The Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District owns and operates both Yamcolo and Stagecoach Reservoirs. The reservoirs, designed to provide reliable sources of water for the growing population and economy of Northwest Colorado, capture snowmelt that serves as a year-round water supply for agricultural, industrial, municipal, and other beneficial uses, including hydropower generation at John R. Fetcher Hydroelectric Power Plant, an 800kW hydroelectric power plant at Stagecoach Dam.

In addition to safely maintaining and operating District-owned facilities, the District promotes healthy reservoirs, streams, and watersheds within the District. In 2012, the District partnered with the Colorado Water Trust to coordinate the first environmental water release out of Stagecoach Reservoir.

As part of its maintenance and operation, the District also closely adjusts and monitors the temperature and oxygen content of its releases to ensure a healthy habitat for trout and other aquatic life downstream, a contribution to both the environment and recreational opportunities on the Yampa River.

In collaboration with various agencies, the District supports water quality efforts and participates in working groups to address issues that may affect water quantity in the future. The District monitors issues throughout the Colorado River Basin in an effort to protect the water resources of the Upper Yampa Basin and plan for potential water shortages.

The District is committed to an Upper Yampa River Basin with safe, secure water storage and supply that benefits all uses in the Basin.