HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.0 ApplicationLe Garfield Coulty
Community Development Department
108 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
(970) 945-8212
www.earfield-county.com
LAND USE CHANGE PERMIT
APPLICATION FORM
TYPE OF APPLICATION
III
❑
Administrative Review
Development in 100 -Year Floodplain
•
Limited Impact Review
•
Development in 100 -Year Floodplain Variance
•
Major Impact Review
0
Code Text Amendment
•
Amendments to an Approved LUCP
•
Rezoning
■ LIR ['MIR ■ SUP
• Zone District ■ PUD ■ PUD Amendment
0
Minor Temporary Housing Facility
0
Administrative Interpretation
0
Vacation of a County Road/Public ROW
0
Appeal of Administrative Interpretation
•
Location and Extent Review
0
Areas and Activities of State Interest
•
Comprehensive Plan AmendmeniJ
•
Accommodation Pursuant to Fair Housing Act
•
Pipeline Development
0
Variance
•
Time Extension (also check type of original application)
INVOLVED PARTIES
Owner/Applicant
Name: Steven Mancini Phone: ( 586 ) 739-5210
Mailing Address: 42600 R Mancini Drive
City: Sterling Heights
E-mail: smancini@ric-man.com
State: MI Zip Code: 48314
Representative (Authorization Required)
Name: Michael ClaffeyPhone: ( 970 ) 858-1670
Mailing Address: 1371 17 Road
City. Fruita
E-mail: mclaffey@acsol.net
State: CO Zip Code: 81521
PROJECT NAME AND LOCATION
Project Name:
Main Elk Ranch Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project
Assessor's Parcel Number: 2125 024 _ 00 _ 002*
Physical/Street Address: 3132 243 County Road, New Castle, CO 81647
Legal Description: Section: 2 Township: 5 Range: 91 PT OF LOT 1(9.71AC).
SENE EXCEPT THAT PART IN THE N1/2NESENE(5.17AC.). ALL OF SWNE, NESW NWSE.
Zone District: Rural Property Size (acres): 164.54
*See Page 3 for additional location information
SECT DESCRIPTION
Existing Use: The land is currently used for normal ranching and grazing operations along Main Elk Creek.
The property has one existing home and shop buildings.
Proposed Use (From Use Table 3-403): Agriculture
Description of Project: The landowner is seeking approval to restore and improve fishery habitat over approximately 1 mile
of Main Elk Creek through the properties listed aboved. The channel has been degraded by historic grazing and a recent major flow event
This work will restore the creek channel to a natural condition, Improve aquatic and riparian habitat and improve the fishery by removal
of berms, check structures, flattening of bank slopes, and the utilization of riffle and pools.
This work will cause a net removal of material causing a reduction in floodplain extent and elevations as they currently exist.
REQUEST FOIA WAIVERS
Submission Requirements
O The Applicant requesting a Waiver of Submission Requirements per Section 4-202. List:
Section: 0. Floodplain Analysis Section:
Section: Section:
Waiver of Standards
D The Applicant is requesting a Waiver of Standards per Section 4-118. List:
Section: Section:
Section: Section:
I have read the statements above and have provided the required attached information which is
correct and accye to the best of my knowledge.
8 - ZZ- (�
Signaturo6f Property Owner Date
OFFICIAL USE ONLY
File Number: - Fee Paid: $
ARQlECT.j1IAME AND.LOCATION_
Project Name:
Main Elk Ranch Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project
Assessor's Parcel Number: 2125 _ 021 00 188
Physical/Street Address: TBD, New Castle, CO
Legal Description:
Section: 2 Township: 5 Range: 91 A TR OF LAND IN SEC 35 AND 36, 491
AND SEC 1 & 2 OF 5-91, BEINGA PT OF THAT TR AS MSC iii; EK 351 PG 230 CONT 39.741 AC.
Zone District: Rural
Property Sze (acres): 39.741
i?IOil~CT tR
Project Name:
Main Elk Ranch Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project
Assessor's Parcel Number: 2125 021 00 100
Physlcal/Street Address: TBD, New Castle, CO
Legal Description: Section: 1 Township; 5 Range: 91 LOT 4 EXCEPT THAT PT OF A TR CONT 1.80 AC.
Zone District: Rural
Property Size (acres): 38.27
C')Lo
gWEft
ENGINE RING
INCORPORATV)
August 17, 2017
Mr. Glenn Hartmann
Floodplain Administrator
Building and Planning, Garfield County
108 Eighth Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601
Email: ghartmann@garfield-county.com
RE: Floodplain Permit Request -- Main Elk Creek Ranch (MECR) — Stream Restoration &
Stabilization Project.
Dear Mr. Hartmann:
Colorado River Engineering, Inc. (CRE) has reviewed the proposed stream restoration plans
prepared for Main Elk Creek Ranch as outlined in the attached Report entitled "MAIN ELK CREEK
RANCH AQUATIC HABITAT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, SPK -2017-00295, Main Elk Creek, Garfield
County, Regional General Permit 12 Application, August 8, 2017". The report was prepared by Five
Rivers, Inc. and Claffey Ecological Consulting Inc. as part of a permit application to the US Army
Corps of Engineers. The stream improvements will occur along a 6,200 -foot reach of Main Elk Creek
located approximately 6.5 miles northwest of the Town of New Castle. The improvements are
located within three parcels owned by the Ranch (PIN's 2125-021-00-188, 2125-012-00-100 and
2125-024-00-002). One home and several shop buildings exist on parcel 2125-024-00-002; they are
elevated above any flood hazard area.
The project location is not within the Garfield County Floodplain Overlay Zone District. In other
words, it is outside of a FEMA mapped "Flood Insurance Rate Map" or other past studies
completed in Garfield County. However, Section 3-102.A.2.b. of the Garfield County Land Use
Development Code (LUDC) identifies the need to regulate "development" in unmapped areas.
Research of the definition in Section 15 of the LUDC indicates that the stream restoration project
could be covered under the terminology of "development" and therefore, MECR proposes to seek a
floodplain permit approval from GARCO.
The project improvements outlined in the attached report will restore and stabilize the creek
channel and banks. CRE has worked with Five Rivers, Inc. and Claffey Ecological Consulting, Inc on
similar projects and have observed that construction techniques utilized are very effective. Past
projects have shown substantial improvements to the aquatic habitat and floodplain corridor. It is
our opinion that a detailed hydraulic analysis for this project is not needed or warranted because
there is not any proposed development related to housing or other improvements that require the
determination of base flood elevations. The project proposes to have a net removal of river
materials from within the floodplain areas. This, combined with removal of berms, check
structures, flattening of bank slopes, and the utilization of riffle and pools will cause a reduction in
floodplain extent and elevations as they currently exist. It is our opinion that the proposed project
meets the purpose of the floodplain overlay requirements as identified in Section 3-102.A of the
P.O. Box 1301 • Rifle, CO 81650 • Tel. 970-625-4933
COLO1DQ
ENGINEERING
1KCORPORATI0
Garfield County LUDC. In our opinion, the project will improve the floodplain corridor through the
property as well as have a net improvement to the water quality and aquatic habitat.
Table 3-301 of the LUDC identifies that bank restoration and stabilization are permitted uses within
the floodway and floodplain. Based on our review we believe the proposed work falls under an
administrative review and on behalf of Main Elk Creek Ranch LLC request approval of the permit
application
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at 970-625-4933.
Christopher Manera, P.E.
CM:cm
2017-8-17 CRE Itr to CARCO
P.Q. Box 1301 • Rifle, CO 81650 • Tel. 970-625-4933
2
Claffey Ecological Consulting, Inc.
&
Five Rivers, Inc
MAIN ELK CREEK RANCH
AQUATIC HABITAT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
SPK -2017-00295
Main Elk Creek, Garfield County
Regional General Permit 12 Application
AUGUST 8, 2017
Prepared on behalf of:
Main Elk Creek Ranch LLC
Submitted to:
Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District
Western Colorado Regulatory Section
970-640-3783
mclaffey@acsol.net
Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project
Meadow Creek Ranch
I. Introduction
Main Elk Creek Ranch proposes a creek restoration and fishery habitat improvement project on
Main Elk Creek, near New Castle, Colorado. Mr. Steve Mancini purchased the property in the
fall of 2016, and retained Claffey Ecological and Five Rivers Inc to review the creek and develop
a creek restoration plan, which we completed in the spring and early summer of 2017. The creek
channel and adjacent riparian communities have been impacted by historic grazing and a recent
major flow event combined with upstream channel work, and work in the creek by previous
property owners.
The applicant will continue ranching operations, and build a home on the property. Mr. Mancini
wishes to restore the creek channel to a natural condition, improve aquatic and riparian habitats,
and improve the fishery. The ranch includes approximately 1 mile of Main Elk Creek.
We have submitted an application for a separate property, Meadow Creek Ranch, that adjoins
this ranch downstream, and that work is similar.
We request authorization of this project under Regional General Permit 12. We met with
Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Aquatic Biologist Ben Felt on July 28 to review the project, and
have provided him a copy of this application. We hope to have the letter from CPW to you
shortly. Five Rivers hopes to start the project in late August of this year and complete the work
the work this fall. The client may not complete the work in Reach 2 described below in 2017.
II. Applicant
Mr. Steve Mancini
Main Elk Creek Ranch 42600 R. Mancini Drive, Sterling Heights,
Michigan 48314
Phone - (586) 739-5210
Fax - (586) 739-8290
E-mail: smancini@ric-man.com
II. Project Area Description
Sections 1 and 2, Township 5 South, Range 91 West, of the 6th principal meridian, Garfield
County, Colorado
Downstream Limit: 39.639961, -107.574360
Upstream Limit: 39.650420, -107.561404
The project area is located at 6000 to about 6100 feet above msl in Garfield County
approximately 4 miles NW of Newcastle, Colorado. Elk Creek is a primary tributary of the
Colorado River, and drains the south side of the Flat Tops including Clinetop Mesa and Deep
Creek Point (See quad Copy attached). Between the higher elevations of the Flat tops and the
project area, Main Elk Creek flows through a steep narrow limestone gorge or canyon. The creek
leaves the canyon approximately 2.5 miles upstream of the project area. The ranch includes
approximately 1 mile of stream corridor. BLM lands adjoin the ranch on the east and west, and
Meadow Creek Ranch adjoins the southern or downstream boundary. Upstream is a private land
owner. Land use in the project area is primarily agricultural. Upstream of Main Elk Ranch the
land use changes to small properties and newer homes along the creek channel up to the bridge
1
Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project
Meadow Creek Ranch
for the Clinetop Road. There is a large land holding above that and then public land in the
canyon. Main Elk Creek Ranch has an existing house and shop buildings.
