River Restoration

Red River at Red River, NM
Presently in the design phase, this project seeks to restore a healthy river corridor through downtown Red River, NM. Project goals include improved aquatic habitat, varied fishing opportunities for visitors, improved river aesthetics, prevention of upstream mine waste deposits in town, river walk and interaction opportunities. This project includes a multi-step public involvement process.

Uncomphagre River at Ridgeway, CO
Provided construction staking for phase 1 of this project. Performed a bridge scour analysis of the project's impacts to a CDOT bridge, and worked with CDOT to understand the benefits of the river restoration work. Provided peer review for the design prepared by NPS restoration expert. Provided consultation on field design changes with the project's designer and construction manager. Preparing National Channel Designs for Phase II of the projects.

Rio Grande at South Fork, CO
Designed an aquatic habitat improvement project for approximately 1.0 miles of the Rio Grande and 0.25 miles of the South Fork Rio Grande. Straightening of the river channel, over-widening of the river bed and loss of active floodplain had caused a loss of habitat. The design solution included enhancement of channel sinuosity, narrowing of the channel and reconstruction of active floodplain, revegetation of denuded floodplain areas to re-establish a riparian corridor, and the use of in-stream rock structures to control lateral channel migration in areas with expensive infrastructure nearby. Services included geomorphic assessment, topographic/hydrographic surveys, natural channel design, construction document preparation, coordination of T&E species surveys, and 404/401 permit approvals.

East Fork San Juan River above Pagosa Springs, CO
Performed topographic surveys, sediment sampling and bank stability analyses for 3.5 miles of river. Prepared drawings and permit documents for a Wildland Hydrology river restoration design. Interfaced with a broad site development team on river and floodplain restoration issues. Stewarded the restoration design through a lengthy 404/NEPA process. Construction of this project has been delayed pending approval of other site development designs.