The Del Norte Riverfront Project
Rio Grande Riparian Stabilization: Phase 5
Rio Grande Riparian Stabilization: Phase 5
The purpose of the Del Norte Riverfront Project is to improve access and opportunities for recreation and the ecological condition of the riparian and wetland areas for fish, wildlife habitat, and water quality on the Rio Grande. Supported by local businesses, the Del Norte Riverfront Project seeks community input to address community needs and improve the local ecology and greater watershed.
Rio Grande Riparian Stabilization: Phase 5
Rio Grande Riparian Stabilization: Phase 5
Rio Grande Riparian Stabilization: Phase 5
This project is phase 5 of the Streambank Stabilization and Riparian Restoration Program. It will address issues including heavy erosion, degraded riparian vegetation, sedimentation, and a shallow channel shape along sections of the Rio Grande in Alamosa County. These problems will be mitigated through bank stabilization, channel shaping, and revegetation.
RGNF Wet Meadows Restoration Project
Rio Grande Riparian Stabilization: Phase 5
RGNF Wet Meadows Restoration Project
The Rio Grande National Forest (RGNF) Wet Meadows Restoration Project is focused on improving the ecological health and function of high elevation meadows across the RGNF. This project is partnership between the RGNF, RGHRP, and local stakeholders combining low tech restoration and the restoration potential of beavers to address impacts to aquatic species and riparian areas across the headwaters.
Conejos Partnership Project
Conejos Partnership Project
RGNF Wet Meadows Restoration Project
Born out of the Conejos River Stream Management Plan (SMP), the Conejos River Partnership Project has brought together the Conejos Water Conservancy District, Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Colorado Division of Water Resources, ditch companies, and private landowners to address challenges facing the Conejos River between Mogote and its confluence with the Rio Grande. This multi-phased project will meet agricultural, environmental, and water administration needs on Conejos through the rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure, enhancement of aquatic habitat, and restoration of riparian and wetland habitats. When complete, the project will help ensure the Conejos River continues to support diverse human, agricultural, and ecological communities.
Stream Management Plans
Conejos Partnership Project
Stream Management Plans
The Rio Grande, Conejos River, and Saguache Creek Stream Management Plans will result in the development of stream management plans (SMPs) for the Rio Grande from Stony Pass to the State Line, Conejos River from Platoro Reservoir to the confluence with the Rio Grande, and Saguache Creek from the USFS Boundary to the Town of Saguache. The creation of the SMPs will include robust community and partner engagement from federal, state, and local entities. The plans will be used to inform multi-objective projects to restore and protect the natural and cultural resources within the Rio Grande watershed.
Park Creek Project
Conejos Partnership Project
Stream Management Plans
Located in the Divide District of the Rio Grande National Forest, the Park Creek Watershed was identified by the Upper Rio Grande Watershed Assessment as a priority location for restoration. We partnered with the Forest Service to find solutions to the negative effects of heavy recreational and agricultural usage in the area around Park Creek. To accomplish this goal, natural barriers such as boulders and split rail fences will limit motor vehicle access to damaged areas. A designated OHV-unloading zone and hardening of other high use areas will also prevent further habitat degradation. The end result will be improved water quality and riparian habitat, reduced erosion, and stabilized streambanks and roads.