A Vision of the Urban South Platte River

• We are proponents of natural based restoration as opposed to structural control of riverine systems.
• We believe that a natural approach would be a significant improvement over the purely structural channel modifications previously completed.
• Natural stream improvements are more sustainable, provide greater natural resource benefits, promote active recreation, such as angling, boating, and passive recreation, such as bird watching and relaxing. It will result in a river that is much more aesthetically pleasing and in unison with the natural setting.

What are we doing to forward the cause?

We advocate for and participate in the restoration and enhancement of the South Platte River in the Denver Metro Area. We are actively involved in the study of and in the advancement of improvements to the river .

Currently we are working with the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District to study how the Carson Nature Center’s reach of the South Platte can be enhanced to support a better native fish population, recreational fishery and riparian habitat. We hope to effect structural changes to the river such as low and high flow channels, sediment removal and obstacles to provide refuge for fish during high water. These changes will improve the aquatic environment to benefit fish, wildlife and boaters.

We have also engaged Ecological Resource Consultants, Inc to help to study the best way to restore the river, and surrounding riparian habitats in Littleton, Colorado.