Eagle River Coalition: River restoration projects on the horizon
The Current
Anna Nakae/Courtesy photo
In a recent article about the Eagle River Watershed Council’s name change to the Eagle River Coalition, Scott Miller featured several restoration projects our organization has spearheaded over the past few decades. In it, board vice president Gary Brooks and executive director James Dilzell note the work ahead of us and identify some of the threats our local waterways face. Those include everything from water quality and quantity to erosion, polluted runoff and more.
Have you ever wondered how we tackle these sorts of challenges in the Eagle River watershed and beyond? Let’s dive in and check out some of the projects slated for the project season ahead.
Aquatic organism passages in the Homestake Valley
If you’ve ventured to the southeastern area of the Eagle River watershed, you know the Homestake Valley is a much-loved recreation hub and is home to diverse wildlife and unique ecosystems. The valley is part of the headwaters of the Eagle River, and the work we’ve done here in recent years helps to safeguard water quality in this area — and water quality for the river downstream.
The work in the valley has focused on replacing several metal culverts at road-stream crossings that were aging and undersized. These culverts, identified through a prioritization process with the U.S. Forest Service, were known to fail when debris, sediment and high flows overwhelmed their capacity. The roads would then overtop, carrying road sediment and debris into the stream channel. Thanks to the support of the National Forest Foundation, the Forest Service, the Homestake Partners, and other partners, we came together to discuss a long-term solution that would protect the sensitive ecosystem.
When considering how to update these culverts to reduce water quality concerns, the Eagle River Coalition and the Forest Service considered the movement of wildlife through the stream corridor. The smooth texture of the old culverts sped up the flow of water and led to a drop in the output of the pipe, causing challenges for mammals, fish and amphibian species when traveling through the culvert.
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To address these issues, we installed aquatic organism passages at two sites on Homestake Road — one at French Creek and one at East Fork Homestake Creek. These structures have rough surfaces inside, are wider than traditional culverts and have open bottoms. This design allows the streambed to mimic natural conditions, slows the passage of water through the structures and allows for flood waters and debris to pass through unimpeded. With these structures, it is easier for trout and amphibians to pass through to spawn, escape predators and find food and habitat.
From game cameras installed near these locations, we’ve spotted wildlife including moose, owls, beavers and more. We will be continuing to monitor these structures through the summer, but they have been considered successful so far, as overtopping has not been noted and wildlife has been able to travel through the stream corridors. We are continuing to work with partners to plan for the installation of additional structures at other locations in the future.
Bohr Flats Wet Meadow restoration work
Within the greater Castle Peak area, many critical wet meadows and riparian areas have been degraded by historic land use and erosion. As a result, we’ve observed incised gullies and lowered water tables. Although these areas occupy only a small portion of the mid-elevations of northern Eagle County, they provide vast ecosystem benefits.
These habitats are home to species like greater sage-grouse (an icon of the West under threat due to habitat loss), big game, birds and domestic livestock. Serving as natural sponges, the wet meadows also hold water in the soil, slowly releasing it after runoff events, ensuring continued base flows and maintenance of water tables throughout the growing season. Besides benefiting plants, wildlife and ranchers, wet meadows can also act as buffers against the threat of intense wildfire.
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A multi-year project, currently in its third year, has already resulted in the installation of 35 structures that promote riparian vegetation and have water quality benefits. Collaborating with the Bureau of Land Management, the Eagle River Coalition will be continuing work this summer. We’ll be coordinating volunteers from Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers and working with a crew from Rocky Mountain Youth Corps. Stay tuned for more information at eagleriverco.org/events if you’re interested in getting involved.
Revegetation work
Did you know that vegetation adjacent to waterways plays an extremely important role in protecting water quality? Riparian vegetation helps stabilize streambanks, shade waterways, supply nutrients essential to aquatic life and filter pollutants in surface and groundwater, in addition to providing habitat for wildlife.
In partnership with the town of Vail and the Restore the Gore initiative, several native vegetation planting events will be held throughout the summer. Native vegetation suitable for each site is provided, and volunteers assist with the installation and establishment of the plants.
Additional initiatives for plantings along waterways elsewhere in the watershed are planned for 2024 — including along Brush Creek and near the Duck Pond Fire burn area in Gypsum. If you’d like to join us, please visit eagleriverco.org/events to learn more.
Tamarisk removal on private property
Have you heard of Russian olive or tamarisk? These two species are considered noxious weeds, and both can be highly destructive to river environments. Both consume large amounts of water, inhibit native vegetation growth and can be found in and near Eagle County’s downvalley waterways.
We are partnering with the Eagle County Conservation District and their Noxious Weed Cost Share program to offer a 1-for-1 native tree/shrub swap for those who remove tamarisk and Russian olive. Learn more and find out how you can participate here at eagleriverco.org/weedwarriors.
Eagle River Coalition is hiring a watershed restoration manager, a critical role to help secure a vibrant future by overseeing projects and volunteer events, including those described above. If you are interested in learning more about employment opportunities, please visit eaglerivercoalition.org/employment.
Restoration work like the projects described above is only part of what we do at the Eagle River Coalition. We also work with hydrologists and partners to monitor water quality, engage the community in educational workshops and experiences and advocate for the river by reviewing development proposals and establishing the Eagle River Community Water Plan. Our work ensures that local rivers continue to flow, connecting our communities and serving as a place to visit, live and play.
