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Objective 3: Conduct Monitoring Plan <br />Task 8: Form Monitoring Team and Design Monitoring Plan <br />A water quality Monitoring Team developed a Sample and Analysis Plan during the <br />project's planning phase. The Monitoring Team accomplished the following: <br />o Identified field-sampling indicators to monitor the reduction of sediment loading <br />into the water bodies (TSS, turbidity, rainfall, and stream bottom composition); <br />o Located on the map two main sampling sites (above and below the project area); <br />o Purchased in creek turbidimeters from Hach Environmental; <br />o Site visit to each sampling site to place PVC piping to house the turbidimeters <br />temporarily in the creek; and <br />o Conducted afield-test of the sampling sites and equipment. <br />Task 9: Implement Monitoring Plan <br />Water quality monitoring was completed during summer 2007 by the University of <br />Colorado using two in-stream turbidimeters at 2 stations on Left hand Creek: one <br />upstream and one downstream of the project site. The meters measured turbidity at 5- <br />minute intervals. This data will be used as a baseline to measure the improvements of <br />water quality from restoration activities. Rainfall is continuously monitored at 2 stations: <br />one located upstream of site and one located in the project area. <br />Task 10: Evaluate Project Goals, Objectives, and Tasks <br />Project evaluation has been ongoing and management decisions along the way have <br />been adaptive to the situations that arise. In evaluating the project to this date, the <br />overall restoration strategies and techniques have been completed according to best <br />management practices. The overall project goals, objectives, and tasks have been met. <br />Vegetation is starting to grow in and runoff has been redirected onto vegetated areas. <br />Fencing is working to keep vehicles on the roadway and off the restored areas. Phase 1 <br />of this project continues until September 30, 2008. During the summer of 2008 and fall <br />more restoration work will be implemented which will result in greater sediment <br />reduction. We will continue to monitor for project effectiveness and submit a final report <br />for this project to the CDPHE WOCD upon completion. <br />IV. FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS <br />This project is a model of how a diverse group of partners can work together to restore areas <br />damaged by Off-Highway Vehicle recreation in order to improve the water quality of their local <br />area. The partners included: U.S. Forest Service, James Creek Watershed Initiative, Boulder <br />County Public Health, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Wildlands <br />Restoration Volunteers, AmeriCorp Volunteers, University of Colorado, Left Hand Water District, <br />Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group, City of Boulder, and Trailridge Runners 4x4 Club, Big <br />Thompson 4x4 Club, and Rising Sun 4x4 OHV organizations. <br />In the future we'd like to continue this effort by seeking funding for Phase 2 of this project in <br />order to continue reducing the sediment loading into Lefthand Creek. <br />