Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.0 Application°N\ NEW Garfield County Community Development Department 108 8th Street, Suite 401 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 (970) 945-8212 www.garfield-county.com LAND USE CHANGE PERMIT APPLICATION FORM IllrYPE OF APPLICATION • Administrative Review = Development in 100 -Year Floodplain • Limited Impact Review • Development in 100 -Year Floodplain Variance • Major Impact Review • Code Text Amendment 1 ■ Amendments to an Approved LUCP ❑ LIR MIR ❑ SUP • Rezoning ❑ Zone District ❑ PUD ❑ PUD Amendment • Minor Temporary Housing Facility • Administrative Interpretation • Vacation of a County Road/Public ROW • Appeal of Administrative Interpretation • Location and Extent Review • Areas and Activities of State Interest • Comprehensive Plan Amendment' • Accommodation Pursuant to Fair Housing Act • Pipeline Development • Variance • Time Extension (also check type of original application) ..INVOLVED PARTIES Owner/Applicant Name: Tim Casey Phone: (970 ) 453-2571 Mailing Address: Meadow Creek LLC c/o MMA Associates, 100 South Ridge Street, Suite 105 City: Breckenridge State: CO Zip Code: 80424 E-mail: tim@mmabreck.com Representative (Authorization Required) Name: Michael Claffey Phone: ( 970 ) 858-1670 Mailing Address: 1371 17 Road City: Fruita State: CO zip Code: 81521 E-mail: mclaffey@acsol.net PROJECT NAME AND LOCATION Project Name: Meadow Creek Ranch Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project Assessor's Parcel Number: 2125 142 00 125 Physical/Street Address: 1862 243 County Road, New Castle, CO 81647 Legal Description: Section: 14 Township: 5 Range: 91 SEC. 2: SESW. SEC. 11:W1/2, SE1/4, SEC.14: N1/2 N1/2, SWNW, W1/2SW., SEC. 15:SESE, SEC.22:E1/2NE, THAT PART OF NWNE LYING NELY OF RD 245 (28AC.), SEC.23:S1/2NW, N1/2SW, SESW, W1/2SE, SESE, SEC. 26: NENE. Zone District: Rural Property Size (acres): 1,317 PROJECT DESCRIPTION Existing Use: The land is currently used for normal ranching and grazing operations along Main Elk Creek. The property has several existing homes. Proposed Use (From Use Table 3-403): Agriculture Description of Project: The landowner is seeking approval to restore and improve fishery habitat over approximately 2.5 miles of Main Elk Creek. The channel has been degraded by grazing and recent major flow events. This work will restore the creek channel to a natural condition, improve aquatic and riparian habitat and improve the fishery by creating riffle/pool environments, installing lateral bars, improving width/depth ratios, stabilizing severe bank erosion in several locations, installation of log jams to decrease erosion and deflect high water from the erodible bank. Grazing will be removed from the riparian area. This work results In a net fill in the area because of the extensive bank erosion in some areas. REQUEST FOR WAIVERS Submission Requirements The Applicant requesting a Waiver of Submission Requirements per Section 4-202. List: Section: D. Floodplain Analysis Section: Section: Section: Waiver of Standards 0 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 accurate,to; the best of my knowledge. (/1 . Signature of Property Own¢r i OFFICIAL USE ONLY File Number: - Fee Paid: $ rI /For' 434-41 J .... - rq 44% Lower Limit ., Vj 70/Ap;:„ •-' AMP New Castle Colorado Legend CITIES LAKES MAJOR RIVERS STREAMS .o orae p COLORADO >iVR ENeINEERINH PO Box 1301 Rifle, CO 81650 Tel 970-625-4933 • 0.45 0.9 . P 1.8 Miles eadow Creek Ranch Restoratio Vicinity Map uzszang Approved by: CM Date: 8/18/2017 Figure. 1 Client. b: 1156 - Meadow Creek Ran _j)L0 DO RJVER ENG1NEERINCi INC0HP0l A-ti:0 August 24, 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 — Meadow Creek Ranch (MCR) — Stream Restoration & Stabilization Project. Dear Mr. Hartmann: Colorado River Engineering, Inc. (CRE) has reviewed the proposed stream restoration plans prepared for Meadow Creek Ranch as outlined in the attached Report entitled "MEADOW CREEK RANCH AQUATIC HABITAT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, Main Elk Creek, Garfield County, Regional General Permit 12 Application, July 21, 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 2.5 mile reach of Main Elk Creek located approximately 6.5 miles northwest of the Town of New Castle. The improvements are located within a land parcel owned by the Ranch (PIN: 2125-142-00-125). Several homes and buildings are present along this reach of Main Elk Creek. 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, MCR proposes to seek a floodplain permit approval from Garfield County. The project improvements outlined in the attached report will restore and stabilize the creek channel and banks as well as improve the aquatic habitat for trout. 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 improvement 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. This work will result in a net fill of material in the Creek because of the severe areas of erosion that require stabilization. Riffles, lateral bars, bank toes and coir banks are the features that require fill below the ordinary high water line; the fill consists mainly of river cobbles. There will be no increase of the historic floodplain because fill is being placed in areas that have been severely eroded by recent events. This, combined with removal of berms, check structures, P.O. Box 1301 • Rifle, CO 81650 • Tel. 970-625-4933 _OLORADO ENGINEERINGRIVER INCORPORATED 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 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 Meadow 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. Sincerely, Christopher Manera, P.E. CM:cm 2017-8-17 CRE Itr to GARCO P.O. Box 1301 • Rifle, CO 81650 • Tel. 970-625-4933 2 Claffey Ecological Consulting, Inc. & Five Rivers, Inc MEADOW CREEK RANCH AQUATIC HABITAT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Main Elk Creek, Garfield County Regional General Permit 12 Application July 21, 2017 Prepared on behalf of: Meadow Creek 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 Meadow Creek LLC proposes a creek restoration and fishery habitat improvement project on Main Elk Creek on the upper 2.5 miles of the ranch. Meadow Creek Ranch LLC purchased the property in the fall of 2016, and retained Claffey Ecological and Five Rivers Inc to review the site and develop a creek restoration plan, which we completed in the spring and early summer of 2017. The property was formerly owned by Exxon Corporation and was leased to agricultural operations and those operations continue today, with cows and hay production on the upper ranch, and sheep and hay production on the lower ranch. The creek channel and adjacent riparian communities have been heavily impacted by cattle and sheep grazing. The client will continue ranching operations, but wishes to restore the creek channel to a natural condition, improve aquatic and riparian habitats, and better manage the livestock and irrigation practices. The ranch includes approximately 5 miles of Main Elk Creek, but this application is only for the upstream 2.5 miles. We propose no work or limited work in a portion of this reach to allow the channel to recover after grazing is restricted. A second phase of restoration work would be proposed on the downstream reaches of Meadow Creek Ranch in the next year or two. We are also submitting an application for a separate property, Main Elk Creek Ranch, that adjoins this ranch upstream, and that work is similar. We request authorization of this project under Regional General Permit 12. We plan to meet with Colorado Parks and Wildlife on July 28 to review the project, and hope to have the letter from CPW to you shortly thereafter. Five Rivers hopes to start the project in August of this year and complete the work prior to October 1. II. Applicant Mark Magidson, Meadow Creek LLC, 1411 Mockingbird Place, Los Angeles, CA 90069 Contact Person/Owner Agent: Tim Casey, Meadow Creek LLC, c/o MMA Associates, Breckenridge, CO 80424 (970) 453-2571 tim@mmabreck.com Physical Address — 1862 243 County RD, New Castle, CO 81647 1 Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project Meadow Creek Ranch II. Project Area Description Sections 1, 2, 14 and 15, Township 5 South, Range 91 West, of the 6th principal meridian, Garfield County, Colorado Upstream limit: 39.639961, -107.574360 Downstream: 39.609775, -107.582531 The project area is located at 5800 to 6000 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 3 miles upstream of the project area. Elk Creek includes three channels, East Elk, Main Elk and West Elk. Meadow Creek Ranch (MCR) lies along Main Elk Creek and Elk Creek downstream of the confluence with West Elk Creek. The ranch includes approximately 5 miles of stream corridor. The ranch is roughly split into the Upper and Lower Ranch using the Buford - Newcastle Road as the dividing point. The project area segments of the ranch are adjacent to BLM lands. Land use in the project area is primarily agricultural. The upstream end of the ranch is bordered by Main Elk Creek Ranch, for which a separate permit application has been submitted for the same type of restoration work. Upstream of Main Elk Ranch the land use changes to small properties and newer homes along the creek channel up to the bridge for the Clinetop Road. 