Blue River Restoration Project William D. Linfield, P.E.

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1 Blue River Restoration Project William D. Linfield, P.E. 1

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6 Blue River Restoration Project BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN COMMUNITIES IN COOPERATION WITH THE NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION Building Bridges Project Umbrella Memorandum of Understanding Eight site-specific projects including the Blue River Restoration Project Eleven objectives includes access to river, boat put-ins, bike paths, water quality-quantity, noxious weeds, view preservation, riparian improvements. 6

7 Blue River Restoration Project BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN COMMUNITIES IN COOPERATION WITH THE NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION Multi-jurisdictional effort 1. Town of Silverthorne 2. White River National Forest Forest Service 3. Northwest Colorado Council of Governments 4. Summit County 5. Colorado Division of Wildlife 6. Trout Unlimited Gore Range Chapter 7. Denver Water Board Blue River Restoration Project BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN COMMUNITIES IN COOPERATION WITH THE NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION Public and Private Cooperation 4. NWCCOG a) Application to National Forest Foundation for grant b) Foundation has not for profit status c) Staff coordination with Building Bridges project d) Forest Service connections 5. Division of Wildlife a) Scientific expertise shocking counts, whirling disease b) Stocking of fish Blue River Restoration Project BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN COMMUNITIES IN COOPERATION WITH THE NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION Public and Private Cooperation 1. Fundraising by non-governmental partners 2. Trout Unlimited a) Organized fly shops countywide b) Volunteers used to recruit silent auction donations c) Tapped national organizations for donations d) Reviewed design plan and request for proposals 3. Town of Silverthorne a) Managed design/build and bidding process b) Provided Pavilion for Blue River Festival c) Coordinated process d) Press contacts and advertising expertise 7

8 Blue River Restoration Project BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN COMMUNITIES IN COOPERATION WITH THE NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION Purpose of BRRP 1. Manage recreational access to the Blue River; and 2. Maintain the Gold Medal Trout Fishing status. Blue River Restoration Project BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN COMMUNITIES IN COOPERATION WITH THE NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION What is it? 1. Reconstruction of.6 miles of riverbed in Gold Medal Trout stream Blue River 2. Includes bank stabilization, erosion control, re-vegetation and creating a river channel that accommodates lower flows. 3. Construction of a series of 8 riffle, run, pool sections to create a healthy river. 4. Result is a more productive environment and improved trout habitat. Blue River Restoration Project BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN COMMUNITIES IN COOPERATION WITH THE NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION Why 1. The Blue River is a high-quality, destination section of Gold Medal Trout stream that is highly visible and accessible from I The river is wide and shallow, reflective of higher water flows in the past. 3. Existing and future water flow predictions are for much lower amounts of water, primarily due to Front Range demand. 4. The BRRP will allow the quality fishing experience to continue under low flow conditions. 8

9 Channel Restoration Pre Project Post Restoration Prior to the project, the channel was wide and relatively straig ht resulting in limited flow depth. A meandering shape was created during the restoration, increasing flow depths and habitat diversity in a natural manner. Pre and Post Project Prior to the project the channel was up to 135 feet wide in areas. During extended periods of low releases from the dam, the depth of water in these areas resulted in limited habitat. By reducing the width of the channel, flow depths and velocities were increased to the level preferred by trout and deep over-wintering pools were established. Taken from bridge before project February

10 Taken from Bridge post project Riffle/pool/glide sequences created Straight Creek sediment June 2003 just prior to construction Reforming channel below St. Creek Creating end of riffle section 10

11 Near completion from St. Creek Narrower, deeper channel Riffles/pools/glides Technology and Environment Technology and Environment 11

12 Overview in Progress Blue River Restoration Project BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN COMMUNITIES IN COOPERATION WITH THE NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION Economic Impact World Class Skiing in the Winter Fishing, hiking, wildlife and outdoor activities in summer, spring and fall 915,000 anglers in Colorado (US Fish and Wildlife) CO anglers spend $645 million Food and lodging accounts for 1/3 People fish destination rivers and high quality areas Blue River Restoration Project BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN COMMUNITIES IN COOPERATION WITH THE NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION Economic Impact Only 12 Gold Medal Waters in state Proximity to Denver, DIA and Front Range Maintaining Gold Medal Status will keep the Blue River as a destination river 12

13 Conclusions The BRRP was a success: The project partners were committed and shared a common vision. The National Forest Foundation s matching grant gave the project credibility and stimulated financial support. The local community was involved and supportive. The project improved a shared community asset. The working committee met regularly, communicated well, and remained engaged and productive until the end. Other components of the BRRP are being discussed. 13

14 Project sign, under I 70 14

15 Under I70, at 1000 cfs 15

16 View from the dam During construction During construction, at 100 cfs 16

17 After construction, at high flows 17

18 Thanks for coming! 18