9496

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9496
• Author: Colorado Riparian Association
• Title: Editor
• USFW Year: Series
• USFW - Doc Type: no date
• Copyright Material: NO

Location:

Landowners:

The site is located on the eastern edge of the Roaring Fork
River approximately two miles north of the Town of
Carbondale in Sections 18 and 19, Township 7 South,
Range 88 West in Garfield County, Colorado. No public
access is available, although the project is visible to boaters
on the Roaring Fork River below the contluence with the
Crystal River.

Aspen Glen Golf Course
9929 State Highway 82
Carbondale, CO 81623
[phone]
Contact: David Steinmann,
Professional Wetlands Consultants [phone]

Description: The Roaring Fork River riparian restoration work at Aspen
Glen included creation of a trout spawning channel through an 8-acre wet mead-
ow wetland that was (hying out, restoration of hydrology to the 8-acre wetlands,
propagating native plant species and riverbank stabilization. Professional
Wetlands Consulting, Inc. and the Colorado Division of Wildlife were involved
with the project design and completed onsite construction supervision.

Directions: Drive approximately 9 miles south on Highway 82 from
Glenwood Springs at 1-70. Aspen Glen will be on the right side of the Highway
(at 9929 State Highway 82).

Goals: Project objectives were to I) restore wetlands hydrology to an
8-acre wet meadow wetland along the Roaring Fork River that was drying out, 2)
create a 1400' long trout spawning channel to improve fish spawning and nursery
habitat along the Roaring Fork River, 3) complete river bank stabilization along a
400' eroded section of the Roaring Fork River, and 4) plant native riparian vege-
tation to control erosion, enhance wildlife habitat and improve riparian ecosystem
function.

Methods: A trout spawning channel approximately 1400' long by 6 to 8
feet wide and 2 to 3 feet deep was excavated in a meandering pattern through a
drying wet meadow wetland adjacent to the Roaring Fork River. Fabric was used
to stabilize the spawning channel and to prevent erosion of channel banks.
Native trees and shrubs were planted along the edges of the channel, and the
banks were seeded with native wetlands seed. Several 100' long gravel trout
spawning beds were created within the channel by placing a 12" deep layer of
):;"-1 11" diameter rounded and sediment free river gravel.

34 Driving Guide . Colorado Watershed