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 many 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. Debris flow channels are present upstream and numerous debris flow fans. Wetlands are restricted to riverine systems along the creek channel and are limited in width or not present except for the downstream sections of the project area. In the upstream portions of the ranch, on the east side of the creek, the steep hillsides are replaced by series of floodplain terraces that have been cleared and irrigated. 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 (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. 2 Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project Meadow Creek Ranch Channel Descriptions We divided the project area into 5 stream reaches. The ranch has multiple channel types and habitats, but all have been impacted by past and current agricultural activities. Trout habitat is impacted by the changes in channel morphology but also by late summer irrigation diversions. The combined effects of grazing, physical damage to stream banks as cows access the stream and removal of riparian vegetation, and the subsequent bank erosion has impacted Main Elk Creek. The bank erosion creates mid channel bars which over -widen the channel, and that combined with the fact the channel can then no longer scour pools to create depth, along with mid to late summer stream depletions from irrigation diversions degrades available trout habitat. We saw very few trout during surveys in early April (low water) except Reach 5. Fine sediments released from eroding banks and cows in the channel and on the bank cover the interstitial spaces of the stream cobble substrate limiting macroinvertebrate habitat. Low flows in late summer during irrigation decrease depth in the pools and increase temperatures. We have not been on site in mid to late August yet, but have discussed stream flows with the ranch staff. We assume temperature is limiting for trout populations in reaches 1-4 due to the combined effect of changes in channel morphology and summer depletions. The first reach, Reach 1 (Sheets 1 and 2), starting at the upstream property boundary is approximately 3,300 feet in length and is a steep gradient reach, with large cobble to small boulder substrate. The channel is well incised in a canyon like setting with a healthy and dense cottonwood gallery forest along the shoreline except where steep eroded sections of the canyon are present. It is entrenched below floodplain terraces. In the upper reaches gamble oak is the woody shrub along the stream bank. Much of this reach is not affected directly by grazing currently due to lack of grass, however stability has been affected by upstream bank erosion and channel manipulations, as well as work on irrigation diversions within the reach. As such some sections of the reach are over wide. The channel is filled with small boulders (20-24 inch diameter) from past debris flows, and the channel does not have the capacity or flows to scour pools or move this rock. There were several debris flows in and above this reach, including a large one on the upstream property, Main Elk Creek Ranch. The reach would be a Rosgen B2 and B3 in some sections. Sediment size for this reach is based on walking the channel for the length of work proposed. A pebble count was not completed. The D50 is approximately 12 inches overall with larger material in the 18-24 inch range in the pools. Width is typically good as erosion is not substantial in this reach, but depth in pools is low as described above, less than 2 feet in summer Width/Depth ratio has been increased in areas of irrigation diversions. Reach 2 starts where Reach 1 ends in the open irrigated pastures, and is approximately 1,440 feet in length. The gradient lessens and the substrate is large cobble 8-12 inches (Sheet 3). Grazing has impacted the stream and severe bank erosion with vertical, bare soil streambanks are prevalent on the west side of the channel. This bank erosion has created numerous mid -channel gravel bars and the stream is over -wide. A previous owner or manager installed a downstream facing rock jetty in an attempt to control bank erosion, and the jetty has exacerbated the bank erosion. Stream is a Rosgen B3 or 4. Cows are pastured in this reach with no limits on stream access. 3 Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project Meadow Creek Ranch Substrate size was estimated by one pebble count across several habitat types. Mid channel bar was D 50 of 4 inches, and stable riffle section was D 50 of about 12 inches. Generally pools and riffles contained 6 to 12 inch cobble, and the mid channel bars were median of about 4-6 inch. The substrate was covered with sediment expect in steeper riffles. The width depth ratio was estimated at high — almost a 80 in the worst areas. Reach 2 eroded banks and jetty Reach 3 extends from the bridge downstream approximately 1,650 feet downstream (Sheet 4). The channel is incised into the stream banks and old cobble dikes are present on the west side. Limited channel meanders occur and the gradient is steeper than Reach 2. The stream would be a Rosgen B4. The reach is within a mix of cottonwood forest with heavily grazed pastures. Substrate size is large cobble to small boulders, and the gradient is steeper than Reach 2. It appears this reach may have been straightened long ago, or at least contained with cobble berms. This reach has a series of pools and riffles but the riffles no longer scour pools sufficiently, and local bank erosion has created several overwide sections. The substrate size was large in this reach with 12 to 16 inch material in pools and riffles and larger material common. A pebble count across a pool revealed a D50 of about 8 inches. Width depth ratio was not as poor as Reach 2 but still higher in pool sections than a stable reach as depth was pool depth was low. Riffles and were about normal. Fine sediments covered most low velocity areas. 