Mountain Mayhem: A Night for the Rivers

Since 1996, Roaring Fork Conservancy has inspired people to explore, value, and protect the Roaring Fork Watershed, serving as a resource to protect the rivers, keep water in local streams, monitor water quality, and preserve riparian habitat.

In July, they presented A Night for the Rivers, an open-air benefit evening set along the Roaring Fork at the Star River Ranch in Basalt thanks to the generosity of hosts Lisa and Dave Alpern. While the organization’s mission is to “inspire people to explore, value, and protect the Roaring Fork Watershed,” its passion is to bring people together to protect the rivers and the benefit evening succeeded in doing just that.

Elizabeth K. Slossberg and her team at EKS Events rolled out the “blue” carpet for a crowd of more than 200 supporters. The always energetic Derek Brown Band set the tone for a spirited evening as guests bid on a diverse array of items in the silent auction — from dinner at Cache Cache to a stay at Relais & Châteaux property Estancia La Bamba de Areco in Argentina and more. Fly-fishing guides Taylor Thackston, Scott Spooner, and Hutch Hutchinson presided over a fly-casting contest, which was sponsored by Stacey K. Kelly with Christie’s International Real Estate. Woody Creek Distillers, Agave Spirits, Gardenista, and 32 Winds | Mascarin Family Wines provided drinks and hors d’oeuvres, while Free Range Kitchen catered the seated dinner. A live auction featured getaways to Healdsburg and a paddle raise led by the inimitable emcee J.J. Raterink. Ramsey Kropf was recognized as this year’s Robert Billingsley River Conservator, the organization’s highest honor. Ramsey served as president of the board of directors from 2011 to 2014, and the following year, she was appointed as the deputy solicitor in the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Department of the Interior by then-President Obama.

As one of the largest watershed organizations in Colorado, Roaring Fork Conservancy serves residents and visitors throughout the Roaring Fork Valley through school and community-based Watershed Education programs and Watershed Science and Policy Projects, including regional watershed planning, water resource policy initiatives, stream management, and restoration. Learn more at roaringfork.org.