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1-2 to provide both life-sustaining habitat for wildlifej and for the enjoyment interpretive trails, special public facilities, and appreciation areas dedicated to wildlife observation and peaceful interaction with the natural environment should be provided wherever possible. When development in the ri ver va 11 ey is authori zed by I oca I government, land areas adjacent to the river need to be deeded or reserved by easement of those people using the river corridor. With appropriate bank stabilization for safety and vegetation development, the ponds remaining after gravel mining operations are complete should be reclaimed as a wi 1 dl ife and aquat i c resource where poss i b Ie. The deep bottoms found in most gravel ponds provide improved fish habitat and often help to prevent eutrophication. A native riparian land buffer should be provided between the ri ver and the gravel ponds to encourage greater di vers i ty in the riparian ecosystem. Although beaver co-inhabiting our urban environment is a somewhat amazing reality along the river, the location of their colonies and their population needs to be controlled by an agency such as the Colorado Division of Wildlife. This is essential to preserve and protect the natural habitat so critical to other species which inhabit and depend upon the river's riparian ecosystem for survival. Key trees should be identified and protected from beaver felling with wire mesh collars. An ongoing, vigorous water quality improvement program, including both biological and thermal aspects, will greatly enhance the environment for the fi sh and wil dl He that i nhabi t and frequent the ri ver valley. The habitat in the ri ver channel and gravel ponds can be further enhanced through creating depressions in the river bottom where possible, selective boulder placement and boat chutes to create plunge pools, riffles and resting areas. and by providing overhanging vegetation for wildlife protection. Fish stocking should be accomplished as appropriate by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. As specific plans for river improvement are formulated, it is hoped that reference wi 11 be made to, amongst others, Managi ng Forested Land for Wildlife, edited by Hoover-Wills, published by and available at the Colorado Division of Wildlife (page IV-57). Both the Division of Wildlife and the Colorado Wildlife Federation have been very helpful to the consultant during the course of the master planning effort and are prepared to continue providing assistance as the river improvement program continues. Where possible and necessary, artificial nesting boxes or structures can be provided as a supplement to the natural environment. Creation and preservation of nesting islands, protected from the influence of man, should be considered in the development of the riparian ecosystem. In order to provide for the enjoyment and education of the public, In addition to water quality improvement, the preservation of minimum stream flows is essential for fish and wildlife along the river. Additional wetland areas and native plantings adjacent to the water's edge are critical if we are to maintain and increase the number and variety of fish and wildlife species which require this habitat for life. Ideally, a wetland "bank" should be created in available areas along the river so that in the future, as existing wetlands need to be eliminated for justifiable reasons, mitigating wetland resources will already be established. RIVERFRONT IMPROVEMENTS AT HABITAT PARK..., DENVER, COlORADO