4 Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project Meadow Creek Ranch Overwide section of Reach 3 Reach 4 is an unstable reach (Sheets 5 and 6) with intensive cattle use in the riparian areas, and excess small cobble deposition. Streambanks are eroded and the meanders are extending. The reach is a Rosgen C channel and is mostly a C5. A recent (not sure when) major flow event and small cobble from the bank erosion within this reach and upstream has deposited large mid channel bars of smaller cobble (2 to 4 in), and although there is a series of pools and riffles, the next major flow event will alter morphology substantially. Unlike the upstream sections, the channel will move the bedload present at moderate flows, and the lack of a stable riparian community will unravel work completed. There is also an irrigation diversion for the Trout Ditch which creates instability in one section. There is severe bank erosion in two sections of this reach that help to contribute excess bedload and instability as the bank keeps eroding. Other than repair of those banks, we propose to fence off grazing and let this reach recover on its own, allowing the riparian and wetland woody shrubs to become established before proposing in channel work. The reach is approximately 2,700 feet. Substrate size in this reach was a D50 of 3-4 inches on many on the point bars and mid channel bars and about 6 inches in the riffles and pools. The bars had excess material built up as described above from recent depositional events. The width depth ratio was high in most locations in excess of 50. Channels were very shallow and braided. In most locations the bankfull width was in excess of 110 feet, and average bankfull depths were about 2 feet. Reach 5 is a more stable reach that is starting to change due to cobble deposition and grazing impacts. Cattle have access to this reach but have not impacted to the degree as above. The reach has more and larger willow wetlands on point bars and the meanders are more stable than Reach 4 (Shown on Sheets 7, 8 and 9). There is some development of mid channel bars and bank erosion but not as severe as in Reach 4. Substrate size varies but is generally smaller in the upstream section (4 to 8 inches), and larger in downstream sections (8-12 inches). Beavers are present in this reach creating off channel dams in the wetlands, and one older eroded cross- channel dam was present. Several deep holes created by scour points are present, and the dense willow wetlands on the point bars and on stable banks provided for greater stability. This is the first reach where we observed trout in good numbers during the April field work. This reach is a Rosgen C4 and is approximately 3,800 feet. 5 Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project Meadow Creek Ranch Substrate size is D 50 of 8-12 inches in riffles and pools and 6-8 inches on point bars and mid channel bars. Fine sediment covered cobbles in most sections with lower velocities. Width depth ratio was better than Reach 4 but mid channel bars and some increased width is occurring. Stable point bars with well vegetated wetlands help keep the reach stable. There were numerous shallow water side channels that may provide juvenile refuge. We found a USGS gage station at the upstream end of the property on the right descending bank. The gage is no longer active and appears to have recorded from 1991 to 1998. 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. ZUSGS USGS 09086470 MAIN ELK CREEK NEAR NEW CASTLE, CO. 1300 a) a) - 1200 0 1100 C 1000 ti 13 3 C O O 4. 4ab 900 L Vi 0 L +La . 800 co -v y 700 L r-1 m 600 C C S 500 0 0 0 0 0 0 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 6 Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project Meadow Creek Ranch 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 on the first upstream 2.5 miles of creek on Meadow Creek Ranch. The creek has been impacted by cattle grazing for many years, and the channel is not stable, lacks suitable habitat components for viable fishery, and will not recover on its own even if all grazing is removed. The channel has also been affected by the bank erosion and likely in -stream channel work upstream and a massive bank erosion in 2011 on the upstream adjoining property. Depositional reaches contain excess bedload deposited as mid channel bars, and that mid channel bar then causes additional bank erosion. Reach 1 no longer has stream power to mobilize the small boulders deposited by debris flows in the past and maintain adequate depth in pools. The aquatic habitat is impacted by irrigation diversions during late summer and that combined with the changes in stream morphology to shallow pools degrades aquatic habitat. 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 flow and 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 s plan view is shown on Sheets 1-9, and the details (typical x -sections and profiles) shown on the 3 additional Figures 1-3. Channel survey from SGM and a drone over -flight aerial and topography have been completed and will be provided when it arrives. That channel survey will be used by an engineering firm for the Garfield County "No Rise Certificate", if a no rise is required by the floodplain administrator. The excavation and fill quantities by stream station shown by station, and per habitat type are included in Appendix B. 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 site but will include imported cobble from a upland harvest area on the ranch in areas where cobble size was not large enough for riffles and bank toe protection. In addition, some excavated cobble from Reach 1 will be used in downstream reaches. The log jams are constructed with large boulders and those will be obtained from the rock jetty removed in Reach 2. Appendix A provides cumulative totals for each habitat features. The project will occur in 1.29 acres of creek channel in the 2.5 miles of creek, and approximately 1,413 cubic yards would be excavated over that length, and 1,605 cubic yards discharged into ordinary high water. Approximately 174 cubic yards of large cobble (8-16 inches) excavated from an upland area on the ranch would be imported into the river channel for bank stabilization and riffle construction. 7 Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project Meadow Creek Ranch 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 Michael Claffey will be on site during all phases of construction, and heavy equipment operators experienced with river restoration will be completing the work. 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 propose to excavate willow clumps from dense willow wetlands for bank restoration work as shown on the attached plans. We plan to harvest large cobble for stream use from a location on an upper terrace that is not irrigated and is not wetland. The cobble is on the surface or buried a few inches. 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 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. 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), or imported 12-16 inch form the upland harvest area. Riffles are riffle grade breaks that help maintain water surface elevation upstream as well. 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. 8 Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project Meadow Creek Ranch The log jams (Figure 3) proposed are designed to reduce bank erosion and deflect high flows from an eroding bank, with subsequent bank protection work completed just downstream of the log jam. They also help create scour points in the channel creating deep pools providing refuge for high water temperatures. In addition the log jams provide habitat for juvenile fish in the denser areas where adults cannot access, and general large woody debris for aquatic food chain support. We notice multiple natural log jams in the downstream reaches (4-5) that created excellent scour pools. Weaver developed this specific design for salmon juvenile habitat in the northwest, and they have been used successfully to establish large woody debris in channels. Bank erosion is treated with two techniques — bank sloping/cobble toe and a coir lift. Bank sloping (Figure 2) is used in areas with lower stream velocities, and involves simply 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. Coir banks (Figure 1) are soil encapsulated 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. Reach 1 (Sheets 1 and 2): As explained above this upstream reach is in a canyon like setting, and gradient is steep (2 - 3 %). The reach has been affected by the 4 irrigation diversions present, upstream bank erosion, bank erosion within the reach and numerous debris flows in the past. The work proposed is the excavation of pools and then construction or enhancement of existing riffles. In some locations mid channel bars have formed from excess bedload, and riffles and lateral bars would be constructed with excavated material to narrow the channel. Bank erosion is one location is stabilized with rock excavated for the pools. The