The stewart ditch diversion modification project is intended to address multiple deficiencies on the north fork of the gunnison river caused by the stewart ditch diversion structure

The stewart ditch diversion consists of a 1,200-foot-long push-up rock DAM. The DAM diverts water into the stewart ditch, which serves approximately 236 agricultural producers near the town of paonia, colorado. Recent repairs to the DAM have included construction of a boulder wall which elevated the riverbed substantially and created a pool in front of the diversion intake. Historic maintenance of the DAM has caused serious impact to the river including over widening and erosion. The stewart ditch and reservoir company (SDRC) holds senior water rights on the north fork and diverts approximately 70% of the river flow during late summer and fall months. The orientation and size of the diversion structure along with the amount of water diverted results in a considerable impact on the fish populations in the north fork. At all but high flows, the diversion structure is a barrier to fish. Fish that end up below the diversion from high spring flows are unable to move upstream above the diversion to find refuge in deeper and cooler water and likely perish. Many fish are also lost to entrainment in the ditch. Modification to the stewart ditch diversion was identified as a priority in two recent watershed planning assessments. The goals of this project are to improve fish passage and passage for recreational boaters, reduce fish lost to entrainment in the ditch, and stabilize the stream channel, thus improving riparian function in this section of river. Project proponents will also communicate lessons learned and project benefits and use the project as an example of how water demands can be met while impacts to the environment and other users.project proponents will meet these goals by removing the existing push-up rock DAM and replacing IT with a modern, engineered diversion structure. The new structure will meet SDRC requirements while improving fish passage, boat passage, and channel stability and reducing fish entrainment into the ditch. Stakeholders have hired engineers who have surveyed the site, created conceptual designs, and produced hydraulic 2D models. Initial site surveys and hydraulic modeling have revealed that the elevation of the diversion DAM can be reduced by as much as three feet while still allow for adequate head to divert water into the ditch. This project is a collaborative effort between trout unlimited (TU), SDRC, and other stakeholders. Western slope conservation center (WSCC), a local non-profit, is assisting with stakeholder support, outreach and funding. Neighboring landowners and delta county commissioners have expressed support for the project. To date, the project has secured funding from local chapter of TU, WSCC, and the colorado water conservation board (CWCB). These funds have been used to complete an extensive survey of the river around the diversion area, created design alternatives, produce hydraulic models for alternatives, and the refine preferred design alternative.upon completion of the project, TU and partners will disseminate the results of the effort to various funding agencies, water users and other parties. Additionally, this project will inform TU's ongoing diversion modifications assessment and will inform future restoration projects.