The morphology of the project area is fairly narrow valley with steep hillslopes rising from the
valley floor. The channel is entrenched within the first floodplain terrace and multiple terraces
occupy the valley bottom. In locations the valley floor is irrigated hay meadow and or pasture,
and sagebrush grasslands in areas not irrigated. In narrower sections of the valley bottom is
cottonwood riparian communities mixed with oakbrush. The hillslopes are either oakbrush
communities or pinyon juniper woodlands, interspersed with sagebrush. On Main Elk Creek
Ranch stands of Blue Spruce occur in the riparian areas. Debris flow channels are present
entering the ranch. Wetlands are restricted to riverine systems along the creek channel and are
limited in width in many locations or not present due to eroding banks, and or past rock riprap
work. In the upstream portions of the ranch, a large willow wetland is present in what be an old
channel meander. This system appears to be fed by a diversion from the creek but may be an
older meander.
Water quality appears to be good in this drainage, although we expect that late summer
temperatures are not conducive for trout due to irrigation diversions. The watershed above in the
canyon is limestone (CNHP Garfield County Report), so water chemistry could be very good for
trout fishery. Discussions with Ben Felt the CPW biologists indicates large numbers of brown
trout were sampled downstream of the Ware and Hinds irrigation diversion (several miles
downstream of this property) during the fall of 2016. Trout Unlimited and the state have an
agreement and permits in place to construct a fish bypass through that diversion structure.
Channel Description
The channel is divided into two reaches, Upstream and Downstream using an existing bridge
over the creek as a dividing point. The Upstream Reach is approximately 3,690 linear feet and is
primarily a Rosgen C4 stream. The downstream few hundred feet of Reach 1 may be a Rosgen
B4 stream. Grade control for this reach is a massive debris flow which crossed the entire
channel and created grade control just downstream of the bridge. The debris flow channel
entered the valley bottom form the west. Channel gradient is about 1.5 percent and the channel is
slightly entrenched into the first terrace. The D-50 varies by location but is generally 6-8 inches.
Pools, riffles and point and lateral bars are common features throughout and the streambanks
vary by location. In some locations they are fairly well vegetated, in others they are eroding
soils. Large rock riprap has been used in several locations, and in one concrete blocks line the
bank. One short section of the bank is very old car or truck bodies. Generally pools are not deep
except in a few sections where enough scour is maintained to create pool depth. (refer to Design
Sheets 1-5 for Station numbers).
The channel has high alluvial terraces on the left bank (south) and the abandoned floodplain
terrace on the left bank is elevated well above (20-30 feet) the creek channel in many locations.
The right bank or north is much lower and the channel is generally in contact with the floodplain
except where man-made berms disconnect.
2
Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project
Meadow Creek Ranch
Two of the main elements of this reach are high banks on 2 meanders. The first is at the very
upstream end of the project on the left descending bank (Station 1+00 to 2+00). This bank is a
large vertical loose soil eroding bank (possibly gypsum type of material with a few large
conglomerates) and the channel meanders into this bank and constantly erodes soil during peak
flows. A fairly large major collapse is possible and, at the least, it adds fine sediments that
impact the aquatic environment. The second tall bank starts at Station 19+00 down to Station
22+00. The left descending bank is a high alluvial terrace that was fairly vertical prior to high
water in 2011. The bank eroded severely with approximately 60 feet of bank removed in the
downstream section. We are not sure what caused this erosion but it could have been a large
number of trees lodged against the bank at the downstream end of the meander, or simply a
major channel obstruction (tree) that is no longer present. A floodplain berm just upstream of
this bank on the right descending bank (Station 15+00 to 17+75) likely contributed as it does not
allow flows above a bankfull discharge to reach the large floodplain meadow on the right bank.
We refer to this meander as the big bank. Mr. Mancini intends to build his home on the alluvial
terrace above this bank in an oak brush community and smooth brome sprinkler irrigated hay
field.
The previous property owner repaired the stream bank in this meander using large rock riprap on
the upstream end, and a series of rock vanes (upstream angled). The work remains stable and the
rock vanes have developed riverine wetlands between the vanes. Rock was stacked outside of
OHW between the vanes, and the riprap upstream has an unusual amount of rock above OHW.
Gypsum (?) bank at upstream end- Station 1+00
3
Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project
Meadow Creek Ranch
The big bank (July 2017), looking downstream along riprap, Station 15+00
Downstream of the big bank the channel has excess bedload likely from the 2011 erosion event
and a number of mid channel bars that exacerbate the bank erosion. There are three rock drop
structures (predate 2011 work) in the downstream portions of Reach 1 that have contributed to
the mid channel bars as bedload builds up behind the structures. The drop structures are
collapsing or have filled with bedload on the upstream side.
Reach 2 is downstream of the bridge and is approximately 2,220 linear feet. Reach 2 is Rosgen
B3, and is more deeply entrenched into the floodplain than reach 1. Gradient is steeper at about
2.5 % and steeper in locations, and the substrate is much larger. A D-50 would be about 12-16
inches but the D-84 is 18- 20 plus inches. Meanders are significantly less than upstream and the
creek would not flood the adjacent hay meadows even in a major flood event. Large rock
formations (truck size and larger are common on the left descending bank. The stream banks are
not eroded as they are well armored with large natural rock. The reach is series of pools, short
riffles and runs but the pools are shallow as the flow does not scour the large rock in the pools.
The streambanks are mostly well vegetated with some willow, and cottonwood trees and
saplings. The upstream portions contains oakbrush and Douglas fir on a steep bank with some
blue spruce.
We found a USGS gage station just downstream of the property on Meadow Creek Ranch.
The gage is no longer active and appears to have recorded only from 1991 to 1998. I checked
with USGS for additional data and none was available. The table below shows peak flows from
that time period with more than 1,300 cfs recorded in high water of 1997, and two other high
flows about 1,200 cfs in 1993 and 1995.
4
Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project
Meadow Creek Ranch
ZUSGS
USS 09086470 MAIN ELK CREEK NEAR NEW CASTLE, CO.
1300
a)
a)
1200
u
= 1100
C
1000
k IDC
O 4
t. D 900
E Va
na
0 L
. 800
to
0 700
L.
r -I
7 600
C
C
2
500
0
0
0
0
0
-
0
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
IV. Purpose and Need
The purpose and need of the project is to improve aquatic habitat in Main Elk Creek and stabilize
the stream channel in Reach 1, and improve habitat for adult fish in Reach 2. The creek has been
impacted by agricultural activities over the years including work upstream of the property, and
lacks suitable habitat components for good fishery. We have observed some fish in the channel
in mid march, but a recent walk through with CPW fisheries biologist observed very few adults,
although we did observe this year's fry. The fishery and aquatic ecosystem are impacted by
irrigation diversions which create low flows in late July through mid September, raising water
temperatures. Increasing pool depth overall, and maintaining scour in those pools with
constructed or enhanced riffles will help with this impact. Narrowing the channel with lateral
bars will restore a better width depth ratio. In the recent past the property was managed better
than historically and excess grazing was not an issue, however the previous owners completed
some bank armoring that needs correction to improve aquatic habitat, and large rock drop
structures that need to be converted to riffles.
Reach 1 has also been affected by the bank erosion in the reach and in -stream channel work
upstream, with ongoing excess sediment deposition from gypsum bank at the upstream end of
the ranch. Mid channel bars have formed creating over wide channels in some locations and the
bars also exacerbate further bank erosion. Three rock drop structures in the downstream portion
of Reach 1 have deteriorated and have filled with bedload upstream creating a 60-70 foot wide
channel that is a few inches deep in mid July. In various locations in Reach 1, streambanks will
5
Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project
Meadow Creek Ranch
be restored: by removing large rock and or concrete blocks, or old car/truck bodies, and in some
locations repairing actively eroding banks. The channel lacks depths in most pools and riffles are
not formed enough to maintain scour. Mid channel bars will be removed and lateral bars
established to decrease width/depth ratios.
Reach 2 is a much steeper gradient and impacts from upstream work and massive bank failures
are not as apparent except in pools and in a few over wide sections. The pools are shallow and
The channel and existing riffles do not appear to have power to maintain scour and pool depth.
The project uses natural channel design and techniques Five Rivers and others have employed
throughout the west. Natural functioning riffles are used to control grade and maintain scour in
pools excavated in the correct locations. Pools provide adult habitat in winter and in summer
low flows, a temperature refuge. The riffles and the constructed lateral bars help to narrow the
channel in locations to improve the width/depth ratio. Eroded stream banks are stabilized and
revegetated with several bio -engineering techniques. A series of log jams, similar to those
present, are created to provide scour points and pool depth, protect eroded banks, add large
woody debris and provide juvenile refuge habitat.
V. Proposed Work and Design
The proposed stream work plan view is shown on Sheets 1-5, and the details (typical x -sections
and profiles) shown on the 3 additional Figures 1-2. Channel survey from Bookcliff Survey was
completed in May, and the cross-sections can be provided. That survey will be used by an
engineer to work with County on floodplain management issues.
The excavation and fill quantities by stream station shown by station, and per habitat type are
included in Appendix A. The pools are shown in blue and the cubic yards for pools is all
excavation. Riffle, and lateral bars, bank toes and coir banks features are where there are
discharges of material below ordinary high water. That material is generally river cobble
excavated at the pool sites. In total 26,310 square feet of channel area would be filled (0.60 acre)
would be filled with about 1,370 cubic yards of material. Note, Appendix A does not include
110 cubic yards of large rock (2-3 foot diameter) used as riprap on the 220 feet of loose soil bank
at Station 1+00. Approximately 1,261 cubic yards of material would be excavated from the
channel at pool sites, and reused in riffles, lateral bars and coir banks. No large rock is added to
the channel but existing large rock in drop structures is lowered into the substrate.
