Rio Grande - 2008 Riparian Stabilization Project BRT Ltr

Home Browse Search

The Colorado Rio Grande Restoration Foundation, through the Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project, will complete riparian stabilization on property owned by five (5) different owners in Alamosa County. This activity will be a continuation of Rio Grande riparian restoration that has been ongoing for a number of years. In 2001 a study was done, sponsored by the San Luis Valley Water Conservancy District and funded through a $200,000.00 CWCB grant. This study covered 91 miles of the Rio Grande from Del Norte to the Alamosa / Conjeos County line. This is the reach of the river in Colorado most impacted by human intervention, including the operation of some 49 diversion structures, and the development of many riverside properties. The 2001 Study assessed conditions in terms of the following criteria: • Provide access to the river for agricultural water diversions. • Maintain and restore riparian habitat wherever possible. • Protect lives and property. • Ensure deliveries of Rio Grande Compact obligations. • Protect channel and flood plain from flood damage. • Maintain channel and over bank capacity. The RGHRP has undertaken a number of activities. In 2004, the RGHRP received an EPA 319 Non - Point Source grant to work with NRCS to perform riparian restoration on properties of 17 landowners in Rio Grande County, Colorado. In 2007 the Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Strategic Plan, was completed. This Strategic Plan was partially funded through the Colorado Watershed Protection Fund and severance taxes, administered by CWCB, and an EPA 319 Watershed Planning grant. During this time the RGHRP has also engaged in education and outreach to landowners, county officials and the general public. The 2008 Riparian Stabilization Project will contribute significantly to achieving water sustainability in the Rio Grande Basin. The deliverables from the 2008 Riparian Stabilization Project's stream bank / riparian restoration work on the designated five riverside properties will include: • Improved water quality in the form of reduced sediment loading of the river, • Improved wildlife habitat and fisheries • Increased sediment carrying capacity of the river • Improved condition of historic water flows to support agriculture • Increased efficiency in meeting the Colorado Division Engineer's Rio Grande Compact obligations • Improved performance of the river in restoring the Basin's aquifers The success of this on-the-ground project will be measured at each landowners' site for a number of years through a specific CDHP/ EPA approved monitoring program. This monitoring will include, but not be limited to, assessing the rate of stream bank erosion and the condition of the riparian areas. In addition, the 2008 Riparian Stabilization Project will sustain important non-consumptive uses of water as addressed in the "Water Supply and Needs Report for the Rio Grande Page 2 of 3