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The urbanization of the riparian corridor has an affect on the natural characteristics of the stream <br /> environment and the stream hydraulics. The resulting modification of the stream hydraulics and <br /> natural hydrology has had an affect on the natural streambed composition. The existing stream <br /> channel must be able to convey large volumes of water efficiently without flooding. This <br /> segment functions as an urban corridor stream, and must be able to handle a higher frequency of <br /> greater magnitude storm events due to the large amount of impervious areas located within the <br /> watershed. To accomplish this task, urban streams generally have a limited number of <br /> obstructions located within the channel that provide cover or holding areas for fish. In general, <br /> to improve the fisheries in these urban corridor streams more holding areas or fish habitat must <br /> be created without adding too much of an obstruction to cause flooding problems. <br /> This reach of the Arkansas River has been significantly improved as part of the Pueblo Arkansas <br /> River Corridor Legacy Project (Project). The original stream channel was modified after the <br /> 1921 flood to minimize the chance of future flood damage. This resulted in a sterile <br /> environment, in areas, providing little potential for fish habitat or recreational opportunities. <br /> The Project's goals were to change this corridor from a rarely used flood channel to a highly <br /> valued recreational amenity to the community. The Project included approximately 7.5 million <br /> dollars for fish habitat improvement work. The City of Pueblo, Pueblo County, U.S. Army <br /> Corps of Engineers, Great Outdoors Colorado and the DOW all provided funding and expertise <br /> for the Project. To provide the needed additional habitat for fish without diminishing the ability <br /> of the channel to convey high flows, numerous channel modifications, including J, V and W- <br /> shaped weirs were added within the upper segment of this reach. Strategically placed boulders <br /> were positioned between the weirs as well as within the kayaking area. The combination of such <br /> structures and boulders has created a series of drop pools and eddies, allowing for fish passage <br /> and holding areas during high flows. These same structures also provide important pool habitat <br /> during periods of low flow. As documented in the attached article "Extreme Makeover " this <br /> project has taken a broad flat river which provided little habitat or cover for fish at the extreme <br /> ends of the flow regime and modified the channel to provide velocity shelters during the high <br /> flows and deeper pools during low flows. <br /> This river segment along with the associated river corridor provides substantial recreational <br /> opportunities including fishing, wildlife watching, boating, walking and biking. A bike path runs <br /> the length of the segment connecting Lake Pueblo State Park, located at the upper end of the <br /> study reach, and DOW's Runyan/Fountain Lakes State Wildlife Area, located near the lower end <br /> of the study reach at the confluence of the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek. This river <br /> corridor is a significant asset to the City of Pueblo and to the local economy of the region. All <br /> recreation activities at Pueblo Reservoir and along the Arkansas River for several miles <br /> downstream of the dam are managed by the Department of Parks and Outdoor Recreation <br /> (DPOR) under an agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation (BoR). The DPOR estimates that <br /> 1.7 million people use the recreation aspects of Lake Pueblo State Park annually. The land <br /> ownership in these reaches is almost entirely public with the exception of a few parcels. All of <br /> the lands, whether owned by the City, Bureau of Reclamation, State Parks, Pueblo Board of <br /> 1 Colorado Outdoors September- October 2005 Issue written by Karl Licis <br /> 3 <br />