(The project will include reestablishing a resilient channel,
connecting the river to its floodplain, creating a stable riparian zone,
improving fish and other aquatic habitats, stabilizing the river banks,
and providing river access to the public.)
City has long-standing record of work to preserve, protect/enhance
Uncompahgre River corridor
MONTROSE, 2/1/19:
The City of Montrose will be receiving $400,000 from the Colorado Water
Conservation Board for river improvements and fishing habitat
development.
The city applied for funding in October 2018 and the
Colorado Water Conservation Board approved funding for the project at
their January 28, 2019, board meeting.
The grant funds will be used
to begin Phase 1 of river restoration improvements on 0.65 miles, or
3,400 feet, of the Uncompahgre River, traversing Montrose.
A
variety of land use practices, flow modifications, and encroachment have
impacted the Uncompahgre River and resulted in an overly wide channel,
bank stabilization issues, and lack of aquatic and riparian habitat.
Within the project area, approximately two-thirds of the river contains
what would be considered marginal fish habitat; the remainder is
generally devoid of any suitable fish habitat. Aerial imagery indicates
the river’s channel has moved approximately 400 feet over the past 50
years.
The project will include reestablishing a resilient
channel, connecting the river to its floodplain, creating a stable
riparian zone, improving fish and other aquatic habitats, stabilizing
the river banks, and providing river access to the public.
The
project complements the Montrose Urban Renewal Authority (MURA)
development and the soon-to-be-constructed Great Outdoors Connect Trail.
This is the first step in the development of a Gold Medal
fishery within the Uncompahgre River. Once completed, this section of
the river could be designated a Gold Medal fishery, joining a section of
Gunnison river that flows through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison
National Park and adjoining Gunnison Gorge as the other Gold Medal
waters in the vicinity of Montrose.
The design contract for
the project was awarded to Ecological Resource Consultants (ERC) in 2017
and the project design is currently 70 percent completed. This project
is being driven by a diverse group of organizations that have met on a
regular basis as part of the River Restoration Committee to provide the
design firm with valuable feedback.
“We couldn’t have made it to this
point without the help of the volunteer river design committee and are
excited to make this project a reality for Montrose," said City Engineer
Scott Murphy. "It was a pleasure to work with such a community-focused
committee throughout the project’s design process."
Mayfly
Outdoors, the parent company of Abel and Ross Reels, is currently
building a 41,000 sq. ft. fly-fishing reel manufacturing facility along
the Uncompahgre River and recently donated 42 acres of land along the
river to the city.
"We are thrilled to see the support from the
Colorado Water Conservation Board. The city's vision for the river
corridor is extraordinary, and their team is doing a great job. Our
community should be proud,” said David Dragoo, president of Mayfly
Outdoors.
The City of Montrose has a long-standing record of
work to preserve, protect, and enhance the Uncompahgre River corridor,
beginning with the acquisition of land along the river to build
Riverbottom Park in the early 1970s.
“This project will
continue to enhance one of our community’s greatest assets, the
Uncompahgre River. The value of our river has caught the attention of
anglers, white water enthusiasts, and companies like Mayfly Outdoors who
want to protect the Uncompahgre because of everything it offers," said
city Grant Coordinator Kendall Cramer.
"The Colorado Water
Conservation Board joins a growing a list of individuals and
organizations that have this shared interest. We are grateful for their
support."
The city anticipates construction to begin in winter
2019-2020. Due to river flows, work must be completed within a
four-month timeframe from November to February when the river is at its
lowest.
The project will be implemented by a
stream-restoration contractor selected through the city’s competitive
bidding process.
This project is a major element of the MURA Plan of
Development. A $1.2 million tax increment funding match is a topic of
discussion at an upcoming MURA board meeting. Any resolution to approve
the matching funds will be presented before the City Council in the near
future.
Presently Colorado has 322 miles of Gold Medal waters
located in 15 different sections around the state.
For more
city news visit:
CityOfMontrose.org.
About
the City of Montrose
For information, visit CityofMontrose.org.
Follow the city on Facebook (facebook.com/cityofmontroseco) and Twitter
(@montrosegov). City Hall is located in downtown Montrose at 433 South
First Street and may be reached at 970.240.1400. Hours of operation are
Monday-Thursday, 7a-6p.