Trout unlimited, in partnership with the town of pagosa springs and the upper SAN juan watershed enhancement partnership, will improve a 2.5 mile stretch of the SAN juan river in archuleta county,…

Trout unlimited, in partnership with the town of pagosa springs and the upper SAN juan watershed enhancement partnership, will improve a 2.5 mile stretch of the SAN juan river in archuleta county, colorado. Prolonged drought in the area has changed stream hydrology resulting in low flows affecting water temperature and available fish habitat, especially for native fish such as the flannel mouth sucker and the bluehead sucker, as well as reducing reactional river use. The project includes low flow channel shaping, placement of grade control structures and habitat structures, approximately 1,295 linear feet of riparian revegetation, and stabilization and regrading of streambank along the 2.5 mile project area. The RE shaping of the channel and addition of grade control structures will increase water supply reliability and availability at low flows during the late summer and fall seasons. Riparian revegetation will provide shaded areas and habitat diversity, cooling water temperatures critical to the viability and quality of the sport fishery through the town of pagosa springs. Recreational use of the river is an important economic driver for the local community and modifications to the stream channel will also make the channel more passable by watercraft during low flow conditions, extending the period of time when people can utilize the river. Streambank stabilization work to remove old cars and debris and replace IT with rock, woody materials and vegetation will provide ecologic benefits and IT will also improve safety. This project is supported by the partnership s upper SAN juan integrated water management plan. The partnership includes a variety of stakeholders, including federal and state agencies, agricultural entities, water districts, universities, and environmental entities.