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revegetation aspect of bank stabilization with willow bundles next fall. This should not <br />affect bank stability, as rock structures were used to stabilize at-risk bends. <br />Next fall when water levels drop again and native <br />vegetation goes dormant, willow bundles will be <br />placed between boulders on banks. They will then be <br />hackfilled with river gravel This type of treatment <br />holds the outside banks of the channel in place and <br />prevents natural movement of the river in the short <br />term. It also cost-effectively decreases sedimentation <br />from bank erosion, protects private property, <br />economic investments, and serves the community by <br />providing additional habitat, an aesthetically pleasing <br />natural streambank, and improved recreational <br />potential. <br />Colorado ~'~'atershed Protectir-n hand Priorities: <br />"I'he Monitor Ditch Diversion is already conserving water by restricting the flow to the <br />actual decreed appropriation at the diversion point. The diversion also allows any other <br />flows to remain in the natural channel for other uses, including habitat and water yuality <br />cnhanccrncnt. The permanent low-head rock weir diversion structure creates sufficient <br />backwater to divert a full cntitlcment, and at the same time provides flow for fish to <br />migrate upstream and safe passage of recreational boats downstream. <br />1'he project is a cooperative community endeavor that meets the needs of all users. <br />Rebuilding this irrigation diversion provides reliable and efficient irrigation water. <br />Sustainable agriculture and the rural yuality of life are top priorities in the community <br />and agriculture is dependant on irrigation. No longer will the unstable nature of the river <br />cause damage to irrigation facilities that farmers cannot afford to repair properly. "fhe <br />ditch company will no longer need to hire a bulldozer to construct a temporary gravel <br />dam in the river to divert the water. The rhanncl will he allu~~•a1 to stabilize and <br />vc~;ctation to rc-establish with the eliminati~~n cif the hulld~~ier. <br />11ON1'1'OI21N(; <br />The success ul~the project will be measured against established cross-sections, the <br />delivery of a full cntitlcment of water during low flows, and by the satisfaction of <br />Monitor Ditch Company. Morphological cross sections were established in October 2002 <br />to monitor channel movement. <br />'fhe Monitor Ditch Company is initially happy and satisfied with the diversion. NFRfA <br />will continue to work with the company to assess effectiveness of the diversion, as well <br />as obtain recommendations for improvements. Maintenance to the diversion structures is <br />anticipated to be minimal. <br />Grueling the hearlx~ull. tVlenrbc~rs of <br />the conslrtrcrion c•rrw urea srn~rding <br />nrr Ihr rlirrr.~inrr rti•c.~ir. <br />