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CONCEPTUAL MASTER PLAN

In 2018, a consultant team comprised of River Restoration, DHM Design, and Lotic Hydrologic (all of Carbondale, CO) conducted a thorough site survey and analysis of the reach to identify which parts of the river and riparian system were functioning in a healthy way, and which parts were not.

In April and May 2019, the consultant team presented the results of their site assessment, along with conceptual restoration and enhancement alternatives to the public. Public comments were accepted between 4/22/2019 and 5/24/2019.

In summer 2019, the project partners' considered the public input and selected the preferred alternative shown below.

The conceptual drawings shown below should be considered loose and inexact.

QUESTIONS? READ THE FAQ HERE

Conceptual Master Plan - Preferred Alternative

Conceptual design for park access ramp & stair

Conceptual design for Weaver Ditch diversion improvements

View All PLANNING DOCUMENTS

REVIEW PUBLIC INPUT

Public comment on the project was accepted between April 22, 2019 and May 24th, 2019.

CLICK HERE TO READ COMMENTS RECEIVED THROUGH 5/24/2019

BACKGROUND

The Town of Carbondale with partners, Aspen Valley Land Trust, Roaring Fork Conservancy, American Rivers, Colorado Parks & Wildlife, Public Counsel of the Rockies, and Trout Unlimited, invite members of the public to participate in the planning process for restoring a one-half mile long reach of the Crystal River along the town-owned Riverfront Park in River Valley Ranch.

Riverfront Park lies between the Carbondale Fish Hatchery and Crystal Bridge Drive. This reach of the Crystal River was identified by the 2016 Crystal River Management Plan as being severely to unsustainably impaired.

This project aims to restore ecological integrity, improve channel stability, create a low-maintenance Weaver Ditch diversion structure, and enhance the passive user experience of the adjacent wildland park.

TIMELINE

• Data collection -2018
• Site Assessment - 2018
• Conceptual Design & Public Comment - April 2019
• Preliminary Design & Permitting – Summer/Fall 2019
• Fundraising – Begin Fall 2019
• Final Design – Winter/Spring 2020
• Bid and Construction – Late Summer/Fall 2020

PROJECT GOALS

1) RESTORE THE CRYSTAL RIVER

Develop a long term, self-sustaining solution to improve river channel stability, fish habitat, and spawning areas by promoting conditions that support and enhance instream biotic structure and diversity.

2) RESTORE THE RIPARIAN ZONE

Restore the ecological integrity of the riparian zone through streambank stabilization, reconnection of the floodplain, and replace invasive weed communities and plant monocultures with healthy and diverse riparian plant regimes, while preserving healthy bird and wildlife habitat.

3) IMPROVE THE WEAVER DITCH DIVERSION

Create a self-sustaining diversion and head gate structure for the Weaver Ditch to function as part of the river system while improving the water delivery for the Town of Carbondale and consistent with future ditch improvements and efficiencies.