Five Rivers Inc has developed the proposed plans (attached) for this project, and Claffey
Ecological has assisted in the field work for design. Matt Weaver of Five Rivers has extensive
experience in cobble bed river restoration projects in Colorado, Montana, Wyoming and New
Mexico implementing those projects in the field. Mr. Weaver and/or Mr. Michael Claffey will
be on site during all phases of construction, and heavy equipment operators experienced with
river restoration will be completing the work in channel.
All work proposed is below ordinary high water of Main Elk Creek, with the exception of few
spots where we would slope back eroded stream banks. There is no proposed discharge of dredge
or fill material in wetlands. We do not provide a delineation of OHW as all work proposed is
below ordinary high water, and acreages and cubic yards discharged shown in Appendix B are
6
Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project
Meadow Creek Ranch
all below ordinary high water of the stream. In a few areas, we slope back a vertical stream bank
that would not be below ordinary high water, and the cobble harvest area is in uplands. We also
remove a cobble dike in Reach 3 which is above OHW. The entire project area is a series of riffle
and pool complexes, albeit not stable.
Overall design elements: The project will create stability and improve trout habitat by creating
a series of riffles, pools, and lateral bars in channel and stabilizing eroding stream banks with
bio -engineering techniques. Large rock structures are not proposed, and the in -stream work is
basically " actual manipulation of the active channel itself in an effort to improve fish habitat"
(from GP 12 Scope of Work). In this case, the design also attempts to narrow the channel where
it is overwide, but also to create better habitat for the late summer low flow conditions created by
irrigation withdraws. In addition, bio -engineering techniques are used to restore eroding
streambanks, and on this project selective replacement and modifications to one large rock riprap
bank completed the previous owners.
Riffles are natural features that provide grade control in a stream, and help scour pools.
Five Rivers creates riffles at grade and excavates the pool downstream to create scour points.
The riffles are constructed at the appropriate length, width and grade to remain stable, however,
they do move — growing and eroding over time as the channel changes. Riffle are generally
constructed with the largest cobble available (D84). Riffles are riffle grade breaks that help
maintain water surface elevation upstream as well prevent downcutting.
Pools create adult habitat for overwintering and general, but in this case also provide for refuge
areas during late summer low flows. Pools are excavated to 3 to 4 feet depths at summer flows.
The lateral bars help to reduce overall width in areas where the width -depth ration is off due to
mid channel bars and bank erosion. The proposed work of returning the channel to natural
configuration of pools, riffles and lateral bars, and the appropriate width will help maintain
stability by moving bedload through a reach and/or trapping it on lateral bars as a stable channel
would function. The riffles and lateral bars are low profile, developing a narrower channel at
low flow conditions but leaving plenty of channel capacity for high flow events.
Bank erosion is treated with two techniques — bank sloping/cobble toe and a coir lift. Coir banks
(Figure 1) are soil encapsulated lifts constructed with coir fabric (Bio D 90) and supported with a
large cobble substrate to prevent scour. The coir lifts are filled with cobble and soil, seeded and
under -planted with willows. The containerized willows are placed between the cobble toe and
the first coir lift. The lift is anchored into an anchor trench on the end away from the channel.
Weaver has extensive experience in stalling these bio -engineered banks, and the coir is anchored
into the upland edge in a trench, with willows planted under the fabric as shown. The bank is
built out in the channel to help narrow the channel a little in these sections (where needed), and
the vertical banks are sloped bank, topsoiled seeded and covered with erosion control fabric.
Bank sloping (Figure 2) is used in areas with lower stream velocities, and involves excavating
back the vertical bank and building a toe of bank with 6 to 12 inch stream cobble embedded into
the channel for scour protection. Containerized willows and some transplants are installed above
the cobble toe, and the slope of the bank topsoiled, seeded and covered with erosion control
fabric.
7
Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project
Meadow Creek Ranch
Due to excess bedload deposited from bank erosion and events upstream, there will be a net
excavation or removal of material. Any material removed is hauled to an upland site on the
upper alluvial terrace where the Mancini's intend to build a home. It will be used as driveway
material or fill. Any material removed will be placed in uplands, and often the material is placed
temporarily and used as cobble toe protection for bank restoration or in riffle grade breaks
On Sheets 1-5 all work in Blue is done by the stream restoration contractors, and work in red is
done by the ranch manager with a ranch track hoe as it generally involve normal excavation
work, and not forming stream habitat features. Five Rivers will manage all work. Left bank is
left descending bank and right bank is right descending.
Work Description
Reach 1
Starting at 1+00, a large rock riprap would be placed at toe of eroding hillside to prevent further
erosion. In addition, a large amount of bedload has dropped out in this reach over the years as
the bank erodes and the channel is wider. That material has formed a high and over wide lateral
bar. In addition, the previous owners left a pile of cobble on the bar that intended to place
against the eroding bank (they apparently placed cobble there every so often as it simply eroded
away). The lateral bar would be excavated to increase cross-section in this area, and the material
hauled off, creating a more appropriate slope on the bar. Just downstream of this at Station 4+00
plus or minus we construct a lateral bar on the left descending bank to narrow this overwide
channel section. We also remove concrete blocks used for bank protection on the left bank, and
lower the riffle crest approximately 1 foot in elevation and reconstruct as a natural riffle of the
same length. The height of the riffle is adjusted to match the constructed lateral bar and reduce
erosion against the left bank.
From Station 5+00 to 7+00 is a series of riffles and two pools. At Station 7+00 to 8+50 we
remove the diversion and ditch in the channel and build a run. From 7+00 to 9+00 on the right
bank (RDB) the upstream section is a cobble toe and willow planting. At the downstream end
we remove a concrete block stream bank and build a soil encapsulated lift. Between 9+00 and
10+00 is an exisitgn ford of the creek, no work is proposed. From 10+50 down to about 14+00
is a series of riffles and pools with a lateral bar constructed to narrow the channel. At 14+00 we
propose to stabilize a headcut developing where a tributary enters Main Elk Creek with about 20
cubic yards of large angular rock. The rock is anchored into the bed of the tributary to prevent
further channel incision.
From 15+00 down to 18+00 we remove three partial car bodies from the bank, construct three
small riffles and three pools. From 18+25 down to about 22+00 is the big bank that eroded
severely in 2011. As described above, the previous owner did some large rock riprap and
constructed upstream pointing jetties or rock barbs to repair the bank. This work was done
between August 2011 and June 2014 by the ranch manager, and as far as we know, a 404 permit
was not obtained. We plan to leave the rock barbs in place but lower the overall height (remove
a few rocks) to improve the appearance, but they seem to be functioning well. At the upstream
end of this reach a riffle and pool are constructed, and then an existing riffle is re -enforced at
19+50. The sandstone riprap bank is very high along the left bank and extends for about 320
linear feet. Five Rivers will selectively remove rocks up high that serve no erosion protection
8
Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project
Meadow Creek Ranch
purpose, and replace rocks along the channel with more natural river rock. There would not be a
net fill of material but removal and replacement of rock. At the downstream end, an exisitgn
riffle is re -enforced to help maintain scour in the pool excavated downstream.
In addition, between station 19+00 and 22+00, the applicant will slope back the big bank to
reduce the slope to a more stable angle. All of this work is in uplands and is 30-40 feet higher
than the river at the top and would extend to no closer than 15 feet above the river at the lower
end. It is not part of the river project, and has no direct value to the aquatic enhancement project
except long term prevention of a major soil collapse into the creek, if the bank ever erodes again.
At the downstream end, an exisitgn riffle is re -enforced to help maintain scour in the pool
excavated downstream.
From Station 23+00 to 25+00 a soil encapsulated coir left is constructed on the right bank to
repair eroded banks and remove large rock riprap. A riffle and pool are constructed as well in
this reach. From 25+00 down to 26+50 a cobble toe and willow plantings are used on the eroded
bank, and riffle and pool constructed. From 26+50 downstream to about 38+00 a series of
pools, riffle grade breaks and lateral bars are constructed to improve habitat conditions and
reduce the width of the channel. At 30+25 and 31+75 the two large rock drop structures is
converted to a riffle grade break by lowering the large rock into the bed and adding cobble. At
33+00 to 34+00 the eroding stream bank is repaired using a soil encapsulated lift, and floodplain
berm is removed at about 34+75 to 35+25.
At station 38+00 to 39+50 tow large rock drop structures are rebuilt and lowered to function as
riffles and two pools excavated.
Reach 2
For Reach 2 the work proposed is a series of riffle grade breaks constructed or re -enforcing
exisitgn riffles, pools excavated for late summer and winter habitat, and two lateral bars
constructed at the downstream end of the project to narrow an over wide section. Plan sheets 4
and 5 describe the work in detail.
VI. Terms and General Conditions
Item 5 of information required includes pre -project photos at fixed GPS points depicting the
physical setting to be compared with post project photos. These pre- project photos are included
with GPS location, and bearing. Photos will be submitted from the same points and bearing with
each monitoring report. A representative selection of riffles, pools and lateral bar work areas
will be selected within each reach, and most of the bank restoration sites.
The project has or will comply with the 30 general conditions of RGP 12. Endangered Species
Act and Section 106 are discussed below as well as sediment control during construction.
Endangered Species Act: I did a search on the US Fish and Wildlife Services' web site for
listed species and their habitat in Garfield County and then specifically the project area. The
project area is listed as potential habitat for Ute Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis), and
9
Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project
Meadow Creek Ranch
further checking with Ecological Services Grand Junction office (Dara Taylor, personal
communication June 2017) revealed the project area was in the Section 7 survey area for
Spiranthes. Ms. Taylor indicated I could provide a rationale for why surveys for this plant
should not be required, and they would consider that rationale. On July 3, 2017 I submitted a
letter report to Ms. Anne Timberman of the Ecological Service office providing a rationale of
why surveys were not required for this species and copied Mr. Travis Morse of the Western
Colorado Regulatory. The letter briefly described the project area and the restoration project,
and explained that no proposed work would occur in possible habitat for this species. The FWS
responded on July 7 by email from Dara Taylor that Spiranthes surveys would not be required,
and they copied Mr. Morse on that email (copy enclosed).
