Routt County Climate Action Plan Collaborative

Electric Shuttle Ride and Drive event
2023-10-10 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Denver)
Mountain Bus Electric Vehicle, in collaboration with the Yampa Valley Sustainability Council, will host its fall Electric Vehicle (EV) Ride and Drive event at the Howelsen Hill parking lot on October 10th. The event is part of a greater effort to promote the city’s Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan. According to the EV Readiness Plan, Routt County experienced a 34% increase in combined carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles between 2005 and 2021. Gasoline-powered vehicles accounted for 66% of transportation-related emissions in the County and 82% in the City. The City’s program focuses on infrastructure, accessibility and permitting to address these issues to create a more sustainable system. Importantly, transitioning to electric vehicles aligns with the CAP goal of increasing EV adoption to 20% of registered vehicles by 2030 and 95% by 2050.

Yampa Valley Climate Crew - Stream Restoration on Trout Creek
2023-10-08 09:00 - 15:00
Join the Yampa Valley Climate Crew, alongside Trout Unlimited, to restore a riparian area along Trout Creek, a major tributary of the Yampa River in South Routt! Some work has already been done along the creek to reconnect the stream to its floodplain, but additional vegetation is needed to restore the riparian area, which will decrease water temperatures, improve wildlife habitat, and sequester carbon. To assist in this effort, the Yampa Valley Climate Crew will plant 100 cottonwoods and reseed the area with native plants. Difficulty: Easy Please contact ryan@yvsc.org with any questions Click here to register.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Ride and Drive event
2023-10-08 09:00 - 14:00
The City of Steamboat Springs, in collaboration with the Yampa Valley Sustainability Council and Yampa Valley Electric Association, will host its fall Electric Vehicle (EV) Ride and Drive event at the Howelsen Hill parking lot on October 8th. The goals of the event are to raise awareness and encourage residents to consider transitioning to electric vehicles and to promote the city’s Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan. According to the EV Readiness Plan, Routt County experienced a 34% increase in combined carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles between 2005 and 2021. Gasoline-powered vehicles accounted for 66% of transportation-related emissions in the County and 82% in the City. The City’s program focuses on infrastructure, accessibility and permitting to address these issues to create a more sustainable system. Importantly, transitioning to electric vehicles aligns with the CAP goal of increasing EV adoption to 20% of registered vehicles by 2030 and 95% by 2050. Come test drive various electric car models and learn about the benefits of EVs, such as reduced emissions and lower operating costs. Click here to sign up for a vehicle and time slot!

Hazardous Waste Drop Off Event
2023-10-07 08:00 - 12:00 | Steamboat Springs Middle School
The Routt County Department of Environmental Health is hosting its annual household hazardous waste drop off event. Please note there will be a cost associated with discarding materials.

Yampa Valley Climate Crew - Tree Planting Along the Yampa
2023-09-23 09:00 - 14:00
Join the Yampa Valley Climate Crew to reforest the Yampa River by planting native cottonwoods along the bank! This is the Crew’s first planting event of the season to reforest the Yampa River. Over the past 14 years, the Yampa Valley Climate Crew has planted over 23,000 trees in the Yampa Valley. This year, they enter their fifth year of the Yampa River Forest Restoration Program, where they will be planting approximately 130 trees along the Yampa River on private property off HW 131. This project aims to increase shade along the river to reduce water temperatures, improve riparian habitat, and sequester carbon. Volunteer work for the day will include planting, mulching, and fencing the trees. Please note, participants will need to cross the river (~1.5 feet deep) to get to the planting site. Difficulty: Easy Please contact ryan@yvsc.org with any questions. Click here to register.

Restoring Wet Meadows in California Park
2023-08-05 00:00 - 2023-08-06 23:59
Join Yampa Valley Climate Crew to construct Zeedyk rock structures in streambeds to raise the water table and restore wet meadows, which are vital for wildlife habitat and carbon sequestration. They will be working with the US Forest Service to restore wet meadows and riparian areas in beautiful California Park! These ecosystems are vital for carbon storage and wildlife habitat, including sandhill crane, boreal toads, and greater sage-grouse. However, erosion has disconnected these wet meadows from the floodplain, resulting in decreased water retention and loss of wetland vegetation. They are at further risk of deterioration in coming years from drought and intense rainstorms. By using innovative restoration techniques called Zeedyk structures, you will help raise the water table, improve hydrological functions, and re-establish wet meadows and riparian areas in California Park! Camping is encouraged if you plan to attend multiple days.
