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-, ill I ~1;1~ . A M4-&I , Success Story In 1969, residents of littleton, Colorado, were told that the South Platte . aiver would be channelized t6 reduce flooding. They were concerned that the project would destroy a natural area; The 'residents mounted a . public information campaign and gained the support of local newspapers and environmental. groups. The residents also initiated and passed a $400,000 bond issue to buy the land for a park. The city got matching open space acquisition grants from two federal programs. The Corps of Engineers provided support with funds earmatked for the channelization project. A gravel company was allowed to continue its operations on part of the site. Seven ponds formed by gravel excavation were eventually reworked to be 'natural ponds and were stocked with fish. A private group, Trout Unlimited, helped restore the habitat. South Platte Park is now a 625.acre natural area along 2.5 miles of the river. It can absorb and store flood waters more efficiently than the channelization project would have. South Platte Park is the largest remaining example of the South Platte River ecosystem. It is home to 60 species of plants, six times the number normally found in an urban Colorado wetland, It is now a class I cold. water fishery, home ,to wildlife, and a resting area for migrating birds and bald eagles. This flood loss reduction project has protected a hazardous area from development. At the same time, the community has gained an invaluable resource for recreation, education, and fish and wildlife habitat. The park has nature trails and paths that connect to the 45- mile South Platte Greenway that runs through the Denver area. There is a nature center and educational programs are con- ducted by the schools for stu- dents and adults. 28 . .CRITICAL WILDLIFE AREAS .