Download File - Flood Recovery

2013 FISHING IS FUN
GRANT APPLICATION
St Vrain Aquatic Habitat Restoration Project
PROJECT SPONSOR
Name:
Town of Lyons
Type of Business:
Civic Government
Mailing Address:
432 5th Avunue, PO Boc 49, Lyons, CO 80540
Project Contact(s) & Title:
Dave Cosgrove – Director Lyon’s Parks and Recreations
Eben Grace – St. Vrain Trout Unlimited
Mike Clark – South Creek Limited
Benjamin Swigle – CO Parks and Wildlife, Aquatic Biologist
Phone/Email:
Dave Cosgrove: (303) 823-8250 [email protected]
Eben Grace: [email protected]
Mike Clark: [email protected]
Ben Swigle: (970) 472-4364 [email protected]
FISHERY
Type: Coldwater stream (Brown, Rainbow, Cutthroat, and native minnow species.)
Type of Access: NONE. Currently, all parks and river access within the Lyon’s Town limits is closed
to the public due to flood impacts to St.Vrain Creek and the associated access facilities. Prior to the
flood there were nearly 2 miles of stream fishing access on public lands within the town limited with
several additional miles of stream angling available outside of Lyon’s on public lands. Wading and
shoreline access will eventually return.
PROJECT COSTS
Amount of federal aid requested: $100,000.00 (70% OF TOTAL PROJECT COST)
Amount of match: $ 40,000.00 (30% OF TOTAL PROJECT COST)
Town of Lyons:
Cash = $1,200.00
In-kind = $9,800.00
TOTAL = $11,000.00
St Vrain Trout Unlimited:
Cash = $3,000.00
In-kind = $1,000.00
TOTAL = $4,000.00
Oscar Blues Brewery:
Cash = $10,000.00
In-kind = $0.00
TOTAL = $10,000.00
The Fly Fishing Film Tour
Cash = $10,000.00
In-kind = $0.00
TOTAL = $10,000.00
South Creek Limited:
Cash = $5,000.00
In-kind = $0.00
TOTAL = $5,000.00
Wildland Restoration Volunteers:
Cash = $0.00
In-kind = $2,000.00
TOTAL MATCH Cash = $29,200
TOTAL= S2,000.00
In-kind $12,800
TOTAL = $42,000.00
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Name: North and South Fork St Vrain Aquatic Habitat Restoration Project
Purpose and Need:
Overview: In September 2013 the entire St.Vrain Watershed, including the North and South Forks of
St.Vrain Creek, experienced a record flood event, reaching 100-year flood levels and surpassing
500-1000 year levels in certain areas. Stream flows with the town of Lyons crested above 10,000
CFS easily surpassing the previous record set in 1941. Throughout the stretch of creek, including all
former public access areas within Lyons, the original stream channel migrated horizontally,
experienced significant deposition and incision, cut new overbank channels, rerouted itself through
baseball fields and parking lots, left portions of pre-flood channel dry, with much of the stream losing
riparian ecological connection and function. In-stream trout habitat structures installed in 1990’s as
part of a previous FIF grant were either buried, damaged, or function at a sub-optimal level.
The St. Vrain Creek Corridor is one of the most important natural features in the northern area of
Boulder County, which once offered rich riparian habitat, preservation, and outdoor recreation
opportunities. With so much of the stream corridor in public ownership within Lyons, there are many
opportunities for restoration and enhancement of the in-stream habitat and adjacent riparian areas as
well as recreational opportunities.
Prior to the flood, sections of the St. Vrain River within Lyons accommodated thousands of visitors
and provided approximately 7,300 angler days of fishing annually. Initial stream electrofishing
surveys completed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) yielded 640 total trout per mile in the St.
Vrain post flood, a substantial decrease from nearly 2,000 trout per mile estimated at the same
location in 2006. Thus, restoration activities are needed to restore the fishery to its former glory.
Beyond harboring brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout the St. Vrain River is considered a high priority
transitional fishery supporting a variety of native fish species rarely documented outside of the St.
Vrain drainage.
The primary objective of this project is to improve instream aquatic habitat for native and non-native
fish. Existing habitat is fragmented and is in poor condition and does not provide adequate cover,
holding habitat, and the appropriate substrates to promote natural reproduction by trout..
Specific Elements which will be exclusively funded by Fishing is Fun dollars include:
Establishing a multi-stage stream channel geometry in balance with the current flow regime by
narrowing overwidth stream segments and re-working depositional areas.

Constructing natural instream habitat features that provide for the habitat needs of native and
sport fish species. Instream habitat structures will include boulder clusters with downstream,
random boulder refuge habitat, woody debris, and the use of boulder deflectors to protect existing
vegetation from further erosion.

Stabilizing eroding banks.

Planting native riparian vegetation to provide shade and overhead cover while stabilizing banks.

