The State of Colorado's Watersheds Report 2005

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local watershed reports_ Eagle River QcC Watershed Council Background The Eagle River Watershed Council advocates on behalf of the health and conservation of the Upper Colorado and Eagle River basins through research, education and projects. We provide a forum for everyone to gain a greater understanding of the Eagle River environment. As a thriving headwaters community of just under 1,000 square miles, our basin is home to 50,000 people who primarily live within a couple of miles of the main stem and major tributaries of the Eagle River. The resorts of Vail and Beaver Creek seasonally double the population who values the alpine ambiance of our healthy mountain landscape. The Eagle River watershed also provides clean drinking water to Colorado Springs, Aurora and Pueblo through trans -basin ditches and diversions including the Homestake Reservoir. The Eagle River Watershed Council has two full -time and one part -time staff led by a board of directors and supported by working committees of dedicated volunteers. There are approximately 1,000 volunteers who serve our community through environmental projects of the Eagle River Watershed Council. Our popular monthly "Waterwise Wednesday" educational programs average 55 participants and are rebroadcast regularly on public television throughout the year. Eagle River Inventory & Assessment Under the leadership and direction of Dr. Brian Bledsoe at Colorado State University, the Eagle River Watershed Council undertook a comprehensive research study. Funded by Great Outdoors Colorado, Colorado "Tax checkoff' fund administered by the Colorado Water Conservation Board, the Colorado Watershed Assembly, and Eagle County, the project came to fruition in 2005. Project recommendations currently underway include developing flow management tools, recreational access improvements, tamarisk eradication and restoration of the riparian corridor and wetlands in the East Fork of the Eagle River at Camp Hale. This research is proving to be an essential document for efficient use of limited financial resources to protect and restore the natural resources of the Eagle River watershed. Traction Sand: The Quiet Crisis The Black Gore Creek Steering Committee has leveraged local dollars with grants and CDOT funds to keep Vail Pass traction sand out of the adjacent stream. Important progress has been made this year to develop a collaborative TMDL for sediment on this 303d listed segment, upstream of a Gold Medal Trout stream in Vail. Expanded monitoring of macro - invertebrates along with pebble counts, water quality and sediment collection efforts form the scientific basis for deciding which projects to pursue. Funding sources for the efforts include CDOT, Town of Vail, Eagle River Water & Sanitation District, Eagle County and 319 Program grants. Approximately $400,000 will be spent for the construction of the first underground sediment control project in fall 2005. Relaxed Water Quality Standards Opposed For the past year the Eagle River Watershed Council has worked to oppose the proposed settlement with CDPHE, EPA and VIACOM which would permanently relax water quality standards in the Eagle River. The water remains substandard by numeric criteria set by the EPA for zinc concentrations. Studies show a relatively healthy population of brown trout in the river following the Superfund clean up. Although wildly successful by national standards, this Superfund site continues to have zinc levels too high for the native sculpin population to exist. The legacy of mining and development in the headwaters serves as a reminder that it is far easier to protect natural resources than restore them. Kayaker on the Eagle River Photo courtesy of Eagle Creek Watershed Council