The boulder watershed collective, a community watershed group, will restore and improve the ecological condition of 181 acres of degraded aquatic and riparian habitat, and 2.8 miles of wet meadow…

The Boulder Watershed Collective received a $1.29 million Project Grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation under the WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America's Resources for Tomorrow) program (CFDA 15.507), awarded November 19, 2025, with completion targeted for September 30, 2030. The award funds comprehensive ecological restoration of 181 acres of degraded aquatic and riparian habitat and 2.8 miles of wet meadow streams within the Boulder Creek Watershed near Boulder, Colorado. Restoration activities include construction of in-stream log structures, native vegetation planting, and reintroduction of native beaver populations to reduce channel incision, reconnect floodplains, restore eroded gullies, and improve instream aquatic habitat conditions.

The project delivers multiple ecosystem and community benefits, including re-hydration of wet meadows, improved water quality, and downstream flood attenuation. The restoration efforts specifically target habitat for threatened species including greenback cutthroat trout and southern Rocky Mountain boreal toad. The project area has been identified in regional planning documents including the City of Boulder Source Water Protection Plan and the St. Vrain and Boulder Creeks Wildfire Ready Watersheds Preparedness Plan. Project development incorporated input from diverse stakeholders, including federal, state, and local land managers, non-governmental organizations, and local governments across the Boulder Creek Watershed region.

The boulder watershed collective, a community watershed group, will restore and improve the ecological condition of 181 acres of degraded aquatic and riparian habitat, and 2.8 miles of wet meadow streams throughout the boulder creek watershed near boulder, colorado. The project area includes habitat for threatened greenback cutthroat trout and southern rocky mountain boreal toad. The collective will construct in-stream log structures, plant native vegetation, and reintroduce native beaver populations to reduce channel incision, reconnect floodplains, restore eroded gullies, and improve instream aquatic habitat. The collective?S restoration activities will also RE-hydrate wet meadows, improve water quality, and attenuate downstream flooding. The project area has been identified in numerous regional planning efforts, including the city of boulder source water protection plan, ST vrain and left-hand creek stream management plan, and the ST. Vrain and boulder creeks wildfire ready watersheds preparedness plan. The collective also consulted a diverse group of individual stakeholders, federal, state, and local land managers, non-governmental organizations, and local governments.