In 1988, the Western Colorado Interpretive Association (WCIA) was organized to chronicle stories of the resources on public lands in Western Colorado. Agreements with the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) authorized the organization to operate sales outlets at Forest Service and BLM locations; host interpretive programs; and assist the agencies in informing the public about their public lands.

In 1992 WCIA took on new roles to collaborate in the identification, administration, funding, restoration and interpretation of projects of significance in Western Colorado. Partners included governmental agencies and a broad range of community organizations and individuals.

Securing and administering grants is a valuable service IAWC provides, working with the State Historic Society, Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), regional and national foundations, local governments and federal agencies.

At the heart of many projects is the preservation of Western Colorado’s cultural heritage and landscapes. Developing interpretive materials such as signage, videos and books enhances people’s experience and understanding. Economic benefits result from increased tourism, jobs and civic enrichment.

Because people and places matter, IAWC looks forward to many more years of preserving and celebrating the rich stories, legacies, and landscapes of Western Colorado. Please sign up for our e-newsletter to stay abreast of upcoming events and projects.

IAWC Functions

• 501 (c) 3 Non-Profit organization                                                                                                                                                                      
• Operates Sales Outlet
• Administers Grant Funds
• Provides Project Funding and Support for Partners

IAWC Partners

• US Forest Service, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, Gunnison National Forest
• Bureau of Land Management – Gunnison, Grand Junction and Montrose Field office
• Scenic Byway – Silver Thread, Grand Mesa, Unaweep Tabaguache, West Elk and Alpine Loop
• Colorado Parks & Wildlife
• Community organizations

IAWC Grants Administered

• Unaweep Tabaguache Hanging Flume
• Unaweep Tabaguache Marketing Plan
• Unaweep Tabaguache Corridor Management Plan
• BLM Hanging Flume
• BLM Friends of McInnis Canyon
• Byways Grassroots Training Kits, Games
• BLM Gateway Recreation Survey
• BLM Radioactive Mining History
• West Elk – Interpretive Panels
• West Elk – Brochure reprint
• Scenic and Historic Byway grants: The Silver Thread, Grand Mesa National Scenic and Historic Byway, Unaweep/Tabeguache Byway, Alpine Loop, West Elk Loop
• History Colorado, ARRA, US Forest Service Alpine Tunnel Historic District Interpretive and Way-finding Sign project
• History Colorado, ARRA ,US Forest Service Alpine Tunnel Historic District stabilization and preservation of  the historic Tunnel Gulch water tank
• History Colorado, ARRA, US Forest Service Alpine Tunnel Historic District brochure
• CDOT Silver Thread Scenic and Historic Byway extension interpretive sign project
• San Miguel/ Delores River Hanging Flume reconstruction project 2012
• CDOT Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic and Historic Byway 2013 Corridor Management Plan
• History Colorado Driggs Mansion stabilization and Interpretive Sign project
• History Colorado Enos T. Hotchkiss Barn restoration plan
• BLM Gunnsion survey Old Spanish Trail
• USFS Uncompahgre  Plateau  Historic Homestead Preservation Project

IAWC Sponsored Grants

• GMVC Staffing Grant
• USFS Kannah Creek Brochure
• GMVC Interpretive Programs
• USFS More Kids in the Woods
• BLM Gunnison Basin Birding
• BLM Montrose New recreation signs San Miguel River Recreation Corridor

IAWC – Board Restricted Funds

• Alpine Explorer
• Grand Mesa Interpretive Walks & Talks
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              IAWC – Publications                                          
  
• West Elk Scenic Byway Book
• Educators History Workbook
  
• Hanging Flume Self-guided Brochure
• Alpine Explorer
• Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway Brochure

IAWC Media Production

• Lands End Excavation Video
• Hanging Flume DVD
• IAWC “Who We Are”  video
• Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic and Historic Byway video
• Driggs Mansion – stabilization video
• “Flume Fever” video reconstruction of 48′ of the historic Hanging Flume

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IAWC Board of Directors                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Director:: Danny Barela
Director: Debbie Barnhart
Director: Wilma Erven
Director: Don French
Director:  Ron Hays

BLM agency liaison, Jim Lovelace, Gunnison
BLM agency liaison, Dan Ben-Horin, Grand Junction
BLM agency liaison, Edd Franz, Montrose
USDA-FS agency liaison:

Executive Director
Chris Miller
PO Box 745
Delta, CO 81416
970 640-7076