Rio Grande - 2008 Riparian Stabilization Project - Application

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The Rio Grande watershed in Colorado covers 8,200 square miles. The river flows some 200 miles through Colorado, originating near the Continental Divide. Numerous tributaries converge on the east slope of the Continental Divide from elevations near 13,000 feet to form the Rio Grande mainstem. The river flows to the east through the Rio Grande National Forest and then through private property for approximately 55 miles, where it passes near the town of Creede, located at approximately 8,850 feet. Willow Creek originates near the Continental Divide on the north side of the basin. Willow Creek flows through Creede and then enters the Rio Grande at an elevation of 8,600 feet. The Rio Grande continues its relatively steep descent for another 22 miles to the confluence with the South Fork of the Rio Grande at approximately 8,200 feet elevation, where the town of South Fork is located. The Rio Grande enters the San Luis Valley, the largest intermountain basin in Colorado, at the town of South Fork. The river then flows southeasterly for approximately 65 miles through Del Norte and Monte Vista to Alamosa, the largest city in the watershed, at an elevation of approximately 7,550 feet. The river turns to the south and flows for another 40 miles to the New Mexico border. The elevation at the New Mexico border is approximately 7,400 feet. The Project has been designed to provide increased riparian stability and stream bank stabilization at typical Rio Grande flows through the specific reaches being addressed . The Project will not be involved in any administrative or physical actions relating to water rights on the Rio Grande. • The Project is designed to facilitate Colorado meeting its Rio Grande Compact obligations. The above statements are true to the best of my knowledge: Signature of Applicant: Print Applicants Name: Michael H. Gibson Secretary l Treasurer Project Title: 2008 Rio Grande Riparian Stabilization