The Quarterly Newsletter of the

February 16, 2000..                                                                                                         Volume 1 Issue 1


Let’s Go Play In The River

by Eve Schauer

What happens when you mix fish people with heavy equipment? Great things happen, according to Colorado Division of Wildlife’s aquatic biologist Randy Van Buren. Randy was the guest speaker on Tuesday evening, January 25th at the Forum’s first General Assembly of the year. Those in attendance were treated to the inspiring presentation "Let’s Go Play In The River," a slide show and talk describing a successful stream habitat restoration project along the Big Thompson River just below Lake Estes.

The river reach was modified by the Colorado Division of Wildlife to address a number of problems. These include channelization and erosion as a result of prior channel re-routing projects by the United States Bureau of Reclamation; and unusual flow fluctuations, which are partially controlled due to the Lake Estes dam just upstream. The goals of the project were to create aquatic habitat that would support all life stages of resident fish species through all flow levels; minimize bank erosion; rebuild some natural features of the reach that were destroyed by construction and subsequent erosion; and increase riparian habitat along the reach.

The restoration project included a number of modifications to the river and its banks. Several severely eroded banks were rebuilt. Vortexes, both full and partial, were created across the river using large rocks. These structures, along with other strategically placed boulders and rock clusters, re-channeled flows, created deep pools for fish cover, and minimized bank erosion. Additional pools were created, and excavated material was deposited along the edges to create point bars. Spawning habitat was created by importing and strategically placing gravel of the right size and shape. A small island, anchored with trees and rocks, was built where one used to exist. The island created a nursery area for young fish. Root wads were placed along the shore; some in combination with logs, to reduce water pressure against the banks and create protected underwater habitat, as well as provide a foundation on which grass and other vegetation could grow. Riparian areas were widened and improved, and planted with over 4,000 willow and alder stems.

The project has proven successful over the past two years. Measurements indicate that fish biomass has more than doubled in some areas. The riparian habitat is thriving, much to the pleasure of the local elk. Aesthetically the reach is more pleasing. And many people who donated time, equipment and expertise are enjoying the satisfaction of a cooperative job well done.
According to Randy, although most of the Big Thompson River is in pretty good shape as far as aquatic habitat is concerned, there are a few areas that would benefit from a restoration project like this. However, many of these areas are privately owned, and coordination of joint public/private efforts can be complicated. BTWF seems an ideal vehicle to bring together stakeholders who could benefit from this kind of project.

Of course, all of these modifications were carefully and expertly planned to work with nature rather than fight it. Habitat improvement is not easily accomplished without a wide range of expertise. It seems that when you mix heavy equipment with the right fish people and a good understanding of the situation, the result is a healthier river for everyone. Thank you Randy.