excavation work is limited in nature and primarily is rearrangement of existing substrate to increase pool depth, and build riffles that will maintain scour. At Station 7+00 is USGS gage station. Although this station is no longer active, we propose no work upstream or downstream for some distance so long term readings are not affected if the gage is reactivated. Trout habitat created in this reach is primarily adult although some juvenile habitat would be available on the margins of lateral bars. Spawning habitat is not possible due to gradient and substrate size. Pools are excavated to depths of 4-5 feet providing refuge for warm temperatures during the late summer irrigation season, and overwintering habitat. The shade of the riparian forest combined with the deeper pools will provide relief form high water temperatures in late summer. In most locations excavated material from the pools is used to form riffles or lateral bars nearby. In a few locations as shown on the plans where access is available, the excavated material is hauled to an upland disposal area (storage) for later use downstream in streambank restoration or riffle construction in reaches with smaller substrate (4). Reach 2 (Sheet 3): This reach has been heavily impacted by cows. The adjacent meadows are used for pasture rather than hay production and cows are kept in this area most of the spring. Cows will be fenced from the stream creating a protected corridor of 50 feet on each side of the channel. The cows have access the entire stream corridor, and degrade the stream banks both 9 Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project Meadow Creek Ranch physically by entering the stream, and by removing riparian vegetation. The bank erosion is severe with vertical soil banks against stream flow releasing fine sediments downstream, and the excess bedload from the original erosion created mid channel bars and bankfull widths of 100 feet with bankfull depths of 2 feet (W/D ratio of 50). This is a relatively short reach but requires a good deal of work to stabilize streambanks and restore the width depth ratio. The proposed work is a series of pools and riffles in the upper sections, plus streambank restoration with bank sloping and willows plantings at station 36+00 to 38+00 as the slope has some rock protection at the toe. Cobble is added at the downstream end this area at 37+50 to provide scour protection. In the downstream sections, the rock jetty is removed, and streambanks are repaired using bank sloping/ rock and willow technique (Figure 2). The large rock is stockpiled for use in anchoring log jams downstream. The large gravel bar/shallow water area on the left descending bank from 47+00 to 48+20 will be covered with cobble and gravels, topsoiled, seeded and then covered with erosion control fabric to create a riparian bench. This overwide and shallow area was created from the bank erosion forming a mid channel bar and additional bank erosion. The streambank is eroded in this section but will be sloped slightly to blend with the riparian bench. The existing mid channel bar is left in place and shaped to form a lateral bar. The riffle or run on the right bank in this area is lowered approximately 1 foot to create a more stable section and prevent lateral channel migration. The work will effectively restore an appropriate stable channel width. Adult habitat would be created with overwintering in the pools and refuge from high temperatures. Some spawning habitat will be created naturally at pool tail -outs (where the pool ends and starts a riffle, often containing the right depth and velocity for spawning) but will be limited by substrate size. There is suitable size spawning gravels in the reach and they will be randomly placed in suitable locations at pool tail -outs. Juvenile habitat will be created in the shallow stream margins on lateral bars. The bank erosion and continued sediment delivery downstream will cease. Reach 3: (Sheet 4) Lateral bars are proposed in this reach in the upstream sections (Station 32+00 to 33+50) to narrow an over -wide section, but the main channel is left as long run and riffle. An existing side channel on the left descending bank at station 52+25 is left open, this channel only flows at high water and would not provide spawning habitat but could provide juvenile refuge. The remainder of the reach is a series of excavated pools, lateral bars and riffles. At Station 66+25, a log jam (Figure 3) is proposed at the downstream end of this reach to create a scour point, and juvenile refuge habitat. A pool is excavated just downstream of the log jam, and the scour from the log jam will maintain the pool depth. Between Station 59+00 and 61+50 a 3 foot high cobble dike had been constructed on the right descending bank to keep overbank flows from reaching the hay meadow or pasture to the west. The cobble dike will be removed, and the streambank seeded and planted with willows. The cobble will be used in riffle and streambank repairs. Adult habitat for overwintering and late summer high temperatures will be created in the pools, and some spawning habitat in pool tail -outs. Juvenile refuge habitat will be created in the shallow waters along the lateral bars and in the log jam. The removal of the cobble dike will not 10 Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project Meadow Creek Ranch create specific habitat but will allow for natural riverine functions such as flooding the adjacent meadows during major flow events. Reach 4: This reach is not stable. Other than major repair work at two eroded streambanks (Sheets 5 and 6) no in channel work is proposed in this reach at this time. The reach is a C channel, depositional reach and is heavily grazed by cows in the spring and early summer (up to July 1). Gradient is lower than Reach 1-3 upstream and it appears that a major flow event (fairly recent) deposited large amounts of bedload in this reach, and that bedload is primarily small cobble. The proposal is to fence off from grazing and once cows are removed, the willows and cottonwoods should colonize these bars, and either the reach would stabilize itself, or it revegetate enough that we could review and propose riffle and pool in -channel work to enhance fish habitat and additional stabilization work. The bank erosion is severe in the two locations where work is proposed with 5 foot high vertical banks. The Google Earth historic imagery below shows a 2005 aerial at the upstream bank (Sheet 5). The image shows an October 2005 aerial image of the meander. The bank appears stable through 2006 but in August 2011, it has eroded 70-75 feet west back to the blue line (2011) which is basically the current bank line in 2017. We believe the event occurred during 2011 high flow as that event eroded a large bank upstream on Main Elk Creek Ranch, and was a big water year on the western slope. The 75 feet is the apex or worse part of the erosion. This provides a snapshot of the problems in this reach and on the ranch. The bank is approximately 300 feet long, and 5 vertical feet high. If we use 50 foot as the average bank loss for this bank, than for more than 2,500 cubic yards of material (soil, cobble and gravels) washed downstream. Some of the fine grained materials probably reached the Colorado, but the bedload or cobble and gravel deposited downstream as mid -channel bars creating more bank erosion. Stabilizing the stream banks on this ranch, and in this watershed in general, is critical for creating a stable channel. 11 Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project Meadow Creek Ranch 2005 GE imagery, Blue line is the 2011 bank line after erosion event. Circles are GPS points on current bank The proposed work for the bank protection is a soil encapsulated lift using coir fabric (Figure 1). The coir fabric is BIO D90 from Rolanka and it is a heavy duty coconut fabric that with specs to withstand high velocities, and biodegrades over a long period of time. We still find coir in banks after 15 years, allowing for adequate time for the willows planted to become established, and protect the bank with their root system. 