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IV-9 REACH COMMENTARY Sheets 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23 of 23 Station 960+00 to 0+00 The proposed channel realignment and bank stabilzation in this reach provide an excellent opportunity to reestablish an extensive riparian habitat within the river's flood plain, an opportunity which to date has been lost due to river erosion and dumping of debris on the banks to try and conta in eros i on. The pl ant i ng of dense ground cover throughout thi s reach will help prevent erosion and greatly supplement the natural wildlife habitat along the ri ver in Adams County. Observat i on and interpretive facilities should be provided at frequent intervals. Reach Flood Eight -- Sand Creek to Baseline Road Control Alternative: 10-year Engineered Stable Channel and Floodplain Management Linear Park, Regional/Focal Point Parks Recreation Alternative: The existing improvements in this reach are a great beginning to the Adams County Greenway system. They include a section of trail from Rendesvous Park near the confluence with Clear Creek to Steele Street Park, a graceful pedestrian bridge from Rendezvous Park to Engineer's Lake on the river's east bank, and substantial improvements within the major regional parks in the county. The lakes left over from gravel mining operations provide excellent habitat for fish and other wildlife, and they should be reclaimed for that purpose as well as for recreation use whenever possible. Breaching the dikes between these lakes and the river is not recommended as such action would diminish wildlife values, contribute to river instability and be contrary to the fish stocking objectives of the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The trail system is planned for the west side throughout this reach until it crosses to the east bank via a new pedestrian bridge to access the Smith Natural Area near Brighton. With appropriate advance planning, the trail can leave the riverbank entirely and meander through native wildlife habitats which can be acquired as the opportunity arises. Corridor preservation and land acquisition for park and wildlife habitat expansion should continue to be a high priority throughout this reach. Development of pocket parks is proposed at 88th, 104th, and 160th Avenues. Four boating obstructions need to be modified and landings built in order to provide continuous passage and improved safety. A tributary connection along Clear Creek, portions of which are existing, has the potential to link Golden and the northwest metropolitan area into the system. Other potentials exist along Niver Creek, Grange Hall Creek and several canals in the area. The connections should be taken advantage of before the opportunities are lost. The development of major regional parks by Thornton and Adams County should be continued, and significant areas of wetland wildlife habitat are recommended for the specific designs for these facil ities. Additional wetlands should be created, if the land is available, on lands adjacent to the river, particularly in the old oxbows which remain when the channel is realigned. Significant expansion of the riparian and natural environment of the Colorado plains is possible throughout this reach, and it should be vigorously pursued. Snags and downed trees should be left in place as they create excellent wilfife nesting areas. Artificial nesting boxes should be provided in open water areas where ground cover is sparse. Extensive revegetation of both the riverbanks and adjacent property should be a priority throughout this reach. There is already an abundance of high quality wildlife habitat in this area. It should be maintained and expanded for the benfit of the riparian species which frequent and inhabit the river corridor, as well as for the enjoyment and education of all those who use it for peaceful contempl at ion, nature study. bi rd watchi ng and other similar passive activities.