9496

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

INTRODUCTION

The inspiration for publishing A Driving Guide to Riparian and Wetland
Restoration in Colorado originated with the Information and Education
Committee of the Colorado Riparian Association (CRA). The Guide was
developed to document some of the successful restoration efforts that have
occurred on riparian and wetland habitats within Colorado's watersheds, and to
provide a reference for land managers to examine restoration successes in their
areas firsthand. We hope that you will have an opportunity to visit several of
these sites in your travels.

This Guide is not intended to present a scientific treatise on the science of
restoration and therefore does not include examples of unsuccessful restoration
efforts. While we encourage and applaud restoration efforts, the Colorado
Riparian Association strongly recommends contacting the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers to discuss any proposed improvements or impacts to wetlands before
initiating restoration activities. The Army Corps must approve impacts to stream
channels, riparian corridors, or wetlands and these activities will likely require a
permit. To assure a beneficial outcome to enhancement, restoration or creation
activities, the project should be assessed and well planned. Professionals from
Federal and State agencies and private consulting finns are available statewide
to assist in the design and implementation of restoration plans.

The restoration of degraded riparian corridors and wetlands in Colorado is a
pursuit that the CRA supports and encourages. Many attempts at restoration have
been made throughout the past - some successful and some unsuccessful. By
pooling and sharing our knowledge regarding both our successes and failures we
can further the science of restoration of these sensitive habitats. The complexity
of riparian management will continue to increase as biological diversity, habitat
for wildlife and threatened and endangered species, livestock grazing, and the
human demand for quality recreational opportunities continue to vie for this
limited resource. We sincerely hope that this Guide will serve as an inspiration to
those entrusted with riparian area management responsibilities to seek out ways
to restore these valuable habitats to their fullest potential.

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