Officials hope to improve water quality, fish habitat and a diversion structure along the Crystal River in Carbondale.
The Crystal River Management Plan identified the mile-and-a-half reach that flows through River Valley Ranch in Carbondale as needing restoration to improve habitat.
Seven organizations, including the Town of Carbondale, Roaring Fork Conservancy and Aspen Valley Land Trust, as well as state and national groups, have teamed up. The goal is to restore both the in-stream habitat for fish, and riparian areas near Riverfront Park.
The project will also replace the aging headgate of the Weaver Ditch, which runs through the town of Carbondale. This will mean less maintenance, said Heather Lewin with the Roaring Fork Conservancy.
“So you’re seeing in-stream benefits, but you’re also seeing potential benefit to the Town of Carbondale being able to deliver their water more efficiently,” she said.
The project team began analysis of the site last week. Design work could start this summer, with construction slated for 2019.