in federal legislation and would protect conversation values and allow water development to continue. The regional package may also involve the use of management tools on the local or state level as well. Their work in crafting the regional approach is based on the reports of the five Workgroups. Find out more at the Fort Lewis College Office of Community Services.