No other listed or candidate species occur in the project area or whose habitat would be affected
by the project.
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act: It does not appear that any cultural
resource sites would be affected by the project. To facilitate review for the Corps we have
requested a Class 1 Files Search through Metcalf Archaeology of the river corridor in the project
area (including Main Elk Creek Ranch upstream). That report is included in Appendix B.
The project area is an active fluvial environment and little if any cultural resources could last
within the active channel where we propose work. We did not notice any cultural features
during the field work for this project, and none were located by Metcalf.
Sediment Control: Work in the river will generate sediment which is unavoidable.
The contractors will employ techniques to reduce sediment plumes, although work of this nature
has occurred in many miles of stream son the western slope with little if any measurable
sediment impacts downstream. Wheeled vehicles such as trucks and front end loaders will not
work in the river. It is expected only one tracked excavator will be working in the channel.
If sediment plume becomes excessive, more than the creek flow can dissipate in several hundred
feet, the work will stop for a duration of time to allow for absorption of the sediment. In the past
that has been anywhere from 10 minutes to 1/2 hour. We do not expect major problems as there
are very few clays or fine particle soils in the area, and the substrate is small to large cobble.
In addition, irrigation diversions that the ranch controls will be kept to a minimum or cease while
the river work is underway to keep flows high. If necessary the irrigators will irrigate in the
evening and night when river work ceases.
Bank restoration work by its nature can generate sediment as often the cobble and gravels have
been stripped away by the erosion events, and only soil is being worked. As bank work is
completed, small cobble coffer dams can be placed at the upstream end to deflect flows away
from the bank while the major excavation work is underway. Those coffer dams are then moved
downstream as needed, and incorporated into the next feature when the bank work is completed.
Monitoring Reports: A construction report will be submitted in the fall of 2017 after the
project is complete including site photographs of construction techniques, and the same photo
points at GPS locations as the pre -project photos with a brief description of the site conditions.
A monitoring report will be submitted after high water in the first year after construction (2018)
to include all photo points submitted with pre -project photos, and include a brief description of
10
Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project
Meadow Creek Ranch
site depicted. A second monitoring report would be submitted after high water 3 years (2020)
after construction using the same photo points and a description.
VII Conclusion
The proposed project will improve aquatic habitats in this reach of Main Elk Creek, and restore
eroding streambanks and repair some of the exisitgn large rock work completed. The stream will
be stabilized with the proposed bank restoration and developing stable riffle, pool and lateral
bars, and having the channel width back to an appropriate width, and width/depth ratio.
Mr. Mancini does not plan to graze cows or sheep and horses are kept in fenced corrals.
We request Regional General Permit 12 authorization for the proposed work, and to authorize
and maintain some of the work as described above installed by the previous owner.
11
Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project
Meadow Creek Ranch
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SCALE 1:24000
1 MILE
1000 YARDS
I
1 KILOMETER
Name: DEEP CREEK POINT
Date: 08/08/17
Scale: 1 inch = 2,000 ft.
Location: 039 39' 08.26" N 107° 33' 47.24" W
Copynghf (C) 2009 M1A2rop0
12
Appendix A
Excavation and fill quantities.
MAIN ELK CREEK RANCH
ESTIMATED FILL VOLUMES/AREAS
rSTREAM
STATION
LENGTH WIDTH VOLUME
FT. FT. YDS
AREA
SQ. FT.
AREA
ACRES
0+50 to 2+75
Construct Riparian Bench
225
15
250.00
2700
0.06
Lower Lateral Bar
225
25
208.33
4500
0.10
3+75 to 4+60
Lower Riffle
85
20
62.96
1020
0.02
Construct Lateral Bar
90
20
40.00
1080
0.02
4+60 to 5+20
Fill Lateral Bar
60
15
20.00
540
0.01
5+15 to 6+30
Pool
65
25
60.19
975
0.02
Riffle
30
20
15.00
600
0.01
Lateral Bar
75
15
60.19
675
0.02
6+60 to 7+40
Pool
65
25
60.19
975
0.02
Riffle
30
25
10.00
750
0.02
7+00 to 9+00
Cobble Toe
90
5
33.33
450
0.10
Coir Bank
110
5
40.74
550
0.12
10+50 to 11+40
Pool
65
20
48.15
780
0.02
Riffle
30
20
10.00
600
0.01
11+75 to 12+90
Pool
45
15
25.00
405
0.01
Riffle
30
20
8.00
600
0.01
13+40 to 14+90
Pool
45
20
33.33
540
0.01
Riffle
30
15
8.00
450
0.01
15+50 to 17+40
3 Pools
90
12
40.00
648
0.01
3 Riffles
20
10
15.00
200
0.00
18+10 to 19+75
Pool
50
20
37.04
600
0.01
Riffle
30
20
15.00
600
0.01
22+90 to 25+20
Coir Bank
230
5
85.19
1150
0.25
23+40 to 24+00
Pool
45
20
33.33
540
0.01
Riffle
30
20
10.00
600
0.01
25+15 to 26+30
Cobble Toe
115
5
42.59
575
0.13
Pool
60
20
44.44
720
0.02
Riffle
20
30
10.00
600
0.01
MAIN ELK CREEK RANCH
ESTIMATED FILL VOLUMES/AREAS
STREAM
LENGTH
WIDTH
VOLUME
AREA
AREA
STATION
FT.
FT.
YDS
SQ. FT.
ACRES
26+70 to 27+50
Pool
55
25
50.93
825
0.02
Coir Bank
80
5
29.63
400
0.09
Riffle
30
30
10.00
900
0.02
28+75 to 29+50
Pool
30
15
16.67
270
0.01
Riffle
30
20
10.00
600
0.01
30+20 to 31+50
Pool
45
15
25.00
405
0.01
Riffle
30
20
10.00
600
0.01
Lateral Bar
65
15
25.00
585
0.01
31+90 to 32+80
3 Pools
60
12
26.67
432
0.01
33+20 to 34+10
Pool
55
20
40.74
660
0.01
Coir Bank
80
5
29.63
400
0.09
Lateral Bar
65
15
40.74
585
0.01
34+20 to 35+30
Pool
55
20
40.74
660
0.01
Riffle
20
20
10.00
400
0.01
Lateral Bar
65
15
40.74
585
0.01
36+00 to 37+20
Pool
30
20
22.22
360
0.01
Riffle
20
30
10.00
600
0.01
Lateral Bar
55
15
22.22
495
0.01
37+60 to 37+95
Pool
35
20
25.93
420
0.01
38+30 to 38+75
Pool
35
20
25.93
420
0.01
39+10 to 39+40
Pool
30
20
22.22
360
0.01
41+80 to 42+30
Pool
35
15
19.44
315
0.01
Riffle
20
20
19.44
400
0.01
43+00 to 44+60
4 Pools
60
15
33.33
540
0.01
4 Riffles
50
15
33.33
750
0.02
45+50 to 46+90
Pool
40
20
29.63
480
0.01
Riffle
30
20
29.63
600
0.01
46+60 to 47+50
Pool
55
20
40.74
660
0.02
Lateral Bar
40
10
20.00
240
0.05
MAIN ELK CREEK RANCH
ESTIMATED FILL VOLUMES/AREAS
STREAM
LENGTH
WIDTH
VOLUME
AREA
AREA
STATION
FT.
FT.
YDS
SQ. FT.
ACRES
47+90 to 48+50
Pool
45
20
33.33
540
0.01
Riffle
20
15
10.00
300
0.01
Lateral Bar
30
15
15.00
270
0.01
50+20 to 50+70
Pool
35
20
25.93
420
0.01
Riffle
20
15
10.00
300
0.01
52+20 to 53+80
Pool
40
20
29.63
480
0.01
Riffle
30
10
10.00
300
0.01
54+20 to 55+50
Pool
45
25
41.67
675
0.02
Riffle
30
20
15.00
600
0.01
56+40 to 56+80
Pool
25
15
13.89
225
0.01
Riffle
30
10
8.00
300
0.01
57+20 to 57 +50
Pool
25
15
13.89
225
0.01
Riffle
30
15
8.00
450
0.01
57+90 to 58+30
Pool
20
15
11.11
180
0.00
Riffle
30
15
8.00
450
0.01
58+80 to 59+20
Pool
20
15
11.11
180
0.01
Riffle
30
15
8.00
450
0.01
59+50 to 60+40
Pool
35
20
25.93
420
0.01
Riffle
30
15
10.00
450
0.01
Lateral Bar
70
15
25.93
630
0.01
60+80 to 61+60
Pool
30
20
22.22
360
0.01
Riffle
30
15
8.00
450
0.01
Lateral Bar
50
20
22.22
600
0.01
61+60 to 62+90
Pool
30
20
22.22
360
0.01
Riffle
30
10
8.00
300
0.01
MAIN ELK CREEK RANCH
ESTIMATED FILL VOLUMES/AREAS
Pool Excavation & Lower Lateral Bar
Excavated Volume - Yds.
Area - Sq. Ft.
Area - Acres
Lateral Bar Construction
Volume Placed Yds.
Area - Sq. Ft.
Area - Acres
Place Cobble in Riffle
Volume Placed Yds
Area - Sq. Ft.
Area - Acres
1261.11
21555.00
0.49
332.04
6285.00
0.14
366.41
13800.00
0.32
Coir Fabric Banks & Riparin Bench
Volume Placed - Yds
Area - Sq. Ft.
Area - Acres
435.19
5200.00
0.12
Bank Repair - Cobble Toe Placement
Cobble Toe Volume - Yds 75.93
Cobble Toe Area - Sq. Ft. 1025.00
Cobble Toe Area - Acres 0.02
TOTAL FILL VOLUME -YDS.
