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Feasibility Study for the Plaza Project — Phase 2: McDonald Ditch Implementation Project Section 2 - Previous Studies 2.1 The 2001 Study The 2001 Study was prompted by local stakeholders due to a realized deterioration of the historical functions of the Rio Grande. The 2001 Study analyzed the condition of the riparian area and structures along a 91 -mile reach of the Rio Grande from the town of South Fork to the Alamosa — Conejos County line. The 2001 Study was sponsored by the San Luis Valley Water Conservancy District and funded with a $250,000 grant from the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB). The study evaluated the condition of the river's functions as they related to: • The condition of riparian habitat and fisheries; • Accessibility of the river to existing irrigation structures and their condition and performance; • The protection of lives and property; • The protection of channel and flood plain from flood damage; • The maintenance of river channel and over bank capacity; • The ability to meet the Rio Grande Compact requirements. The 2001 Study found the primary cause of degradation to be sedimentation and identified measures that could be implemented to holistically improve the river's functions. These measures were of both "structural" in nature, such as riparian restoration or diversion replacement, or relating to "policy or administrative measures" or "non — structural" measures, such as grazing management practices or land use issues. Phase 2 seeks to implement these actions in order to improve the function of the Rio Grande. 2.2 The 2007 Rio Grande Watershed Restoration Strategic Plan In 2004 the need was identified for a well - defined Rio Grande Watershed Restoration Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan). Completed in 2007, the Strategic Plan outlined priority projects for the entire Rio Grande watershed in Colorado. Priority projects included: flood protection, riparian and headgate improvements, grazing management, flow management, and future studies. The Strategic Plan highlighted the importance of continued efforts to implement the recommendations from the 2001 Study. 2.3 The Plaza Project — Phase 1: McDonald Ditch and Plaza Planning Project In 2010 the President of the McDonald Ditch Company approached the RGHRP with the desire to improve the condition and function of the McDonald Ditch diversion and headgate. Because the 2001 Study identified other issues in this reach of the river, known as the Sevenmile Plaza, other stakeholders in the area were invited to participate. The result was a study of the area to determine, using a collaborative process, how to rehabilitate aging diversions, unstable streambanks, and a damaged wetland. Phase 1, a 5 -month study, was administered through a partnership between the Colorado Rio Grande Restoration Foundation and the McDonald Ditch Company. This study engaged the design and engineering services of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (MRCS) and created the Plaza Stakeholders. The Plaza Stakeholders completed an assessment and analysis of design alternatives for the project elements within the project area, a 2.8 -mile reach of the river. Deliverables of this study were: Plaza Plan: A plan detailing the selected options for each project element, a timeline for implementation, possible funding mechanisms, and administrative considerations; Preliminary designs for the first Phase of implementation: Plaza Project — Phase 2.