Headwaters Alliance

The Headwaters Alliance Will Restore a Degraded Reach of Willow Creek in Southwesterncolorado. Natural and Anthropogenic Disturbances Across the Willow Creek Watershed Have Resulted in the Accumulation of an Excessive Amount of Sediment in the Project Reach, Creating an Overly Wide, Shallow Channel, With Large Rock Substrate, and a Near Total Lack of Riparian Vegetation. as a Result, Aquatic and Riparian Habitat Is Impaired, the Capacity of the Creek to Carry Flood Waters Has Been Reduced, and Erosion Has Damaged Existing Roadway Embankments, Recreation Facilities, and Flood Control Infrastructure. the Headwaters Alliance Will Establish 2.2 Acres of Vegetated Floodplain and Restore 3,300 Linear Feet of Willow Creek by Incorporating Boulder Riffles, Engineered Log Jams, and Other Structures Within the Stream Channel, Stabilizing Erosive Streambanks, and Regrading and Replanting the Floodplain. Stream and Floodplain Restoration Will Establish Improved Aquatic and Riparian Connectivity and Habitat, Improve Water Temperature and Sediment Transport Capacity, Protect Critical Infrastructure, and Increase the Overall Resilience of the Watershed. the Project Was Developed as Part of the Comprehensive Willow Creek Watershed Planning Project, This Project Is Supported by the Cityof Creede, Mineral County, and Regional Watershed and Conservation Organizations.