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. Larger cobble is used for scour protection under the fabric. The bank is built out in the channel to help narrow the channel a little in these sections, and the vertical banks are sloped bank, topsoiled seeded and covered with erosion control fabric. Cobble will be imported for the toe protection, and stabilization is enhanced by the construction of a log jam upstream in the upstream bank on Sheet 5 (Station 75+50). The bank extends from approximately 75+75 down to 78+30. The log jam works well at this location as the bank point extends into the channel and the jam will deflect peak flows away from the bank and create a scour point in the channel at the upstream end of the bank. 12 Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project Meadow Creek Ranch The photo sequence shows an eroded streambank on the Roaring Fork River east of Aspen in 2009, and then in 2012,three years after a coir lift is installed. 13 Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project Meadow Creek Ranch The other work in Reach 4 is the stabilization of the next downstream bank which is also severely eroded. This is located at Station 88+50 to 90+00 on Sheet 6. A coir lift bank is proposed in this section. The lower bank shows more erosion than the upper with erosion between 2006 and 2011, and then another event between 2011 and 2014. Since 2006, the right descending bank has moved west over 115 feet, removing a fairly dense willow wetland in the process. 2005 — blue line is 2016 bank, red line is 2011 bank. 8-2011 14 Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project Meadow Creek Ranch 6-2014 imagery, which same today. The channel moved west 40 plus feet between 2011 and 2014, and has about 60 feet more to go before it hits the County Road. The erosion between 2011 and 2014 was likely caused by a downed conifer on the bank visible on the 2011 imagery. Reach 5: As described above this reach has been impacted by cattle and is now experiencing excess cobble deposition yet still remains fairly stable due to well vegetated point bars. The cattle use this area but not as extensively as upstream. Work in this reach will probably create the best fishery in the project area. Sheet 7 shows a series of riffles, pool and lateral bar work from Station 100+00 down to 107+00. At about Station 107+50 on the left descending bank is severely eroded stream bank. The bank extends approximately 220 feet downstream, and is about 5 feet high. For this work, the bank is not sloped back as some riparian woody species are still present at top of bank and removal of material form this reach would be difficult. Large cobble is placed at the toe of bank and the bank line planted with whole live willow at 7 foot spacing and the nursery willows at 1 foot spacing. The whole live willows are harvest form the adjacent willow wetland, excavation only, and minimizing disturbances. In addition, four small log jams are constructed along the bank line as shown. The jams will deflect high flows from the bank allowing the willows to grow in and stabilize the bank. Sheet 8 depicts two log jams and scour pools proposed in the upper section on the right descending bank with lateral bar on the left (station 113+00 to 114+00). The channel is overwide in this section and in addition to juvenile habitat, the log jams will prevent lateral channel migration to the west. Cobble is placed on an eroded bank section. A series of riffle/pool and lateral bars is created downstream between 116+0 and 122+00 while leaving several long riffles and runs in place as they appear stable. 15 Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project Meadow Creek Ranch At Station 123+00, a rip -rapped bank on the right descending bank has eroded exposing fiber optic cable for short distance. The riprap created a deep scour hole (likely) at this location and adjacent shrubs and trees provide good shading. We propose no work to stabilize the bank as the fiber optic cable should to be addressed by whoever is responsible for maintenance. Sheet 9 includes a series of pools, riffles and lateral bars from Station 127+50 down to about 134+50 in a meander sequence with good riparian cover on the banks. At about station 134+50 is an eroded stream bank on left descending bank, and will be stabilized using the cobble at the toe, whole live willows and nursery willows. Again the bank is not sloped back as some riparian shrubs are on top of bank and removing material from this reach would be difficult. Work on two pools and lateral bars is completed to end of project area at Station 137+25. 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 project photos will be submitted with GPs location, bearing and a general description prior to any work. 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. ESA: 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 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 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. 16 Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project Meadow Creek Ranch The project area is an active fluvial environment and little if any cultural resources could last within the active channel where we propose work. There is an old piece of farm equipment in a pasture in Reach 4 near the upstream eroded bank, and lumber remains nearby. Both are not in "waters of the US" and neither would be disturbed during construction. Based on Appendix C of 33 CFR 325 neither would be within the Corps "permit area" as they do meet definition g (1) ii and iii. 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 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. 17 Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project Meadow Creek Ranch VII Conclusion The proposed project will improve aquatic habitats in this reach of Main Elk Creek. In addition, 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. Long term viability of the aquatic environment and the riparian communities will be greatly enhanced by the removal of grazing from the riverine environment. The riparian and wetland habitats in Reaches 3, 4 and 5 will restore substantially on their own in few years, and this restoration will help improve not only the aquatic environment but any ecosystem services these habitats provide. Rough measurements reveal the woody riparian habitats in these three reaches that will restore gradually to native, undisturbed riparian corridor is about 55 acres. Water tanks will be developed during the project implementation to water cattle to ensure the cattle stay out of the creek channel and the large riparian habitats. Cattle were moved to the high country after July 1 and return in the fall. Fencing will be constructed after each reach of the project is completed, and before cattle are in the adjacent pastures. All in all about 2.5 miles of riverine corridor will be restored to a natural functioning system. If the TU project on the Ware and Hines Ditch diversion is implemented to allow for fish passage, the trout from the Colorado could move into these habitats for spawning, and a viable natural population established. 18 Main Elk Creek Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project Meadow Creek Ranch },iiia J , i rs ti �--_ ..-; N w X n Ute + '. ' , J.. - ' _r t -- 2 r < J k\> rr �.-_---) \ Kr I _ 4 h (i C Upstream Limit -ori Meadov ; - �. ) 5-)',",-; j Declination M MN 10.33° E ii r< , —i=/ sc?