TOTAL FILL AREA -SQ. FT.
TOTAL FILL AREA -ACRES
1209.56
26310.00
0.60
MAIN ELK CREEK RANCH
FISHERIES HABITAT IMPROVEMENT
DRAWING 1 - STA. 0+00 to 14+00
Excavate lateral bar on right descending
bank to increase cross-sectional area of
the channel. Haul material to fill area or
use as road base.
1
Excavate 50' long, 25' wide and 4'
deep pool and place material to fill
x abandoned diversion ditch.
Excavate 65' long, 25' wide and
4' deep pool and place material
to form adjacent lateral bar.
Place large cobble on toe
of 4' high eroding bank
and plant with willows.
Reduce riffle crest height 1' by
excavating riffle material.
Reform to function and appear
as natural riffle. Haul material
to fill area or use as road base.
Remove concrete blocks
along 2' high bank.
••'447 ef
Construct high bank using coir
fabric encapsulated soil lifts.
Incorporate 10 cubic yards
of 6 to 12" cobble into
existing riffle to construct
stable riffle grade break.
Incorporate 10 cubic yards
of 6 to 12" cobble into
existing riffle to construct
stable riffle grade break.
Place approximately 150
cubic yards of large rock
as rip rap along toe of
220' of vertical eroding
hillside.
Construct lateral bar
using 30 cubic yards
of 6-12" cobble.
Incorporate 8 cubic yards
of 6 to 12" cobble into
existing riffle to construct
stable riffle grade break.
Excavate 45' long, 15' wide and
3' deep pool and place material
to form adjacent lateral bar.
•
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Excavate 45' long,
20' wide and 4'
deep pool. Haul
excavated material
to designated
11 upland fill area.
Remove concrete blocks
used to stabilize eroding
streambank.
Fill abandoned diversion ditch
r
Excavate 65' long, 20' wide and 4'
deep pool. Haul excavated material
to designated upland fill area.
•
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Incorporate 8 cubic yards
of 6 to 12" cobble into
existing riffle to construct
stable riffle grade break.
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MAIN ELK CREEK RANCH
STREAM DESIGN DRAWING 1
DATE: 3/30/2017
DRAWN BY: Matt Weaver
SCALE 1" = 75'
89.0 C/
utit 73(x, 711710IT8
X06.2 9. /970
N
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MAIN ELK CREEK RANCH
FISHERIES HABITAT IMPROVEMENT
DRAWING 2 - STA. 14+00 to 25+00
� r
•
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.11
Place approximately 20 cubic yards
of large angular rock at existing 8'
high headcut where tributary enters
Main Elk Creek floodplain.
Place 10 cubic yards of Targe angular rock
along vertically eroding 5' high stream bank
to protect mature trees downstream of
confluence with tributary.
Remove existing 3' high earthen berm on
upper stream bank. Revegetate with native
riparian grass seeding and willow planting.
Excavated material hauled to designated
upland fill area. Also remove 3 partial car
bodies from bank.
Excavate 3 pools and incorporate 6 to 12"
cobble into existing riffles to construct stable
riffle grade breaks. Each riffle grade break
would require 5 cubic yards of large cobble. The
pools would each be 30' long, 12' wide and 3'
deep. Excavated pool material would be hauled
to a designated upland fill area.
•
Incorporate 15 cubic yards
of 6 to 12" cobble into
existing riffle to construct
stable riffle grade break.
Excavate 50' long, 20' wide and 4'
deep pool. Haul excavated material
to designated upland fill area.
.2
Excavate 45' long, 20' wide and 4'
deep pool. Haul excavated material
to designated upland fill area.
Excavate 60' long, 20' wide and 4'
deep pool. Haul excavated material
to designated upland fill area.
•
Repair 4' high eroding stream bank
using coir fabric encapsulated soil
lifts and willow plantings.
Incorporate 10 cubic yards
of 6 to 12" cobble into
existing riffle to construct
stable riffle grade break.
4
Selectively remove a portion of the existing angular
sandstone along 320' of rip rap bank and replace with
more natural appearing rock. Place additional natural
appearing large rock at base of existing rip rap bank.
A
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MAIN ELK CREEK RANCH
STREAM DESIGN DRAWING 2
DATE: 3/30/2017
DRAWN BY: Matt Weaver
SCALE 1" = 75'
89 0C & B. ,4 71978
406.°209.4970
Remove log wing dam.
Incorporate 15 cubic yards
of 6 to 12" cobble into
existing riffle to construct
stable riffle grade break.
Incorporate 15 cubic yards
of 6 to 12" cobble into
existing riffle to construct
stable riffle grade break.
Lower tops of existing barbs to
improve aesthetics. Maintain existing
wetland and riparian vegetation.
40i
ITT
MAIN ELK CREEK RANCH
FISHERIES HABITAT IMPROVEMENT
DRAWING 3 - STA. 25+00 to 38+00
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Existing Burried Diversion Pipe
Incorporate 15 cubic yards of 6 to 12" cobble into
existing riffle to construct stable riffle grade break.
Excavate 60' long, 20' wide and 4'
deep pool. Haul excavated material
to designated upland fill area.
Place Targe cobble on toe
of 4' high eroding bank
and plant with willows.
+rti•7..4•11.
411116
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Incorporate 10 cubic yards
of 6 to 12" cobble into
existing riffle to construct
stable riffle grade break.
Repair 4' high eroding stream bank
using coir fabric encapsulated soil
lifts and willow plantings.
•
Re -build and lower existing
large rock structure to appear
and function as a natural riffle.
IL
Re -build and lower existing
large rock structure to appear
and function as a natural riffle.
Repair 4' high eroding
stream bank using coir
fabric encapsulated soil
lifts and willow plantings.
Excavate 45' long, 15' wide and
3' deep pool and place material
to form adjacent lateral bar.
r +•
Excavate 45' long, 25' wide and
4' deep pool and place material
to form adjacent lateral bar.
cf'
Remove existing 3' high earthen berm on upper
stream bank. Revegetate with native riparian
grass seeding and willow planting. Excavated
material hauled to designated upland fill area.
x —
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Excavate 55' long,
25' wide and 4'
_ ti
deep pool. Haul
excavated material
to designated
upland fill area.
Y
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P i-•�+ 4
Incorporate 10 cubic yards
of 6 to 12" cobble into
existing riffle to construct
stable riffle grade break.
Incorporate 10 cubic yards
of 6 to 12" cobble into
existing riffle to construct
stable riffle grade break.
Excavate 3 small pools
within existing shallow run.
Haul excavated material to
designated upland fill site.
7
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Incorporate 10 cubic yards
of 6 to 12" cobble into
existing riffle to construct
stable riffle grade break.
i
Excavate 55' long, 20' wide and 4'
deep pool. Haul excavated material
to designated upland fill area.
Re -build and lower existing large rock
structure to apperar and function as a
natural riffle. Add 10 cubic yards of 6 to
12" cobble to stabilize riffle grade break.
Excavate 55' long, 20' wide and
4' deep pool and place material
to form adjacent lateral bar.
Re -build and lower existing
large rock structure to appear
and function as a natural riffle.
Excavate 55' long, 20' wide and
4' deep pool and place material
to form adjacent lateral bar.
Incorporate 15 cubic yards of 6 to 12" cobble into
existing riffle to construct stable riffle grade break.
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Excavate 35' long, 20' wide and 4'
deep pool. Haul excavated material
to designated upland fill area.
•
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MAIN ELK CREEK RANCH
STREAM DESIGN DRAWING 3
DATE: 3/30/2017
DRAWN BY: Matt Weaver
SCALE 1" = 75'
89SJ0 Ck/,t4m 7� 7ja emi, /I47.59748
406-20_9.4970
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MAIN ELK CREEK RANCH
FISHERIES HABITAT IMPROVEMENT
DRAWING 4 - STA. 38+00 to 51+00
•f• •
• %pay
i4P• l*APILL ,AL
Re -build and lower existing
Targe rock structure to appear
and function as a natural riffle.
f}rjr .
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Ida
Excavate 35' long, 30' wide and 4'
deep pool. Haul excavated material
to designated upland fill area.
Excavate 30' long, 30' wide and 4'
deep pool. Haul excavated material
to designated upland fill area. teg
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,Ly • l F�~3' r,
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Re -build and lower
existing large rock
structure to appear
and function as a
natural riffle.
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In II
Excavate 40' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool.
Use Targe cobble from pool excavation to
construct riffle down stream.
Incorporate 10 cubic yards
of 6 to 12" cobble into
existing riffle to construct
stable riffle grade break.
Excavate 30' long, 20' wide and 4'
deep pool. Haul excavated material
to designated upland fill area.
Incorporate 10 cubic yards
of 6 to 12" cobble into
existing riffle to construct
stable riffle grade break.
Incorporate 15 cubic yards
of 6 to 12" cobble into
existing riffle to construct
stable riffle grade break.
Excavate 35' long, 20' wide and 4'
deep pool. Haul excavated material
to designated upland fill area.
- f
.11 +:';•
Excavate a series of four small
10 to 20' long, 10 to 15' wide
and 3' deep "pocket" pools in
steep stream section. Use
cobble excavated from pools to
construct riffle grade breaks
down stream of each pool.
Excavate 35' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool.
Use large cobble from pool excavation to
construct riffle down stream.
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•tip,
Excavate 40' long, 20' wide and 4' deep
pool and place approximately half the
excavated material to form adjacent
lateral bar. Haul remaining material to
designated upland fill area.
Excavate 55' long, 20' wide and 4' deep
pool and place approximately half the
excavated material to form adjacent
lateral bar. Haul remaining material to
designated upland fill area.
r+a
Th'ez //to,
MAIN ELK CREEK RANCH
STREAM DESIGN DRAWING 4
DATE: 3/30/2017
DRAWN BY: Matt Weaver
SCALE 1" = 75'
44.
