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Town Invests in River Restoration

Posted on: January 12, 2024 - 4:20pm

At their meeting on Thursday, December 21, the Pagosa Springs Town Council approved a contract with FlyWater to improve approximately 2.1 miles of the San Juan River immediately upstream of the Town of Pagosa Springs to preserve aquatic habitat and recreation opportunities in the face of declining flows and warming temperatures.

The Pagosa Gateway project, which aims to enhance the river ecosystem and improve water quality, is moving forward under the supervision of the Watershed Enhancement Partnership (WEP). WEP is a nonprofit corporation based in Pagosa Springs, whose mission is to foster cooperative solutions to further the responsible use, management, and sustainability of streams within the Upper San Juan River Basin for the benefit of the community and the health of the environment.

A recent environmental and recreational water supply needs assessment commissioned by WEP identified potentially significant changes in hydrology and limiting conditions for aquatic life in this section of the San Juan River due to prolonged drought and climate change. Assessment results suggest late summer and fall flows may restrict the availability and quality of aquatic habitat for fish and other aquatic species as well as the number of days in a year when recreational craft can successfully navigate this segment of the San Juan mainstem.

WEP formed a project committee consisting of WEP board members, WEP advisory committee members, and Town staff. FlyWater was selected through a competitive bid process to oversee the project and were selected for their technical proficiency and experience as well as their track record of working collaboratively and effectively with local communities.

Project Design and Objectives

The conceptual design for the project has been finalized, outlining a set of interventions. These include the establishment of low-flow channels, the promotion of bank stabilization, the enhancement of riparian vegetation, facilitation of fish passage, and the removal of hazardous streambank materials. This approach envisions a future in which the adverse effects of altering stream flows on the environment and recreational activities can be mitigated by actively pursuing the following objectives:

  • Encouraging the formation and persistence of low-flow channels;
  • Facilitating expansion and resilience of stream-side riparian vegetation communities; and
  • Removing trash, construction debris, and other hazards from the river and stream bank.

Project Funding

The Town of Pagosa Springs was awarded a grant from the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) for $775,000, with matching funds from several local, state, and federal sources of $441,660 secured by WEP. Additionally, the Town has allocated $54,000 in the 2024 budget to contribute to the project.

Project Timeline

Project design is expected to be about 60% complete by summer 2024 to allow for additional field work and environmental and cultural impacts to occur. Residents can expect to see construction begin in fall 2024, with the goal to be finished with the project in fall 2025.