/ „fl J j Downstream Limit for 2017 Wo J { y - s' ' he'la A r. SCALE 1:24000 1 MILE 1000 YARDS 1 KILOMETER Name: DEEP CREEK POINT Date: 07/21/17 Scale: 1 inch = 2,000 ft. Location: 039 37' 47.52' N 107° 34' 21.37" W Copynghl (0) 2009 My -1 -opo 19 FWS response on Ute Ladies' Tresses survey requirements From: Taylor, Dara To: Mike Claffev Cc: Tim Casey; Steve Mancini; Matt Weaver; w.travis.morse(@usace.army.mil Subject: Re: Elk Creek Resotration Project and Spiranthes survey Date: Friday, July 07, 2017 9:13:30 AM Mike, Thank you for contacting the Service on this matter. After reviewing the provided rationale; surveys will not be required for Ute ladies' -tresses in your project area. Kind regards, Dara On Mon, Jul 3, 2017 at 3:02 PM, Mike Claffey <mclaffey@acsol.net> wrote: Anne and Dara Attached is a letter requesting that we do not survey for Ute Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis) and providing a rationale. These are two creek restoration projects in Garfield County on Main Elk Creek that we discussed on the telephone. Thanks you for your time and consideration. Michael Claffey CLAFFEY ECOLOGICAL CONSULTING, INC. 1371 17 ROAD FRUITA, COLORADO 81521 970-640-3783 mclaffey@acsol.net This e-mail transmission (and/or the documents accompanying it) may contain confidential information belonging to the sender which is protected by the attorney-client privilege. The information is intended only for the use of the individual or the entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error and are an attorney or law firm, consult Title I of the federal Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 which requires you to refrain from examining these materials. If you have received this transmission in error, please immediately notify us by telephone to arrange for return of the documents. Dara Taylor Energy Botanist Fish and Wildlife Biologist Ecological Services U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Western Colorado Field Office 445 W. Gunnison Ave, Suite 240 Grand Junction, CO 81501-5711 Phone: (970) 628-7190 Fax:(970) 245-6933 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 APPENDIX A Fill and Excavation Totals MEADOW CREEK RANCH - MAIN ELK CREEK ESTIMATED FILL VOLUMES/AREAS rSTREAM STATION LENGTH WIDTH VOLUME FT. FT. YDS AREA SQ. FT. AREA ACRES 1+00 Pool 60 20 44.44 720 0.02 Bar 80 15 44.44 720 0.02 2+00 Pool 40 10 14.81 240 0.01 Riffle 30 10 14.81 300 0.01 3+00 Pool 40 10 14.81 240 0.01 4+00 Pool 30 20 22.22 360 0.01 Riffle 30 20 22.22 600 0.01 5+00 Pool 40 20 29.63 480 0.01 Riffle 30 20 29.63 600 0.01 13+00 Pool 35 20 25.93 420 0.01 Bank Toe 90 5 25.93 450 0.01 16+00 Pool 40 15 22.22 360 0.01 18+00 Pool 60 20 44.44 720 0.02 Bar 60 15 44.44 540 0.01 19+00 Pool 30 20 22.22 360 0.01 Bar 40 20 22.22 480 0.01 22+00 Pool 30 20 22.22 360 0.01 24+00 Pool 30 20 22.22 360 0.01 Bar 40 15 22.22 360 0.01 25+00 Pool 25 20 18.52 300 0.01 26+00 Pool 30 20 22.22 360 0.01 28+00 Pool 40 15 22.22 360 0.01 Bar 60 15 22.22 540 0.01 30+00 Pool 30 20 22.22 360 0.01 34+00 Pool 30 15 16.67 270 0.01 36+00 Pool 40 15 22.22 360 0.01 Bar 60 15 22.22 540 0.01 38+00 Pool 40 15 22.22 360 0.01 MEADOW CREEK RANCH - MAIN ELK CREEK ESTIMATED FILL VOLUMES/AREAS rSTREAM STATION LENGTH WIDTH VOLUME FT. FT. YDS AREA SQ. FT. AREA ACRES 39+00 Pool 30 20 22.22 360 0.01 39+00 Pool 30 20 22.22 360 0.01 40+00 Pool 20 12 8.89 144 0.01 41+00 Pool 30 20 22.22 360 0.01 42+00 Pool 30 20 22.22 360 0.01 43+00 Pool 30 15 16.67 270 0.01 44+00 Pool 40 25 37.04 600 0.01 Riffle 30 10 15.00 300 0.01 Bar 60 15 22.00 540 0.12 43+00 Pool 35 15 19.44 315 0.01 Cover Bar 50 15 14.00 450 0.10 47+00 Riffle 30 10 16.67 180 0.04 Lower Bed 100 25 92.59 2500 0.55 Cover Bar 125 30 69.44 3750 0.82 50+00 Pool 45 20 33.33 540 0.01 Riffle 30 20 15.00 600 0.01 52+00 Pool 50 15 27.78 450 0.01 Riffle 30 10 15.00 300 0.01 Bar 30 10 13.00 180 0.04 54+00 Pool 45 20 33.33 540 0.01 56+00 Pool 40 20 29.63 480 0.01 Bar 60 15 29.63 540 0.01 58+00 Pool 40 20 29.63 480 0.01 59+00 Pool 35 12 15.56 252 0.01 Riffle 30 15 15.00 450 0.01 Bar 50 15 16.00 450 0.10 60+00 Pool 50 15 27.78 450 0.01 Bar 50 15 28.00 450 0.10 MEADOW CREEK RANCH - MAIN ELK CREEK ESTIMATED FILL VOLUMES/AREAS STREAM STATION LENGTH WIDTH VOLUME FT. FT. YDS AREA SQ. FT. AREA ACRES 62+00 Pool 50 20 37.04 600 0.01 Riffle 30 20 20.00 600 0.01 Bar 50 15 37.00 450 0.10 63+00 Pool 50 15 27.78 450 0.01 Riffle 30 15 20.00 450 0.01 Bar 50 15 28.00 450 0.10 67+00 Pool 45 20 33.33 540 0.01 77+00 Coir Bank 240 5 88.89 1200 0.26 89+00 Coir Bank 150 5 55.56 750 0.16 101+00 Pool 40 15 22.22 360 0.01 Riffle 40 15 20.00 600 0.01 Bar 50 15 22.00 450 0.10 103+00 Pool 50 20 37.04 600 0.01 Riffle 40 15 20.00 600 0.01 Bar 60 15 37.00 540 0.12 105+00 Pool 40 15 22.22 360 0.01 Riffle 30 15 15.00 450 0.01 107+00 Pool 50 20 37.04 600 0.01 Riffle 40 15 20.00 600 0.01 108+00 Bank Willow Clumps 53.33 480 0.01 Cobble Toe 220 5 81.48 1100 0.24 113+00 Pool 35 15 19.44 315 0.01 Bar 65 15 19.00 585 0.13 114+00 Pool 35 15 19.44 315 0.01 Bar 65 15 19.00 585 0.13 117+00 Pool 40 15 22.22 360 0.01 Riffle 40 15 20.00 600 0.01 Bar 60 15 22.00 540 0.12 121+00 Pool 35 12 15.56 252 0.01 Riffle 40 15 20.00 600 0.01 Bar 60 25 16.00 900 0.20 MEADOW CREEK RANCH - MAIN ELK CREEK ESTIMATED FILL VOLUMES/AREAS rSTREAM STATION LENGTH WIDTH VOLUME FT. FT. YDS AREA SQ. FT. AREA ACRES 126+00 Cobble Toe Volume - Yds Excavated Volume - Yds. 1413.15 Area - Sq. Ft. 21123.00 Pool 50 20 37.04 600 0.01 Bar 60 10 37.00 360 0.08 126+00 Place Cobble in Riffle Topsoil Placement on Bars Volume Placed Yds 279.44 Area - Sq. Ft. Pool 35 15 19.44 315 0.01 Bar 40 10 19.00 240 0.05 130+50 1.29 TOTAL FILL AREA -SQ. FT. 55988.00 Pool 35 15 19.44 315 0.01 Riffle 40 15 20.00 600 0.01 Bar 40 15 19.00 360 0.08 131+50 Pool 40 15 22.22 360 0.01 Bar 35 15 22.00 315 0.07 132+00 Pool 30 20 22.22 360 0.01 Bar 55 15 22.00 495 0.11 133+50 Pool 50 15 27.78 450 0.01 Bar 70 15 28.00 630 0.14 135+00 Bank Willow Clumps 35.56 480 0.01 Cobble Toe 120 5 44.44 600 0.13 Pool 40 20 29.63 480 0.01 Bar 55 15 30.00 495 0.11 137+00 Pool 30 20 22.22 360 0.01 Bar 40 15 22.00 360 0.08 Pool Excavation Cobble Toe Volume - Yds Excavated Volume - Yds. 1413.15 Area - Sq. Ft. 21123.00 Area - Acres 0.48 Bank Repair - Willow Clumps Lateral Bar Construction Volume Placed Yds. 685.41 Area - Sq. Ft. 13095.00 Area - Acres 0.30 Place Cobble in Riffle Topsoil Placement on Bars Volume Placed Yds 279.44 Area - Sq. Ft. 8250.00 Area - Acres 0.19 0.10 Bank Repair - Coir Fabric Fill Volume Placed - Yds 173.33 Area - Sq. Ft. 3900.00 Area - Acres 0.09 Bank Repair - Cobble Toe Placement Cobble Toe Volume - Yds 296.30 Cobble Toe Area - Sq. Ft. 4100.00 Cobble Toe Area - Acres 0.09 I Bank Repair - Willow Clumps Clump Volume - Yds. 88.89 Clump Area - Sq. Ft. 1320.00 Clump - Acres 0.03 Topsoil Placement on Bars Topsoil Volume - Yds. 83.44 Topsoil Area - Sq. Ft 4200.00 Topsoil Area - Acres 0.10 TOTAL FILL VOLUME -YDS. 3019.96 TOTAL FILL AREA -ACRES 1.29 TOTAL FILL AREA -SQ. FT. 55988.00 APPENDIX B Cultural Resource Class 1 File Search 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). R. : \c F- C.r.R.R4 NIC E:M.14223 \1C .L11.R16 ¢40 ni? —� Gr.I M.RSS 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). R91114 f�•f�cZ_r.� 7--1---r c' 656 `• avDI' r 9 0; .ir q rLC� � Scr t'C • �l^ ,Li �_ y tVia.. �- r LiChina (Haag .- w j loss anam GISL . 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) Ar 7 1 17 G1� \ rAk l�f II { Laves erects Source,. For; ISE.; G grscou:. ILAN::.' .:. 0_. E SG S, FA O_NPS, .CAL , GeoHasd rGN, Gadasru \1_C•... 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 Five Rivers, Inc Design Sheets Sheets 1-9 & Details Figures 1-3 i MEADOW CREEK RANCH FISHERIES HABITAT IMPROVEMENT SHEET 1 - STA. 0+00 to 17+00 �r• h. r r i ' far e . .t' {• yea i1• + � SI i▪ r '�1 • A i7..e•- - 1, }9- # ... ; " — ., • . y -• - .i -' la f -r r4 - - - - - - 4. . +.. r • 114 Excavate 60' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form adjacent lateral bar. Excavate two, 20' long, 10 to 15' wide and 3' deep "pocket" pools in steep stream section. Use cobble excavated from pools to construct riffle grade break down stream of pools. • • ▪ It r i i ~ {' r ▪ is Ir t,..,6 I P 4 4Rr * 3� 'i Z.?.•r ••! = i 1. Excavate 45' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool. Use Targe cobble from pool excavation to construct riffle up stream. • X f • 1e� r + rt.r .•+ ,. # wide and 4' deep Excavate 30' long, 20' pool. Use large cobble from pool excavation to construct riffle up stream. -►� ` *: •4 t�F . e • •. _ATP , • 'e , • . r. S Excavate 40' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool. Use large cobble from pool excavation to construct riffle up stream. .r• / r • r • 1' } j et, re •!