8950 C/a 7<e/7i7T8
406:,20_9.4970
c •,
••• r_ -
w
MAIN ELK CREEK RANCH
FISHERIES HABITAT IMPROVEMENT
DRAWING 5 - STA. 51+00 to 62+00
Excavate 30' long, 20' wide and 4'
deep pool. Haul excavated material
to designated upland fill area.
44.
111..-;, tr. _
dq.r}
Incorporate 10 cubic yards
of 6 to 12" cobble into
existing riffle to construct
stable riffle grade break.
A
• -- ,.
• 4, Excavate 45' long, 25' wide and 4'
deep pool. Haul excavated material
to designated upland fill area.
• wr
Adjust existing natural large
rock to form riffle grade break.
Excavate 25' long, 15' wide and 3'
deep pool. Haul excavated material
to designated upland fill area.
Incorporate 8 cubic yards of
6 to 12" cobble into existing
riffle to construct stable
riffle grade break.
Excavate 20' long, 15' wide and 3'
deep pool. Haul excavated material
to designated upland fill area.
` r - �1 • •'
- r.,i
h±. ` � • - -•
"•1▪ I
•
ICP ".14/..I.
..1' . .
. r
Incorporate 15 cubic yards
of 6 to 12" cobble into
existing riffle to construct
stable riffle grade break.
• r
•• `- - ,
1;1 •
`-
• r 4 r 1
•
Incorporate 8 cubic yards of
6 to 12" cobble into existing
riffle to construct stable
riffle grade break.
Incorporate 8 cubic yards of
6 to 12" cobble into existing
riffle to construct stable
riffle grade break.
Incorporate 8 cubic yards of
6 to 12" cobble into existing
riffle to construct stable
riffle grade break.
'� ..
•r�.
deep pool. Haul excavated material
to designated upland fill area.
Excavate 20' long, 15' wide and 3'
deep pool. Haul excavated material
to designated upland fill area.
Excavate 30' long,
20' wide and 4' deep
pool and place
material to form
adjacent lateral bar.
Excavate 25' long, 20' wide and 3' P
•
a,�' • • - '1 Incorporate 10 cubic yards .' .i
of 6 to 12" cobble into •if lb
existing riffle to construct `.�
stable riffle grade break. 4 1'
• Excavate 35' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool and
lir .eplace material to form adjacent lateral bar. r -
{,+Ai:# r r ,� 44•
aNlY
•
'-LIO'
+r •
.•r
Excavate 30' long, 20' wide and 4'
deep pool. Haul excavated material
to designated upland fill area.
-•
ir:•• .j k , -..
r
_tip' . :m•1.
A J
•
}
r It • }. .
Fit Tees, !i.
MAIN ELK CREEK RANCH
STREAM DESIGN DRAWING 5
DATE: 3/30/2017
DRAWN BY: Matt Weaver
SCALE 1" = 75'
8950 Creat Ba�unaiv, /14759748
406.°209.4970
MAIN ELK CREEK - TYPICAL RIFFLE IMPROVEMENT
EXISTING PROFILE
UPSTREAM DOWNSTREAM
0
BASE FLOW WSE
1
-YY *-1i i •i • • • • • • •
VALLEY FILL SUBSTRATE
SCOUR POINT
7'
5'
5' 10' 15' 20' i5' 30' 35' 40' 45'
Note: The existing streambed consists of gravel/cobble deposited over alluvial valley fill and intermittent sand/clay layers. The valley fill substrate consits
of alternating lenses of sand, cobble, gravel and 0.5 to 2' sub -angular limestone and sandstone fragments in a fine-grained clay/silt matrix.
UPSTREAM
7'7
BASE FLOW WSE
PROPOSED PROFILE
sir %. 6.0 •La Nrir •
•i•i• PPORI GQ1A0-•i . •i
i^i^ILA i^•f•
VALLEY FILL SUBSTRATE
IMBED 6 TO 12" COBBLE TO
HARDENED RIFFLE
SCOUR POINT
DOWNSTREAM
-7'
EXCAVATED POOL
5' 10' 15' 20' 2 5' 30' 35' 40' 45'
Note: Material placed to harden existing riffle would consist of 6" to 12" stream rounded cobble harvested from an upland area. A portion of the
existing gravel/cobble material would be removed at the downstream end of the riffle. The 6-12" cobble would be imbedded into the remaining
native cobble using the tracked excavator. The original elevation of the existing riffle would be maintained.
RIGHT
DESCENDING
BANK
10'-
MAIN ELK CREEK - TYPICAL BANK REPAIR USING COIR LIFT
SOD/SOIL LAYER
EXISTING X -SECTION
BANK FULL WSE
ERODING BANK
BASE FLOW WSE
VALLEY FILL SUBSTRATE
SOD/SOIL LAYER
LEFT
DESCENDING
BAN K
SOIL -ROOT ZONE
45' 40' 35' 30' 25' 20' 15' 10' 5' 0
RIGHT
DESCENDING
BANK
10'
BANK FULL WSE
PROPOSED X -SECTION
PLANT WILLOWS AND
RIPARIAN GRASS SPECIES
IN COBBLE BENCH.
PLACE 6-12" COBBLE TO
FORM A 5' WIDE RIPARIAN
BENCH AT TOE OF BANK.
BASE FLOW WSE
COVER SLOPE WITH BIODEGRADABLE
EROSION BLANKET.
5-8' WIDE COIR ENCLOSED SOIL
LIFT. SEED WITH RIPARIAN
GRASS SPECIES AND PLANT
WILLOWS BETWEEN SOIL LIFT
AND COBBLE.
SLOPE VERTICAL BANK TO AN
APPROXIMATE 2:1 SLOPE AND
COVER WITH TOPSOIL. SEED
WITH RIPARIAN GRASS SPECIES.
VALLEY FILL SUBSTRATE
10'
LEFT
DESCENDING
BANK
SOIL -ROOT ZONE
45' 40' 35' 30' 25' 20' 15' 10' 5' 0
10'
FIG 1
LEFT
DESCENDING
BANK
SOD/SOIL LAYER
7'
0
MAIN ELK CREEK - TYPICAL POOL EXCAVATION SITE
EXISTING X -SECTION
BANK FULL WSE
•
•f•f•f•r.r .
\\moi r•' as,
VALLEY FILL SUBSTRATE
•
STABLE BANK
RIGHT
DESCENDING
BAN K
SOIL -ROOT ZONE
7'
5'
5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30' 35' 40' 45'
Note: The existing streambed consists of gravel/cobble deposited over valley fill and intermittent sand/clay layers. The valley fill substrate consits of
alternating lenses of sand, gravel and 0.5 to 2' sub -angular limestone and sandstone fragments in a fine-grained clay/silt matrix.
LEFT
DESCENDING
BANK
SOD/SOIL LAYER
PROPOSED X -SECTION
BANK FULL WSE
BASE FLOW WSE
STABLE BANK
RIGHT
DESCENDING
BAN K
A'
-7'
SOIL -ROOT ZONE
5'
VALLEY FILL SUBSTRATE
15' 20' 25' 30' 35' 40' 4
Note: The existing gravel and cobble at each pool site would be used to cover the streambed once the excavation was complete. All excess
gravel/cobble would be hauled to an upland fill site or used to construct lateral bars where designated in the design plans.
LEFT
DESCENDING
BANK
10' -
MAIN ELK CREEK - TYPICAL BANK SLOPING SITE
SOD/SOIL LAYER
SOIL -ROOT ZONE
EXISTING X -SECTION
ERODING BANK
BANK FULL WSE
BASE FLOW WSE
1 Lv�lL4 VALLEY FILL SUBSTRATE
RIGHT
DESCENDING
BANK
SOD/SOIL LAYER
.5'
LEFT
DESCENDING
BANK
10'
5' 10' 15 20' 2 5' 30' 3 5' 40' 45'
SOD/SOIL LAYER
SOIL -ROOT ZONE
PROPOSED X -SECTION
SLOPE VERTICAL BANK TO AN
APPROXIMATE 2:1 SLOPE AND
COVER WITH TOPSOIL. SEED WITH
RIPARIAN GRASS SPECIES.
RIGHT
DESCENDING
BAN K
PLANT WILLOWS IN AND
ABOVE COBBLE TOE.
PLACE 6 TO 12" COBBLE SOD/SOIL LAYER
AT TOE OF BANK.
BANK FULL WSE
\Ir BASE FLOW WSE
VALLEY FILL SUBSTRATE
10'
5'
5' 10' 15' 20' 2 5' 30' 35' 40' 45'
FIG 2
FWS response on Ute Ladies' Tresses survey requirements
Claffey Ecological Consulting, Inc.
Wetlands -Streams -Wildlife -404 Permitting -NEPA
July 3, 2017
Ms. Anne Timberman
Western Colorado Supervisor
US Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services
445 West Gunnison Avenue, Suite 240
Grand Junction, Colorado 81501-5720
Dear Ms. Timberman:
I am representing two clients on river restoration projects on Main Elk Creek in Garfield County,
and we will be applying for a Regional General Permit 12 from the Corps in the near future.
These are adjoining properties, and cover in total about 6 miles of the creek. The upstream
property contains about 1 mile of creek corridor and is called Main Elk Creek Ranch and the
downstream property is about 5 miles of creek corridor and is known as Meadow Creek Ranch.
I spoke to you briefly about this project, and in more detail with Dara Taylor of your office.
Dara responded by email after reviewing quad location map I provided that the projects were in
the Section 7 consultation area for Ute Ladies'Tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis), and that we would
need to provide a rationale for why habitat is not present to avoid survey requirements. I hope to
provide that rationale in this letter report.
Elk Creek is a tributary to the Colorado and drains the southern portion of the Flat Tops.
The stream is generally high to moderate gradient, with small to large cobble substrate and a
bankfull width of about 30-45 feet. The stream and riparian habitats are heavily impacted by
grazing and stream flows are affected by irrigation diversions in the late summer. Highly eroded
stream banks, mid channel bars and over wide sections of channel are common. Water quality
appears to be good. The restoration project has been designed by Five Rivers, Inc and includes
creation of a series of pools, riffles and lateral bars, as wells as restoring eroded stream banks to
re-establish a natural self sustaining channel and improve aquatic habitats. Plans include
extensive riparian fencing to keep cows and sheep out of the riparian habitats, and better
management of water use. We have 4000 native willows shrubs growing in a native plant nursery
to be used in bank restoration.
