FLOOD10357

• Document ID: 123
• County: Rio Grande
• Stream Name: Alamosa River
• Basin: Rio Grande
• Sub-Basin: Alamosa - Trinchera
• Water Division: 3
• Title: Alamosa River Watershed Project Literature and Watershed Assesment, Final EPA Report
• Date: 9/30/2003
• Prepared For: Valle del Sol Community Center
• Prepared By: US Environmental Protection Agency
• Watershed Pro - Doc Type: Project Report

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making process. The Foundation needs to maintain a close working relationship with
the Trustees to ensure their voice is heard on watershed projects that affect their river.
The Foundation needs to negotiate with the NRD Trustees in order to have an active
presence and decision making input in the NRD process. It is especially important for
the Foundation to have the ability to provide the Trustees input to consultant selection,
proposal review, and evaluation, project management activities and project
effectiveness.

In order to have the NRD process benefit the Alamosa River Watershed, it is important
that all of the public's concerns and interests be voiced by one organization such as the
Foundation. The Foundation needs to establish and maintain a common watershed
vision that is consistent with the needs and values of the local community. Projects for
watershed restoration should be developed according to a stream restoration plan that is
endorsed by the Foundation. Proposed projects that are submitted by entities outside
the Foundation may not be consistent with the objectives of the watershed restoration
plan and may not be effective in achieving the long term desired results.

The Rio Grande Basin and Alamosa River Watershed

The Alamosa River Watershed is a unique watershed providing special watershed
challenges concerning mining impacts, naturally high metal concentrations in the river,
and high sediment loading and depositional problems. On the other hand, the
watershed has great potential and a wonderful uniqueness. It provides water and
livelihood for many agricultural families. The watershed contains diverse ecosystems
that range from desert scrub land to high alpine tundra. It contains a wide range of
biological diversity and contains habitat for several Threatened and Endangered
Species, including Lynx. The watershed has the ability to improve and to be a special
recreational resource to the local community.

The Alamosa River Foundation needs to establish and document their watershed vision
and goals before the development of the watershed restoration plan. It is assumed that
many of the goals for the Foundation are the same as those created for the Alamosa
River Watershed Restoration Plan; however, these goals may not reflect the current
community vision or are not comprehensive or broad enough to address other local
needs. It is not clear if an entire watershed vision exists. For example, it is unknown if
the Foundation wishes to:

· Have year round flow that would increase aquatic life and recreational use
· Improve recreational and aesthetic value throughout the watershed especially in
foothills and the upper portions of the watershed
· Improve wetland and riparian wildlife habitat through the watershed
· Eventually promote tourists to camp and recreate in the watershed
· Ensure that water quality standards will be met throughout the watershed
· Have a continuous public involvement process
· Develop a technical advisory group that will help guide the watershed restoration
plan development

Once a clear and documented vision is established, the Foundation should obtain the
services of a Watershed Coordinator.

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