•i f fliv r Excavate 35' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool. Use large cobble from pool excavation to repair adjacent eroding bank. 5., e • 0.1; ' • -.. • '� qr { Y4 -44 A at d I r r 7 r 14; 7 it . e ',`` *, .T% • ,' L red w t 'I t- fir- , Ala Place Targe cobble from pool excavation on toe of 8' high, 90' long eroding bank and plant with willows. Excavate 40' long, 15' wide and 4' deep pool. Haul excavated material to designated upland fill area. • 42. • - j' .1% if A '111- • Te r..art 7,}ti' to • Fee A 0:e 1W C • •_ F 7- _i 4 i • rio.i `-•.,'a"- y;r . tri • libl ` '`sett `7,r ; • ' i - iLile ' " 6'f x+••.t., fop- - tr �r f i - .F P. r �'•, } }r. mil• r'• f'• R y y �'1 "� • 'v�" r' ?' T f■ i 10, - fit'+r! jrr� ' F ' • - . • :' I• • •,•� . k # rir .1A r ,.t -a V..-• 1 Ji + , ;{ .. ,. -IP? ..: re -,e,..-.. , Ft , .1 • • . • 1,, ._••• ... • ,. _. ., i, ... .,. i . ' i • ...... r . .41 ri.:. • /r` . IF:, • fie / . A. . i• . - ... _ . I. I kirr. } r * ;,r { y. Fc T� mss 7/to. MEADOW CREEK RANCH MAIN ELK CREEK DESIGN SHEET 1 DATE: 4/30/2017 DRAWN BY: Matt Weaver SCALE 1" = 100' S9_5() c B(,- iltart, 4t/i97TB 4067.209.070 "•••=146._ • 4 MEADOW CREEK RANCH FISHERIES HABITAT IMPROVEMENT SHEET 2 - STA. 17+00 to 34+00 Excavate 30' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form downstream lateral bar. Excavate 40' long, 15' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form adjacent lateral bar. Arrange existing large natural rock to form riffle grade break. 1 Excavate 30' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form adjacent lateral bar. Excavate 30' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool. Haul excavated material to designated upland fill area. e.gir Excavate 30' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool. Haul excavated material to designated upland fill area. Excavate 25' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool. Haul excavated material to designated upland fill area. Excavate 40' long, 15' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form adjacent lateral bar. Excavate 30' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool. Haul excavated material to designated upland fill area. 33+00 Excavate 40' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form adjacent lateral bar. 3A Fie !,ers /!Z• MEADOW CREEK RANCH MAIN ELK CREEK DESIGN SHEET 2 DATE: 4/30/2017 DRAWN BY: Matt Weaver SCALE 1" = 100' S_950 C/ Zj em , /1, lT:07M 4067,209./970 MEADOW CREEK RANCH FISHERIES HABITAT IMPROVEMENT SHEET 3 - STA. 34+00 to 52+00 r 4 -0'4 0t - Re -build existing large rock diversion structure to appear and function as a natural riffle. Incorporate approximately 20 cubic yards of large 6-12" cobble. Excavate 40' long, 15' wide and 4' deep pool. Haul excavated material to designated upland fill area. Excavate 30' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool. Haul excavated material to designated upland fill area. Excavate 30' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool. Haul excavated material to designated upland fill area. Excavate 30' long, 15' wide and 4' deep pool. Haul excavated material to designated upland fill area. Excavate 40' long, 25' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form adjacent lateral bar. Excavate 30' long, 15' wide and 4' deep pool. Haul excavated material to designated upland fill area. Excavate 40' long, 15' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form adjacent lateral bar. Slope 200' of 6' high vertically eroded soil bank to a 3:1 contour and plant willows and native riparian grass species. Place large, 6-12" cobble at toe of stream bank to prevent erosion and protect existing willow growth. Excavate 20' long, 12' wide and 3' deep pool. Haul excavated material to designated upland fill area. Excavate 30' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool. Haul excavated material to designated upland fill area. Incorporate 15 cubic yards of 6 to 12" cobble into existing riffle to construct stable riffle grade break. Excavate 35' long, 15' wide and 4' deep pool. Haul excavated material to designated upland fill area. Cover existing exposed gravel/cobble area with 0.5' of topsoil and plant with willow and native riparian grass species. Slope 110' of 4' high vertically eroded soil bank to a 3:1 contour and plant willows and native riparian grass species. r Lower stream bed elevation approximately 1.0' by excavating stream bed substrate. Grade channel to appear and function as natural stream bed. Place 20 cubic yards of 6 to 12" cobble to construct lateral bar to stabilize upstream end of constructed riparian area. Remove existing large rock wing dam. Place approximately 1.0' of gravel and cobble from adjacent channel excavation to form base layer of constructed riparian area. Cover base layer with 0.5' of topsoil and plant with willow and native riparian grass species. Fac ifiCt-s, //ZG. Incorporate 15 cubic yards of 6 to 12" cobble into existing riffle to construct stable riffle grade break. Excavate 45' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool. Haul excavated material to designated upland fill area. MEADOW CREEK RANCH MAIN ELK CREEK DESIGN SHEET 3 DATE: 4/30/2017 DRAWN BY: Matt Weaver SCALE 1" = 100' 8950 CAa B 7 /Nt7597(8 406.°209. (970 Incorporate 15 cubic yards of 6 to 12" cobble into existing riffle to construct stable riffle grade break. Excavate 50' long, 15' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form adjacent lateral bar. 1 • • tr GA to MEADOW CREEK RANCH FISHERIES HABITAT IMPROVEMENT SHEET 4 - STA. 52+00 to 67+00 Construct lateral bar using material excavated from upstream pool (see Sheet 3). Incorporate 15 cubic yards of 6 to 12" cobble into existing riffle at irrigation diversion to improve flow to headgate. Excavate 45' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool. Haul excavated material to designated upland fill area. f J 1e Excavate 40' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form adjacent lateral bar. 10. 6 Incorporate 15 cubic yards of 6 to 12" cobble into existing riffle to construct stable riffle grade break. • Excavate 40' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool. Haul excavated material to designated upland fill area. Remove existing 3' high berm from stream bank and revegetate with native riparian species. I. v Excavate 50' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form adjacent lateral bar. Ass - f 76" Excavate 50' long, 15' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form adjacent lateral bar. 41. • F7'e�//Per> //to. MEADOW CREEK RANCH MAIN ELK CREEK DESIGN SHEET 4 DATE: 4/30/2017 DRAWN BY: Matt Weaver SCALE 1" = 100' S95 Ch 17? t4, 73 / /VI7)97(c' 406_2(19.070 Excavate 35' long, 12' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form adjacent lateral bar. t. Excavate 50' long, 15' wide and 4' deep pool and place t material to form adjacent down stream lateral bar. fi egit? r Incorporate 20 cubic yards of 6 to 12" cobble into existing riffle to construct stable riffle grade break. F } • •. .0,4111t (1L fix' 1 J Incorporate 15 cubic yards of 6 to 12" cobble into existing riffle to construct stable riffle grade break. • } • • I talK Construct log jam using cottonwood logs anchored using cable embedded in large rock. a 1r S Excavate 45' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool. Haul excavated material to designated upland fill area. git 47 ' ^rr' ■rr•.-- MEADOW CREEK RANCH FISHERIES HABITAT IMPROVEMENT SHEET 5 - STA. 67+00 to 83+00 Construct log jam using. cottonwood logs anchored using cable embedded in large rock. *�e� 6. Repair 240' of 5' high eroding stream bank using coir fabric encapsulated soil lifts. Place 6 to 12" cobble at toe of bank to a height of 1.0' above base flow water surface elevation. Install container grown willows and seed with native riparian grass species. EXIS-- .DIV { �A MEADOW CREEK RANCH MAIN ELK CREEK DESIGN SHEET 5 DATE: 4/30/2017 DRAWN BY: Matt Weaver SCALE 1" = 100' 89 O C i( & /t t ? 4 7197( ' 06: 09. T970 f MEADOW CREEK RANCH FISHERIES HABITAT IMPROVEMENT SHEET 6 - STA. 83+00 to 97+00 • ', - -ya 4 • ,.«. ;' .