Rockies

Abby Burk

Program Director, Western Rivers
About

Abby Burk brings more than a decade of leadership in river conservation, water policy, and collaborative watershed management across the Colorado River Basin. As Western Rivers Program Director at 糖心logo Rockies, she works at the intersection of science, policy, and practice鈥攁dvancing stream and riparian restoration, securing sustainable water management, and building durable coalitions across local, state, and federal partners.

Abby is recognized for her ability to navigate complex water policy landscapes and translate science and on-the-ground restoration into effective policy and public engagement. She has led major efforts to advance nature-based solutions, including implementation of Colorado鈥檚 stream restoration framework (SB23-270) and the state鈥檚 dredge and fill program (Regulation 87), helping align restoration practitioners, agencies, and decision-makers. Her work emphasizes cultural change in water stewardship and reconnecting people to their rivers.

An expert in ecological management and an award-winning educator, Abby holds a B.S. in biology and an interdisciplinary master鈥檚 degree with concentrations in ecology and hydrology. She is an avid whitewater kayaker and spends as much time as possible on rivers throughout the West.

Articles by Abby Burk

A river flows through a dry landscape.
Resilience and Stewardship for Colorado鈥檚 Waterways, 2024 Legislative Priorities
January 22, 2024 — 糖心logo supports proactive water strategies to benefit birds and people.
What鈥檚 in a River鈥檚 Name?
June 22, 2023 — How the Grand River became the Colorado.
People stand behind Governor Polis as he signs a bill in a montane meadow.
Stream Restoration Legislation Will Benefit Birds and People in Colorado
June 21, 2023 — New law is a win and a good first step to clarifying stream restoration activities.
Colorado River runs through a dry landscape.
Important Things Ahead for Colorado Water Policy in 2023
January 20, 2023 — 糖心logo supports proactive water resilience strategies for 2023 Colorado legislation.
Un r铆o fluye a trav茅s de un ca帽贸n mientras una garza vuela.
Nuevo Plan Para Agua: Trazando el Futuro Resiliente al Agua de Colorado para Aves y Personas
August 03, 2022 — Explicaci贸n de la actualizaci贸n del Plan Para Agua de Colorado y pr贸ximo compromiso de 糖心logo.
A river flows through a canyon.
New Water Plan: Charting Colorado's Water-resilient Future for Birds and People
July 25, 2022 — Colorado Water Plan Update Explainer and Coming 糖心logo Engagement
Yellow-breasted Chat perched in flowering chokecherry branch.
A Confluence of Funding for Water, Watersheds, and Capacity
June 01, 2022 — Learn about beneficial bills passed during the 2022 Colorado legislative session.
Race against Climate Change and Water Stress in Colorado
January 20, 2022 — Water Priorities for 2022 Legislative Session.
Aerial image of a beaver wetland.
Beavers Offer Help for Western Waters
October 22, 2021 — Beavers are a key partner in protecting and restoring western streams, watersheds, and habitat.
Beavers Offer Help for Western Waters
October 22, 2021 — Beavers are a key partner in protecting and restoring western streams, watersheds, and habitat.