Spiranthes diluvialis (SPDI) occurs in moist meadows associated with perennial streams,
floodplains, and oxbows, seasonally flooded river terraces, sub -irrigated or spring fed abandoned
stream channel. It has also been found in irrigated meadows, excavated gravel pits, roadside
barrow pits, reservoirs, irrigation ditches, berms, and other human modified wetlands (FWS
ECOS website). In Colorado, SPDI was primarily found on the front range and along the Yampa
River in the northwest corner in Moffat County, but more recently found in the Roaring Fork
970-640-3783
mclaffey@acsol.net
valley in Garfield County. Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) lists the habitat as along
streams and open areas in cottonwoods, moist meadows on floodplains in the vicinity of
abandoned stream channels and meanders where vegetation is not too dense or overgrown
(CNHP website). Fertig et al (2005 — Rangewide Status Review of Ute Ladies' Tresses) report
the habitat for SPDI as the same conditions but also noted that most populations occur in habitats
that were not overly dense or heavily grazed. The main elements of SPDI habitats are they occur
in wetlands, either natural or man-made. The associated plants found with SPDI are wetland
species.
For these two river restoration projects, the work will occur in the active channel of the river, or
on severely eroded stream banks, and no work is proposed in wetlands. Work is proposed in the
upper 3 miles of the stream. The downstream sections of Meadow Creek Ranch would be
completed later. The irrigated meadows near Main Elk Creek are very dry, produce one hay crop
in spring, and do not contain wetlands or irrigation return flow wetlands. The surrounding
habitats are oakbrush and pinyon juniper. Oakbrush is often a riparian plant in some locations.
The soils are well drained, and the main species in the irrigated meadows are smooth brome,
orchard grass and wheatgrass. There are not any abandoned stream channels or oxbows in the
project area. The upstream property (main Elk Creek Ranch) has a large wetland area fed by
irrigation water but the habitat is dense willow cover and no work is planned in or near these
habitats. There not any sub -irrigated meadows or springs where we plan to work. The irrigated
meadows are on higher terraces and based on limited irrigation water in mid to late summer, and
the arid conditions, sub -irrigated wetlands simply do not occur.
Access points are dry meadows at eroded banks (we repair the bank as we leave that reach of
stream), existing ranch roads, and drier upland areas near the creek. This is a restoration project,
and any vegetated wetlands or riparian habitats are generally avoided as it is difficult to establish
this type of community during restoration, and we are also under review by the Corps for
wetland impacts. A track hoe enters the creek and typically stays within the active channel.
Pools are excavated and the material excavated used to create riffles to maintain scour in the
pools. Lateral gravel bars are created with the excavated material in reaches that are over -wide
due to bank erosion to also maintain scour in the pools and runs. The bar is formed in the open
water of the overwide section to narrow the channel and maintain scour. Heavy equipment will
not be driving through wetlands to access the channel, and there are not any out of channel
disturbances in wetlands or riparian habitats proposed. The heavy equipment operators
specialize in this type of work, and are well aware of the restrictions and a project manager is on
site at all times.
The downstream sections of Meadow Creek Ranch include a more meandering stream channel
with dense willow wetlands (Salix exigua) in riverine conditions. There locations in this
downstream reach were mid channel bars and erosion as has created back water areas, and low
gradient side channels across point bars. These areas are left as is because they create excellent
refuge habitat for juvenile and YOY trout, improve diversity of the aquatic ecosystem, and also
because the Corps and CPW (Corps solicits CPW comments on all GP 12 applications) would
not generally approve impacts in these types of habitats. There is also not a need to work in these
areas and the heavy equipment work is costly.
2
There is one area where we currently plan to harvest some whole live willows clumps to use in
restoration of the eroded stream bank in this reach. This is a dense coyote willow stand (Salix
exigua) with closed canopy of willows and is not SPDI habitat due to canopy closure.
Approximately 30 clumps would be removed for use in stabilizing the stream bank.
We do not believe that habitat for this species is located in the areas we intend to work for this
restoration project. There are not any permanent fills or removal of vegetated habitats that would
affect SPDI as work occurs in the live stream or on eroded stream banks. I will provide a disc
with the plans or send them electronically if google drive would work.
We request that survey requirements for SPDI are not required for these two projects, and that
your office either notifies me, or the Corp of Engineers, Grand Junction office (Mr. Travis
Morse) that surveys are not required.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Michael Claffey
Claffey Ecological Consulting, Inc.
Copy Furnished
Travis Morse, Corps
Steve Mancini, Main Elk Creek Ranch
Tim Casey, Meadow Creek Ranch
3
Over wide sections of channel and eroded banks on Meadow Creek Ranch
4
Pool habitat to be deepened and material added to riffle downstream. Equipment remains in channel
Riprap on bank on Main Elk Creek Ranch. Work includes stabilizing the riprap and attempting
to develop riparian community at top of bank.
5
toe
HiI'
Upstream limit
0 Downstream limit 2017
Declination
M
MN 16-32° E
SCALE 1:48000
1 2 MILE;
1000 2000 3000 VARUS
2 3 KILOMETE
Name: DEEP CREEK POINT
Date: 06/19/17
Scale: 1 inch = 4,000 ft.
Location: 039° 38' 03.48" N 107° 33' 45.94" W
Elk Creek Restoration Work for 2017
Copyright 1CI2030 MyTopn
6
Metcalf Archaeological Consultants, Inc.
Beyond Compliance Est. 1980
July 18, 2017
Michael Claffey
Claffey Ecological Consulting, Inc.
1371 17 Road
Fruita, Colorado 81521
Re: Claffey Ecological Consulting, Inc.: Cultural Resources Class I Files Search for the USACE Elk Creek
Restoration Project, Garfield County, Colorado
Dear Mr. Claffey,
Metcalf Archaeological Consultants, Inc., at the request of Claffey Ecological Consulting, Inc., is providing
the results of a Class !files search and literature review for the proposed Elk Creek Restoration Project in
Garfield County, Colorado (Maps 1-4, attached). The purpose of this study is to provide information to
Claffey Ecological Consulting, Inc. and its client with information on known cultural resources in the
project area, as well as a summary of cultural resource inventory that has already occurred. The
majority of this project is located on private lands; however a tiny part of the corridor extends onto
lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management, Grand Junction Field Office in Section 2. The
information in this report will be used for future project planning. It is our understanding that this
project will require federal agency oversight (USACE, and possibly BLM) for permitting when it proceeds.
The proposed 400 foot wide corridor for restoration along Elk Creek is shown in the attached Maps 1
and 2, prepared by us from kmz files provided by you, showing the location of the proposed project area
relative to the footprint of previous cultural resource inventories conducted. A second set of maps,
Maps 3 and 4, shows the locations of previously recorded cultural resources near the project footprint.
Those resources within the 400 foot corridor are shown in red. These maps are included in agency
copies of this report only. They are for official use only and not for public distribution. Disclosure of
site locations is prohibited by federal law (43CFR7.18).
FILES SEARCH RESULTS
A total of eight previous cultural resource inventories have been conducted within the legal sections
containing the creek restoration corridor (see included table and Map 1). A large portion of the corridor
was covered by a previous block inventory (OAHP #GF.R.R4) in 1978 by the UNC Office of Public
Archaeology. However, in our experience, reviewing federal agencies, including USACE, require that
surveys older than about 15 years be completely re -done. The other previous inventories in the project
area only intersect small portions of the corridor. Therefore, we anticipate that a 100% inventory of the
creek restoration corridor will be required for project permitting.
(970) 328-6244
Fax: (970) 328-5623
P.O. Box 899
Eagle, CO 81631
www.metcalfarchaeology.com
Metcalf Archaeological Consultants, Inc.
Beyond Compliance Est. 1980
Two previously recorded cultural resources (5GF316 and 5GF401) are located within the 400 foot creek
restoration corridor (Maps 3 and 4). Neither of these sites have official recommendations for eligibility
to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). At a minimum, these sites will need to be re -visited
and evaluated for eligibility to the NRHP; it is also likely that new site forms will need to be completed
for them.
To arrive at these recommendations, we requested and received GIS site and survey data from the
Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP) on July 11, 2017. We also queried OAHP's online
Compass database for information specific to previous inventories and previously recorded cultural
resources.
Previous inventories located in the legal sections containing the restoration project are presented
below. Those that cover some portion of the project corridor are in bold
OAHP Report
ID
Report Title
Company
Date
In APE?
GF.LM.NR196
Archaeological Survey of Seis Pros Services LL&E
Woozle Prospect, Garfield County, CO
Grand River
Consultants
1986
No
GF.LM.NR213
Pipeline, Waterwell ROW For Will Cavanaugh C-
43073
BLM, CRVFO
1986
No
GF.LM.NR410
A Cultural Resource Inventory of the Proposed
Shenk Water Tank in Garfield County, Colorado
BLM, CRVFO
1994
No
GF.LM.NR418
Cultural Resource Inventory for the Reed Road
Improvement, Garfield County
Metcalf
1994
No
GF.LM.R85
Class III Cultural Resource Inventory for a
Proposed US West Telecommunications Line New
Castle Exchange, Garfield County, CO
TRC Mariah
Associates
1995
Yes
GF.R.R4
Prehistory and History of the Main Elk Project
Area
Office of Public
and Contract
Archaeology -UNC
1978
Yes
MC.LM.R16
A Cultural Resource Inventory of Northern
Geophysical Seismic Explorations Near Battlement
Mesa, Mesa and Garfield Counties, CO
Metcalf
1989
No
MC.LM.R223
Class III Cultural Resources Inventory of 1764
acres and site grazing evaluations for the Bureau
of Land Management, Glenwood Springs
Grand River
Institute
2001
No
The inventories listed in bold font are the ones that intersect the current project area (#GF.R.R4 is the
large block that covers a large portion of the corridor). The remaining inventories include linear projects
that are much smaller and less extensive, covering specific development footprints. All inventory areas
are shown on Maps 1 and 2.
