Project Details 2008

Colorado Watershed Network


Macroinvertebrate Sampling

$18,000 grant awarded September 2007.  Project complete, final report available on CWCB Laserfiche Weblink:  http://cwcb.state.co.us/Home/PublicRecords/  Go to Watershed Protection. 

Uncompahgre River Stewardship Alliance


Uncompahgre River Watershed Plan


Summary of work: The primary goal of this planning effort is to address the need for greater understanding of water-quality and riparian habitat issues within the Uncompahgre basin through continued community involvement and the development of a comprehensive watershed plan.  The Project Implementation Plan (PIP) for the Uncompahgre Watershed Sustainability Initiative was approved by the EPA and the State WQCD on September 29th. The $10,000 from the CHRF will be used as match for the EPA 319 grant. Sarah Sauter, the new project coordinator, will begin using that money as described in the CHRF grant work plan beginning on or about October 27th.


The watershed plan is designed to be a model planning process that will develop and strengthen collaborative ties between citizen groups and more traditional water user groups such as the water conservancy district, the water users association, the conservation districts, local governments and several state and federal agencies. The plan will be used to identify new partnerships to improve water quality, conservation and environmental health and is scheduled to be completed in 2010.

Colorado Storm Water Council


E. coli Assessment and Management Plan


Summary of Work: Roughly 22 stream segments throughout Colorado are currently identified as “impaired” by elevated E. coli on Colorado’s 303(d) list (+16 being monitored). Watershed groups, local governments, regional planning agencies, and the Water Quality Control Division are working to address this statewide issue. For these entities to successfully work towards restoration and/or realistic goal setting for watersheds designated as “impaired” by elevated E. coli, they need to be equipped with a sound understanding of E. coli sources, control methods, monitoring approaches to properly identify sources, and factors that affect E. coli viability. If these subjects are not properly understood, then effective, practical plans to manage and protect watersheds and address E. coli 303(d) listings cannot be developed.


E. coli Assessment and Management Project funded under the CHRF is approximately 80% complete and has benefited from the investment of approximately 100 hours by stakeholders, including local governments, the Colorado Water Quality Control Division and EPA.    A draft annotated bibliography of existing E. coli resources is complete.  Stakeholders have seen a detailed powerpoint presentation evaluating an EPA report entitled Experts Scientific Workshop on Critical Research Needs for the Development of New or Revised Recreational Water Quality Criteria.  The presentation examined the report as it relates to Colorado stream segments listed as impaired for E. coli.  A draft spreadsheet summarizing 303(d) listed segements for E. coli is complete.  Meetings have been held to discuss the issues and approaches to TMDLs.  Findings have been presented at the Water Quality Forum.

Friends of Bear Creek


Bear Creek Watershed Plan


Summary of Work: The key of this planning effort is to reach out to all major conservation and recreational groups, civic and merchant groups, parks, open-space, and transportation agencies to focus them on collaborative watershed planning.  The stakeholder group will work together to develop common goals in watershed planning and create a procedure and database for a future full scale watershed plan.


Progress has been made towards assembling a stakeholder group united under common goals.  An extension was granted so the funds can be used as match in a pending EPA 319 grant application.

Boulder Creek Watershed Initiative (BCWI)


Water Quality Monitoring Project


The purpose of this project grant is to create two citizen volunteer water quality monitoring "Stream Teams." Stream Team Program Objectives include:

             

Work accomplished to date to satisfy grant requirements:

Roaring Fork Conservancy


Roaring Fork Watershed Plan (Phase II)


Building on the work completed in Phase I-fostering stakeholder involvement and the State of the Watershed Report, Phase II will cultivate discussion among Roaring Fork citizens and stakeholders, and technical advisors to develop a comprehensive and prioritized set of goals and objectives and strategies and recommendations, which will be used to protect and sustain the economic and ecological resources provided by the watershed. The success of Phase II depends on the involvement of a diverse range of stakeholders and technical advisors. Phase III is the compilation of a draft watershed plan and completion of a final watershed plan.

Phase II will begin late 2008 or early 2009 in cooperation with the Ruedi Water and Power Authority.  The plan will be funded with CHRF, Water Supply Reserve Account funds, and other local sources.