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~~;f:L*:: '>)}' -. . : ..,,' . . ;,.',~ .><. . . .Trap'''"ner4.Creek : . ;' ~.: ,~;;'~;-<' -.~ ~[~~;;;:.;:>J~':C::"'~~ ~" '~ =: v_ ~;:-~ f."~~':;re,'"';,,..,;.__,.. Landowner: Bureau of Land Management Glenwood Springs R. A. PO Box I 009 Glenwood Springs, CO 81602 (970) 947-2800 Location: Rio Blanco, Colorado Directions: From Rifle, Colorado proceed north on Highway 13 to Rio Blanco. Turn (ell (west) onto the Piceance Creek Road. Travel for approximately 3 miles, then turn lell (south) onto the Cow Creek Road. Follow Cow Creek Road to the top of the ridge (approximately 7 miles). At the top of the ridge, turn lell (east) and follow the ridge road for 1.5 miles. Turn right (south) onto a nar- row road leading down to the bottom of Trapper Creek. The restoration site is sit- uated both upstream and downstream from the point where the road intersects with the stream. (This last road is not recommended for 2-wheel drive vehicles, or for any vehicle when wet). Description: Trapper Creek became degraded as a result of past overgrazing. In conjunction with overgrazing, heavy beaver use in the drainage created several large, unstable dams. These dams would ultimately fail and release a surge of water that caused excessive channel downcutting. The streambanks were virtually devoid of riparian vegetation and actively eroding. Trapper Creek was historically home to native Colorado River cutthroat trout, and despite its degraded condition, the fish persevered. The downcut channel lowered the water table and the creek became intermittent, with only the most downstream sections flowing year round. Instead of occupying several miles of the creek, the cutthroat trout were confined to isolated pools in the lower mile of the creek. Goals: Restoration goals included stream projects designed to improve aquatic habitat, bank stabilization to minimize erosion, and restoration of woody species along the riparian corridor. Methods: Actions undertaken to achieve these goals included installation of in-stream log drop structures to reduce stream gradient and create additional pools for fish habitat. Livestock grazing was suspended for several years on the south side of the pasture. Grazing management was improved by altering animal distribution to reduce riparian grazing to acceptable levels. Several livestock exclosures were built to accelerate recovery of riparian vegetation. Trout Unlimited assisted the BLM in planting numerous willows and cottonwood poles along the streambanks. In areas containing denuded and undercut banks, many of the cottonwoods and willows were fenced to armor the banks and provide protec- tion to the woody species during the establishment period. 42 Driving Guide' Colorado Watershed - --- ----