(970) 328-6244
Fax: (970) 328-5623
P.O. Box 899
Eagle, CO 81631
www.metcalfarchaeology.com
Claffey Ecological Elk Creek Restoration Class I
Nine previously recorded cultural resources are within the legal sections containing the restoration
project, but only two are located within the project corridor (in bold). In addition, there are two
paleontolocial localities in OAHP's records. These include:
State No.
Resource Type
Date
Recorded
NRHP Evaluation
Comments
5GF313
Prehistoric Open Camp
1978
Officially Not Eligible
5GF314
Prehistoric Open Camp
1978
Officially Not Eligible
5GF315
Prehistoric Open Camp
1978
Field "Needs Data"
5GF316
Prehistoric Open Camp
1995
Officially "Needs
Data"
May need limited testing
to make an NRHP
recommendation; 92
feet from the creek
5GF348
Isolated Find
1978
Not Eligible
5GF400
Historic Agricultural
Complex
1975
Field Not Eligible
5GF401
Historic Log Barn,
Unknown
1977
Unknown
Little information on
record;
147 feet from the creek
5GF2169
Historic Habitation
1995
Officially Not Eligible
5GF2170
Historic Ditch
1995
Officially Not Eligible
5GF2569
Paleontological Bone Bed
1994
No assessment given
5GF2572
Paleontological Unknown
1996
Field Not Eligible
The previously recorded resources include four prehistoric open camps, one prehistoric isolated find,
one historic agricultural complex, one historic log barn, one historic habitation, and one historic ditch.
In addition, there are two paleontological localities in the project area. All of the resources are outside
of the planned creek restoration area, except for site 5GF316 and 5GF401, which are within the 400 foot
wide corridor. Site 5GF316 is a prehistoric open camp that is officially listed as "needs data"; it is
located 92 feet from the center of the creek. This recommendation indicates that an NRHP
recommendation of eligible or not eligible could not be confidently made by the surface expression of
the site alone. "Needs Data" sites often require limited subsurface testing to prove whether or not they
retain potential for additional data and are NRHP eligible. Site 5GF401 has very little information on
record in OAHP's database, but appears to be a historic log structure. It is located 147 feet from the
center of the creek. It does not currently have an NRHP recommendation listed in the records.
(970) 328-6244
Fax: (970) 328-5623
P.O. Box 899
Eagle, CO 81631
www.metcalfarchaeology.com
Claffey Ecological Elk Creek Restoration Class I
DISCUSSION AND EXPECTATIONS
Metcalf, using results of the OAHP records files search, concludes that there is good potential for
encountering cultural resources within the proposed Elk Creek restoration project area. Previous work
indicates a moderately high site density in the area, and the margins of creeks have always been a
favorable location for habitation in both prehistoric and historic times.
Although one large block inventory has occurred within the project corridor and covers a large portion
of the restoration area, it is too old (1978) to be considered adequate by federal agencies for cultural
resource permitting. The other previous inventory within the area of potential affect only intersects the
corridor in a small area, so it does not provide substantial coverage.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Because the proposed restoration area has not been systematically surveyed within the last 39 years,
Metcalf recommends planning for a Class III inventory of the entire 400 foot wide corridor if the projects
require it for permitting; or if federal funding is involved and Section 106 review is required.
Furthermore, based on previous work the area appears to have prehistoric and historic site potential.
Both of the known archaeological sites will need to be revisited and evaluated for NRHP eligibility. If an
NRHP recommendation cannot be made from the surface expression of the site alone, limited testing
might be needed to determine whether or not the sites retain research potential.
For scheduling purposes, a Class III inventory of a project this size can be completed fairly quickly, start -
to -end probably over the course of a month including reporting. Limited site testing to determine NRHP
eligibility can be done quickly, usually within a day at each site. The consultant's report then is
reviewed by the lead agency, a process that typically takes 2-4 weeks and depends entirely on the
agency's staff availability and internal agency priorities. If sites are found that are known to be, or
recommended to be, eligible for the National Register, the agency is usually obligated to consult with
the OAHP on findings and recommendations, a review process that can take up to an additional 30 days.
If there is need to conduct mitigative work—if the project is found to have an adverse effect on an
eligible site, and the project design cannot be changed to avoid the site—a plan for that work is
prepared, reviewed, and then accepted by the lead agency and OAHP, after which it can implemented.
This can take several weeks or months. All of this usually needs to happen before any restoration work
is allowed to proceed. For projects that anticipate mitigation, Metcalf recommends planning to begin
the Class III inventory process as early in project planning as possible. Inventory work can begin as soon
as the ground is 80% free from snow. For projects that do not end up requiring some form of mitigation,
a three month time frame from initiation of cultural resource work to agency acceptance of a final
report of that work, is reasonable.
(970) 328-6244
Fax: (970) 328-5623
P.O. Box 899
Eagle, CO 81631
www.metcalfarchaeology.com
Claffey Ecological Elk Creek Restoration Class I
The files search indicated the presence of two paleontological localities in addition to the cultural
resources. The lead federal agency may require that a paleontology survey of the restoration area is
conducted in addition to cultural resource inventory, if they judge that the area has potential for these
kinds of resources. Metcalf does not have a paleontologist on staff, but we do routinely sub -contract
with several paleontology consultants in northwest Colorado. We would be happy to provide this
service directly if needed for this project, or provide references to Claffey Ecological.
If you have any questions, or if we can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to call.
Sincerely,
ireftw.4 eti,„4_,,
Melissa Elkins
Project Manager / Principal Investigator
(970) 328-6244
Fax: (970) 328-5623
P.O. Box 899
Eagle, CO 81631
www.metcalfarchaeology.com
Claffey Ecological Elk Creek Restoration Class I
Map 1: Proposed EIk Creek Restoration Corridor and Previous Inventories, North side (1 of 2).
R. 91W
In
1t 1
—77
GF.LM.NR418
l- l�Tfi e�'f.�-
1
695
•
�`���l ter;•
GEBCO LSGS, FAO
Sur veY. E es Japan._
Open SueaNsp comer
S,11.11.14. Geo
Esti Chinn piaeg xur:
torsseri the GIS
f
{
6thI
R. 91W
Claffey Ecological
USACE Main EIk Creek
Restoration
Garfield County, CO
Metcalf Archaeological
Consalunts, Inc.
7.5' Quad. Overview
Deep Creek
Point
87
tz
New
Castle
1962
PR 1987
1:24000
0.25 0.5 mi
0 0.25 0.5 km
NAD 1983 UTM Zone 13N
Creek Centerline (digitized)
F1 OAHP Survey Boundary
II= Project Area (400 ft. wide)
TN Surface Ownership
I 1 BLM Land
0 Private Land
Claffey Ecological Elk Creek Restoration Class I
Map 2: Proposed EIk Creek Restoration Corridor and Previous Inventories, South side (2 of 2).
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NIC E:M.14223
\1C .L11.R16
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2
46
R. 91W
Survey. Esn Japan. MEn EsEE China (Hone Kong,. EivEssIE,. 61v6E1066lie 6
,E6 -.ErHEIE
Claffey Ecological
USACE Main Elk Creek
Restoration
Garfield County, CO
Metcalf Archaeological
Consultants, Inc.
7.5' Quad. Overview
Deep Reek
Riot
1966
PR 11 7887
Castle
1962
PR 1987
0
1:24000
0.25 0.5 mi
_71- Creek Centerline (digitized)
Q oAHP Survey Boundary
Q Project Area (400 ft. wide)
0 0.25 0.5 km TN Surface Ownership
1 BLM Land
NAD 1983 UTM Zone 13N 0 Private Land
Claffey Ecological Elk Creek Restoration Class I
Map 3: Proposed Elk Creek Restoration Corridor and Previously Recoded Sites, North side (1 of 2).
Disclosure of site locations is prohibited by federal law (43CFR7.18).
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r65nAG:
5G1.400 (Non -eligible)
5GE2169 (Non -eligible)
Claffey Ecological
USACE Main Elk Creek
Restoration
Garfield County, CO
Metcalf Archaeological
Consultants, Inc.
7.5' Quad. Overview
Deep Reek
Rat
1966
2
z
New
Castle
1962
PR 1987
6thI11,
R 91W
1:24000
0 0.25 0.5 mi
' I
0 0.25 0.5 km "fN
NAD 1983 UTM Zone 13N
L
* Creek Centerline (digitized)
OAHP Resource Boundary
= Outside APE
WithinAPE
=Project Arca (400 R. wide)
Surface Ownership
1 BLM Land
1 I Private Land
Claffey Ecological Elk Creek Restoration Class I
Map 4: Proposed Elk Creek Restoration Corridor and Previously Recoded Sites, South side (2 of 2).
Disclosure of site locations is prohibited by federal law (43CFR7.18).
H
R. 91W
5GE316 (Needs Data)
Jam(.
r - �v
4
5GF.400 (Non -eligible)
5GE2169 (Non -eligible)
5GE315 (Needs Data)
5GF.314 (Non -eligible)
5GF.348 (Non -eligible)
5(:112569 (1)n1nnFcn 1(ligibility)
- 5GF.2572 (Son -eligible)
5G E 401
nhnow n Eligibility)
_\\ 5GF.313 (Son -eligible)
5GF.2170 (Non -eligibly)
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R 91W
Claffey Ecological
USACE Main Elk Creek
Restoration
Garfield County, CO
Metcalf Archaeological
Consultants, Inc.
7.5' Quad. Overview
Deep [leek
root
1966
1'1PR 1987
Yi9^2
Castle
1962
PR 1987
1:24000
O 0.25 0.5 mi
' I
O 0.25 0.5 km TN
NAD 1983 UTM Zone 13N
Creek Centerline (digitized)
OAHP Resource Boundary
0 Outside APE
= WithinAPE
Q Project Area (400 ft. wide)
Surface Ownership
l BLM Land
Private Land