[.;, iia . , r • IP - f' fi 'r,- /'rte''A_' .0.....". " + s A A ' r# 3 • rtif f..y101, 4 Y ' { 1 r • 1 +, ;r 4;yy zr 4.1 4 • 4, • • .yl 44 • r'• • �•• �`r 1 Repair 150' of 5' high eroding stream bank using coir fabric encapsulated soil lifts. Place 6 to 12" cobble at toe of bank to a height of 1.0' above base flow water surface elevation. Install container grown willows and seed with native riparian grass species. . i .4 r F.' ` 4 00111. .S 07. J II f jir` r .fl 4 • -1 r 10. p *Ible414 TIP C A • t { • • ; r fri • ' fit)e, / ij)e J/ MEADOW CREEK RANCH MAIN ELK CREEK DESIGN SHEET 6 DATE: 4/30/2017 DRAWN BY: Matt Weaver SCALE 1" = 100' 89.0 Choputll /I/1 -107?8 406:,2.09. (970 MEADOW CREEK RANCH FISHERIES HABITAT IMPROVEMENT SHEET 7 - STA. 97+00 to 113+00 Excavate 40' long, 15' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form adjacent lateral bar. 7 a Incorporate 20 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 and place material to form adjacent lateral bar. r fLie' - I r f, •} / f • J. - •rt oda Incorporate 20 cubic yards of 6 to 12" cobble into existing riffle to construct stable riffle grade break. Excavate 40' long, 15' wide and 4' deep pool. Haul excavated material to designated upland fill area. F t Incorporate 15 cubic yards of 6 to 12" cobble into existing riffle to construct stable riffle grade break. • • Incorporate 20 cubic yards of 6 to 12" cobble into existing riffle to construct stable riffle grade break. r e,4,f •e • Excavate 50' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form adjacent lateral bar. } L 4. y fu's 4 Vy 7 Construct log jam using cottonwood logs anchored using cable embedded in r large rock. Place large cobble on 30' of ' eroding bank and plant willows . Harvest 30 willow clumps from this area and transplant in eroding bank from Sta 107+50 to 109+70. T Place large cobble along toe of 5' high, 220' long eroding bank. Plant 30 harvested willow clumps at base flow water surface elevation along entire bank on approximate 7' spacing. Plant container grown willows on 1' spacing. Fr . Construct four log jams using cottonwood logs anchored using cable embedded in large rock. .1 0. ez MEADOW CREEK RANCH MAIN ELK CREEK DESIGN SHEET 7 DATE: 4/30/2017 DRAWN BY: Matt Weaver SCALE 1" = 100' 8950 c4 1111 Bac, &it/ 447-597t8 406.°209. t970 MEADOW CREEK RANCH FISHERIES HABITAT IMPROVEMENT SHEET 8 - STA. 113+00 to 127+00 11111., 1`'1`+ X INIZA Log jam and bank repair on Sheet 7 • Construct log jam using cottonwood logs anchored using cable embedded in large rock. Excavate 35' long, 15' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form adjacent lateral bar. 4' evAja 6 Excavate 35' long, 15' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form adjacent lateral bar. ff - :•4 • Incorporate 20 cubic yards of 6 to 12" cobble into existing riffle to construct stable riffle grade break. vit • • ' 4'� ' • 7 r Excavate 40' long, 15' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form adjacent lateral bar. 116.4 • .:<...-for 1.,,„.. It` r10' ' ▪ 'IP, d` • -▪ .` , r ti r• 1 C +j+ �S.' if t Excavate 35' long, 12' wide and 3' deep pool and place material to form adjacent lateral bar. Incorporate 10 cubic yards of 6 to 12" cobble into existing riffle to construct stable riffle grade break. 1.r• 'r# ~ - 1.• 4 ra le' K' _! •r4 til?' • .' f- •-, . •r 1' - • . tAit 41, .11E-0 rv t pe'r't r, t raj, r 11' .• , rl - r. re'i-•' ' ti `- rr� .k`If IJ. . Ste': ._ '~le i 4tr +• rr. # ,. • .- 1 Garfield County Road Department rip rap repair along road right of way. I. 1 . • • tp- _rr• . •r' ' t II'4 • ., ': h '•• ' - • .1 Excavate 50' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form adjacent lateral bar. 27+00 u "r .{Ir' • 'SII Five/ /Per/ key, MEADOW CREEK RANCH MAIN ELK CREEK DESIGN SHEET 8 DATE: 4/30/2017 DRAWN BY: Matt Weaver SCALE 1" = 100' 89.0 Cl ztcr1 &A-oil/111/ /L 17 97,'8 X06: -209.1970 N MEADOW CREEK RANCH FISHERIES HABITAT IMPROVEMENT SHEET 9 - STA. 127+00 to 137+00 • St c : r , • • r 4-i; - et te . it% . t tik gie FSS I? row414 Incorporate 20 cubic yards of 6 to 12" cobble into existing riffle to construct stable riffle grade break. Excavate 35' long, 15' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form down stream lateral bar. 128+00 Excavate 40' long, 15' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form adjacent lateral bar. Excavate 30' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form adjacent lateral bar. }, rV Air * > f .r • Excavate 30' long, 15' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to -. form adjacent lateral bar. Excavate 35' long, 15' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form adjacent lateral bar. # ter - 7e lw ''1.1111 f Excavate 50' long, 15' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form adjacent lateral bar. Harvest 20 willow clumps from this area and transplant in eroding bank from Sta 134+40 to 135+60. Excavate 40' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form down stream lateral bar. 6 4 • t, � I '%*■ - • Place large cobble along toe of 4' high, 120' long eroding bank. Plant 20 harvested willow clumps at base flow water surface elevation along entire bank on approximate 6' spacing. Plant container grown willows on 1' spacing. + Excavate 30' long, 20' wide and 4' deep pool and place material to form adjacent lateral bar. • r r # 4r _r r F/Pe J'e/>/ //lc. MEADOW CREEK RANCH MAIN ELK CREEK DESIGN SHEET 9 DATE: 4/30/2017 DRAWN BY: Matt Weaver SCALE 1" = 100' C9 t) C mdi/Vl 71597Td '6v2C9. ?970 MAIN ELK CREEK - TYPICAL RIFFLE IMPROVEMENT EXISTING PROFILE UPSTREAM DOWNSTREAM 0 BASE FLOW WSE •f..• VALLEY FILL SUBSTRATE 1 SCOUR POINT •f: res e1VAAAACIPI "tCrf. a"S 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 5' PROPOSED PROFILE BASE FLOW WSE IMBED 6 TO 12" COBBLE TO HARDENED RIFFLE SCOUR POINT VALLEY FILL SUBSTRATE DOWNSTREAM r 7' EXCAVATED POOL 5' 10' 15' 20' i5' 30' 31 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 SOD/SOIL LAYER LEFT DESCENDING BAN K 10' ERODING BANK --- - --- - yRl'Tn1T-* BASE FLOW WSE VALLEY FILL SUBSTRATE SOIL -ROOT ZONE 45' 40' 35' 30' 25' 20' 15' 10' 5' RIGHT DESCENDING BANK 10' BANK FULL WSE PLANT WILLOWS AND RIPARIAN GRASS SPECIES IN COBBLE BENCH. PLACE 6-12" COBBLE TO FORM A 5' WIDE RIPARIAN BENCH AT TOE OF BANK. PROPOSED X—SECTION 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. BASE FLOW WSE VALLEY FILL SUBSTRATE SLOPE VERTICAL BANK TO AN APPROXIMATE 2:1 SLOPE AND COVER WITH TOPSOIL. SEED WITH RIPARIAN GRASS SPECIES. 0 LEFT DESCENDING BANK SOIL -ROOT ZONE 11I 45' 40' 35' 30' 25' 20' 15' 10' 5' 0 10' 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•' VEi, 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 -LW 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 ivf%te� RIGHT DESCENDING BANK SOD/SOIL LAYER VALLEY FILL SUBSTRATE 10' .5' LEFT DESCENDING BANK 10' 5' 10' 15 20' 2 5' 30' 3 5' 40' 45' SOD/SOIL LAYER PROPOSED X -SECTION SLOPE VERTICAL BANK TO AN APPROXIMATE 2:1 SLOPE AND COVER WITH TOPSOIL. SEED WITH RIPARIAN GRASS SPECIES. SOIL -ROOT ZONE PLANT WILLOWS IN AND ABOVE COBBLE TOE. BASE FLOW WSE RIGHT DESCENDING BAN K PLACE 6 TO 12" COBBLE SOD/SOIL LAYER AT TOE OF BANK. BANK FULL WSE VALLEY FILL SUBSTRATE 10' 5' 5' 10' 15' 20' 2 5' 30' 35' 40' 45' MAIN ELK CREEK- TYPICAL LOG PLACEMENT PLAN VIEW SITE 75+50 Anchor Rock Overhead Cover Logs Anchor Rock Current Deflector Log SCOUR POOL DEVELOPEMENT DOWNSTREAM OF LOG JAM Description: Log jam consists of 3 to 5 large cottowood logs cabled to 4 to 5' boulders. The cable is secured to boulders using cabled inserted into 18" deep drilled holes and cemented using heavy duty construction epoxy. The logs will be selected from numerous off - channel, fallen, dead cottonwoods on site. It is predicted that a scour pool will form below the log jam. The primary current deflector log is placed at a 25 to 35° angle off the bank in an upstream direction. The log projects into the channel approximately 0.2 X Channel Width. At this site the primary current deflector log would project 12' into channel. This alignment deflects flow away from the downstream eroding bank. AV. LOG PROJECTION IN CHANNEL 0.2 x WsF = 12'