Objective(s):


1. Restore the St. Vrain to re-establish a viable trout fishery with town limits and beyond.
Establishing a multi-stage stream channel geometry in balance with the current flow regime by
narrowing overwidth stream segments and re-working depositional areas.
Constructing natural instream habitat features that provide for the habitat needs of native and sport
fish species. Instream habitat structures will include boulder clusters with downstream, random
boulder refuge habitat, woody debris, and the use of boulder deflectors to protect existing vegetation
from further erosion.
Stabilizing eroding banks.
Planting native riparian vegetation to provide shade and overhead cover while stabilizing banks.


2. Work collaboratively to restore as much of stream and infrastructure as fiscally possible.
Leverage a variety of grant funds to restore the river, trails, parks, and more.
Cooperatively build a white water park facility that accommodates angling and paddling


Approach (Work Plan): Specific work plan items are outlined in the Objectives section above.
At present only emergency flood mitigation efforts have occurred within section of river in question;
these measures include temporary push-up bank levees to accommodate spring runoff. As part of
these measures, large rock, cobbles, large timber, and root wads will excavated using heavy equipment
and stockpiled for future restoration purposes. Considering the natural evolution of the creek during this
year’s run-off it is difficult to specify exact locations of the proposed in-stream structures; however a
map and visual example of the work is illustrated in Figure 1.
A major component of the work plan seeks to leverage a variety of grants to restore proper function to
the river as well as trails, ballpark, picnic facilities, flood plains and more. The FIF proposed project
compliments conservation efforts being planned and designed by the Town of Lyons, Boulder County,
the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), the Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS), the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The Fishing is Fun dollars will exclusively be applied to river restoration work, while additional
grants, if funded, will focus more on riparian rehabilitation, trail repairs, and other amenities not
immediately tied to angling.
Master planning for the entire St. Vrain Creek watershed is currently underway with Boulder County as
the contractor. Watershed level planning incorporates the stream interests of upstream and downstream
entities through public involvement processes, which gather input, promote collaboration, and guide
communities towards prioritizing stream restoration and rehabilitation projects. As a result, zero dollars
from the FIF grant will be applied to design work rather, all funds will be used for the actual construction
phase.
Given of the uncertainly of available funds the steadfast intention of all entities involved seeks
to, at a minimum, restore sections of stream within the limits of Lyons. Provided additional
funds are available additional work will extend upstream and down on properties owned by
Boulder County, City of Longmont, the United States Forest Service, and others which allow
public access for angling.
White water parks: Besides angling, river kayaking in Lyon’s represents a significant positive economic
component. Many of the white water structures within Meadow Park were destroyed. While CPW has
documented these structures provide little benefit to fisheries the intentions of all stakeholders resolves
to rebuild white water structure in a fashion that will accommodate a healthy fishery in conjunction with
the kayaking community. Rarely has this been attempted, however the opportunity now exists within
Lyon’s to provide the blueprint for a national audience to exhibit positive outcomes can be achieved for
all river users. For example specific elements which will improve fisheries within a white water complex
included proper spacing of plunge pools at a distance of 5-7 stream widths and not using cement or
grout to secure large boulders. While zero FIF dollars will be spent to construct white water structures,
restoration activities within Meadow Park are necessary and will also be completed with cooperation
between fishery and white water engineering groups.
Following the award of all grant monies we will work jointly to select the best contractor for the river
restoration portion of this project. After hosting an on-site meeting, each bidder/contractor will be asked
to incorporate the master plan and implement the construction or “build” phase of the project. The
winning bidder will be chosen collectively by representatives from CPW, the Town of Lyons, the St.
Vrain Chapter of Trout Unlimited, and others stakeholders.
Selection criteria for the winning bid include, but are not limited to:
1. Prior experiencing working in a stream of St.Vrain Creek’s flow magnitude.
2. Amount of detail in each proposal as related to habitat structures.
3. Proven ability to work with other contractors which may focus more on the construction of trails,
parks, and white water structures.
4. The breadth of work that can be completed with the available funding.
