Blue River Watershed Group

The Blue River Watershed Group (BRWG), Working in Partnership With the Town of Silverthorne, Will Complete the Engineering and Design for a Project to Repair Degraded Aquatic Habitat in the Blue River, Downstream of the Dillon Reservoir in Summit County, Colorado. This Reach of the Blue River Is Impacted by Its Proximity to the Outflow of the Reservoir, Which Has Contributed to an Un-naturally Low Flow Regime, Below Average Water Temperatures Due to Cold-water Releases From the Bottom of the Reservoir, and a Lack of Natural Sediment and Nutrient Transport Due to Sediment Entrapment Within the Reservoir. These Issues Have Led to the Reach Being Stripped of Gold Medal Trout Fishery Status in 2016. to Address These Issues, BRWG Will Produce a 100% Restoration Design Package That Includes Resizing a New Channel Within the Historic Footprint to Match the Contemporary Hydrograph, Installation of New Pool Habitat and Additional Spawning Gravel, Removal of Barriers to Fish Passage, and Improvement of Public River Access Locations. BRWG Will Continue Outreach and Engagement Efforts and Develop Biological Assessments and Fish Population Estimates to Serve as a Baseline for Monitoring Improvements Following Project Implementation. the Project Is Supported by a Diverse Stakeholder Group Representing Agriculture, Recreation, Government Agencies, Water Managers, Landowners, and Individuals.