The Middle Fork of the South Platte River runs through South Park, along Highway 9 between the towns of Fairplay and Hartsel, Colorado. The 1,800-acre Buffalo Peaks Ranch property contains 4.1 miles of the Middle Fork and is owned by the City of Aurora. As part of a recreational agreement with the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the City signed an access agreement to allow public fishing throughout the property for the next 20 years. The ranch has a number of historic ranch buildings including a main ranch house, three bunkhouses, various corrals and livestock pens, a large barn, and a number of utility buildings.
The objective of the BPR project is to restore all 4.1 miles of the river and its banks. A variety of habitat features will be created, with special focus given to increasing water depth during low flow periods and spawning structure. Stream banks will be stabilized and revegetated and the riparian area will be fenced, allowing these areas to recover from grazing. Public access is good and the project will create quality habitat and improved angling opportunities.
The property is bordered by the already-restored Tomahawk State Wildlife Area to the south. When the BPR restoration is complete, there will be seven miles of unbroken public fishing and recreational access.
The project is expected to span three years. Colorado Trout Unlimited (CTU) is spearheading the effort with support from the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the City of Aurora, Park County, and several other organizations.
May 10, 2007 at 8:15 am |
Hi,
I stumbled across your project while searching through CO Trout’s website. I was just curious if you had any more information on the restoration component of your project. I work as an engineer doing hydraulics/hydrology/bank stabilization and have just finished a Master’s degree studying stream restoration. I’d be curious as to the approach you guys are taking to repairing habitat and what kind of help you need, if any, on this project.