The Coalition for the Upper South Platte (CUSP) is dedicated to safeguarding the water quality and ecological health of the Upper South Platte Watershed, one of Colorado’s most vital natural resources. Spanning 1.6 million acres from the Continental Divide to Strontia Springs Reservoir, this diverse landscape provides drinking water to nearly three-quarters of Colorado’s residents, supports thriving wildlife habitats, and offers world-class recreational opportunities, including gold-medal fishing streams. Since 1998, CUSP has united communities, agencies, and stakeholders to balance environmental stewardship with economic sustainability, ensuring that the watershed continues to serve both people and nature for generations to come.

With a hands-on approach and strong community partnerships, CUSP delivers essential services ranging from project planning and implementation to long-term monitoring. Our teams restore habitats, plant thousands of trees, and enhance outdoor recreation while reducing wildfire risk and removing diseased or hazardous trees. By combining scientific expertise with grassroots action, we create meaningful, lasting impact across the watershed. Whether in the field, the forest, or the community, CUSP works tirelessly to protect this extraordinary resource and the communities that depend on it.