Construction will take place between June 1 and October 15, 2015 when flow conditions permit and to
minimize impacts to spawning fish. This timeline is beneficial given that 2 spring run-off sequences will
have occurred prior to construction thereby providing a better blueprint based on natural stream
geomorphology.
Contributing Organizations:
1. Town of Lyons
2. St. Vrain Trout Unlimited
3. Oscar Blues Brewery
4. South Creek Limited
5. Wildland Restoration Volunteers
6. Fly Fishing Film Tour
7. Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Expected Results & Benefits:
1.
Project will restore local populations of native and sportfish by reestablishing suitable aquatic
habitat. With long term results leading to improved reproduction, retention, and growth of trout
species which will in turn increase angler satisfaction.
2. The project will benefit the public by reinstating recreational fishing opportunities for anglers.
3. Aesthetically speaking, the appearance of the creek will also improve significantly through
natural stream sinuosity, pools, use of local rock and timber materials, etc.
4. Economic revitalization to local community via construction jobs and reinstated angler visits.
BREAKDOWN OF LOCAL SHARE
See attached work sheet
PROPOSED WORK SCHEDULE
March 2014: Grant Submittal.
April – June 2014: Completion of Boulder County’s St.Vrain Watershed Master Plan and baseline fish
data collection.
July – October 2014: Development of Town of Lyons Site Specific Planning.
January – February 2014: Competitive bid proposal and contractor selection.
March - May 2015: Complete FIF contract, project planning, and permitting. Select contractor.
June - October 2015: In-stream habitat and bank stabilization work; The “Build” Phase
June - October 2016: Complete any additional construction work.
ANGLER/MOTOR BOAT USE
Present Angler Use: Currently 0 due to closure of Bohn Park. Preflood: 7,300 angler days per year.
Estimated Angler Use after Project Completion: 9,000 angler days per year, promoted sections of
river where habitat improvements have been completed virtually always see a significant increase in
angler use.
Present Motor Boat Use: None
Estimated Motor Boat Use after Project Completion: None
Present Handicapped Angler Use: None
Estimated Handicapped Angler after Project Completion: Minimal
ENGINEERING
Name:
Benjamin Swigle, Aquatic Biologist (CPW), prepared initial concept plans.
Matt Kondratieff, Stream Habitat Biologist (CPW), reviewed initial concept plans.
Tracy Kittell, Engineer (CPW); technical support.
Ultimately a private contractor with exceptional previous experience with in-stream habitat work will be
competitively selected to oversee this project within the context of the Boulder County Master Plan
Qualifications:
Ben, Matt, and Tracy have designed, consulted and built numerous aquatic habitat improvement
projects throughout Colorado.
MAINTENANCE (Responsible Party)
As a condition of the bid process the selected contractor will be required to fix any structures which fail
within 1 year of construction. We do not anticipate additional maintenance for in-stream work following
this period.
Trout Unlimited, Wildland Restoration Volunteers, and other volunteers will provide a site clean-up
project.
PROJECT SITE
Location of Project:
UTM: 477123, 4452642
LAT/LONG: 40 13’ 20”, 105 16’ 13”
Property Owner: Town of Lyons
Legal Instrument: Fee title ownership
MAIN CDOW CONTACT(S)
Name, title, phone number (e.g., District Wildlife Manager, Aquatic Biologist):
1) Benjamin Swigle, Aquatic Biologist [email protected] 970-472-4364
2) Jason Duetsch, District Wildlife Manager, [email protected] 970-472-4471
3) John Koehler, District Wildlife Manager, [email protected] 970-472-4471
4) Larry Rogstad, Area Wildlife Manager, [email protected] 970-472-4461
Attachments:
1. Budget and Breakdown of Local Share.
2. Mapping – to be added
1. Budget and Breakdown of Local Share
Project Element
Provider
Measure
unit
Cost
1 Planning sessions, grant write up
Lyons, TU, Oscar Blues
2.Project Design, Permitting
Local
FIF
50
$20/hour
1,000.00
$1,000.00
$0.00
Contract Bid
fixed
fixed
10,000.00
$5,000.00
$5,000.00
3. Project Management 240hrs@$100/hr
Contract Bid
100
hours
24,000.00
$0.00
$24,000.00
4. Equipment (backhoe 710J)
Town of Lyons
$1,300/week
6 weeks
7,800.00
$7,800.00
$0.00
5. Equipment Rental (excavator w/ thumb 870GLC)
Colorado Machinery
$7,000/week
6 weeks
42,000.00
$0.00
$42,000.00
6. Excavator operator 240hrs@$30/hr
Contract Bid
240
hours
6,000.00
$0.00
$6,000.00
7. Diesel Fuel, equipment delivery, maintenance
Colorado Machinery, Lyons
fixed
fixed
20,700.00
$4,700.00
$16,000.00
8. Misc. Materials (fabric, cable, cobble, stakes)
Contract Bid
fixed
fixed
12,000.00
$5,000.00
$7,000.00
9. Boulders and Transport (4 ft. each, 1 ton each)
Town of Lyons, Local Quarry
100 ton
$70 per ton
7,000.00
$7,000.00
$0.00
10. Coyote Willow
Colorado State Forestry
2,500
1
2,500.00
$2,500.00
$0.00
11. Alder Species (Trees)
Colorado State Forestry
250 trees
$10 each
2,500.00
$2,500.00
$0.00
12. Educational Kiosk and signage
TNT Signs - Aurora
each (3'x2')
3 signs
2,500.00
$2,500.00
$0.00
13. Willow and Tree Planting
TU, WRV
100
hours
2,000.00
$2,000.00
$0.00
14. Site Clean Up
TU, WRV
100
hours
2,000.00
$2,000.00
$0.00
142,000.00
$42,000.00
$100,000.00