Justice for the Animas River

We are a Fort Lewis College Water Justice class. As a class, we are proposing a resolution to City Council regarding granting rights to the Animas River. We have surveyed the community on their feelings about our local river, gathered case studies on other cities’ resolutions on similar efforts and drafted a resolution, which will be proposed at the City Council meeting Nov. 18. Our resolution supports protection of the Animas River, its tributaries and its watershed by recognizing its “rights of nature” and the city’s responsibilities to care for and protect them.

The Animas River binds together the community by offering a place for recreation, spirituality and riparian ecosystems. On behalf of the class, we write this letter to spread awareness of our movement. We hope our efforts can lead our community to take personal steps to be stewards of our Earth. Thank you for your time and consideration.

– Fort Lewis College Water Justice Class Fall 2025