CTU/Boulder Flycasters will implement habitat improvements and angler access enhancements along a half-mile reach of Boulder Creek between Nederland and Boulder, on a property popularly known as Rogers Park. The precise location is between 9.1 and 9.6 miles from the bridge as you enter the Canyon from Boulder. It is between highway mile markers 32 and 31 as you head towards Nederland. The reach, located on public property owned by Boulder County Parks and Open Space and the Colorado Department of Transportation (along Highway 119), offers an important fishery and riparian resource in close proximity to a substantial urban population. However, the current resource is limited in several important ways: limited aquatic habitat variety, an altered flow regime, unstable and eroding banks, an overly wide channel for the present flow regime, minimal overwintering pool habitat, and limited angler access. This project will address each of these limiting factors through:
Work on this project will take place in three stages. First, final detailed site design and permitting will be completed. Secondly, construction (channel improvements, habitat features, bank stabilization, access points) will be conducted consistent with the final permitted design. Finally, CTU/Boulder Flycasters will revegetate the area using native riparian plants.
In completing this project, we will work with Ecological Resource Consultants, a small Colorado environmental engineering firm that has a track record of success with stream improvement projects including projects on the Eagle, Fraser, San Miguel and Blue Rivers, and Bear Creek near Evergreen. ERC will complete final site design and obtain all necessary permits, and will provide or coordinate contractor work (such as the channel improvements). CTU/Boulder Flycasters will provide volunteer support on appropriate activities such as post-construction stabilization and revegetation.
This project has four goals:
As described above, the project will address each of these goals through on-the-ground improvements.
The primary benefits of this project will be to aquatic species including the resident trout population in Middle Boulder Creek. By establishing an effective low-flow channel and creating appropriate habitat features, trout habitat will be improved to the benefit of both the fish population and the angling public that will utilize the stream. While the primary wildlife benefits will be aquatic, the project will also benefit the Boulder Creek riparian corridor. Final site designs will be developed with careful attention to the interconnection of aquatic and riparian habitats, ensuring that the stream functions effectively with its surrounding riparian community. Native riparian plants will be re-established along the improved stream reach. Riparian habitats are among the most important biologically, supporting more than 65% of Rocky Mountain region species at some point in their life cycles.
The bulk of the project will be funded by public grants from the state (e.g. Fishing is Fun, DOW stamp) or/private grants such as Embrace a Stream. BFC will provide volunteer work hours and a relatively small amount of cash funding.