Vallecito Flood Recovery: Help Us Secure $5 Million in Critical Protection

In October, our peaceful valley changed overnight.

A powerful flood tore through Vallecito, turning our river into a force of destruction. Banks were ripped apart, massive trees were dragged into the current, and entire sections of the river became clogged with debris. Water was forced out of its natural path and into our homes, our land, and our lives.

Some families watched as 2–3 feet of water rushed around their homes. Others weren’t as fortunate—homes were lost entirely, bulldozed right before the riverbank collapsed beneath them.

This wasn’t just a flood.

It fundamentally changed the river—and without action, it puts our community at risk of it happening again.

⚠️ Why This Fundraiser Is Urgent

The flood left behind massive amounts of rock, debris, and instability in the river. Even normal spring runoff could now cause flooding if this isn’t fixed.

The good news:

A major recovery effort is already underway to restore the river and protect our community.

Federal and state funding are covering 87.5% of the cost

This unlocks nearly $5 MILLION in critical restoration work

But there’s a catch:

Our community must raise $626,288 by July 27, 2026 to secure this funding.

So far, we’ve raised $67,000.

Without this match, the funding—and the protection it brings—could be lost.

A Community-Led Effort You Can Trust

This project is being led and managed by the

Upper Pine River Fire Protection District,

who have stepped in to sponsor and oversee the entire effort.

Local contractor Justin McCarty has already taken on significant risk by beginning the work before all funds are secured—because protecting this community can’t wait.

Material is already being removed. Progress is happening.

But we must act now to finish the job.

What Your Donation Supports

Your contribution helps:

Restore the river channel so it can safely handle high water

Remove dangerous debris and blockages

Protect homes, roads, and infrastructure

Prevent future flooding during normal runoff

This is not just recovery—it’s protection for the future of Vallecito.

A Call to Our Community (and Everyone Who Loves It)

If you live here, have a home here, or simply love this valley, this is the moment to come together.

Homeowners along the river have been asked to contribute $2,000 each, and the

❤️ Vallecito Strong

In the days after the flood, we saw the very best of this community—neighbors helping neighbors, first responders working around the clock, and an outpouring of generosity and care.

Now we have a chance to turn that spirit into lasting impact.

Let’s protect our homes.

Let’s restore our river.

Let’s show what this community can do—together.

If you weren't here for the flood, you can see some of the footage from the Durango Herald here:

For checks, we kindly ask that they be made out to:

Upper Pine River Fire Protection District

memo line- Vallecito Flood Recovery

515 Sower Dr, Bayfield, CO 81122

C/O Mike Muir

(EIN #84-1104024)