CPW to begin aquatic habitat improvement project at Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Are
Rachael GonzalesNorthwest Region Public Information Officer
970-773-8587 / [email protected]
Twitter: @CPW_NW CPW to begin aquatic habitat improvement project at Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. - Work is set to begin on the Upper Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area Yampa River aquatic habitat improvement project on Mon., July 15. The State Wildlife Area will remain open to the public during the project. However, the section of the Yampa River within the boundaries of the construction area will be closed to the public. The closure is expected to last until the end of September.
This critical habitat improvement project will occur in two phases, in an effort to restore several facets of original restoration work that began in the early 2000s and to prevent further degradation, which would result in more costly maintenance, additional loss of habitat, and continued contributions of excessive gravels to the system.
Work to be completed includes constructing multiple rock structures to direct stream energy away from banks, adding bankfull bench features with coir fiber wrapped sod/willow mats, regrading vertical eroding banks, and removing transverse bars and mid-channel bars to re-shape the channel bed to appropriate dimensions.
Anglers can walk along the banks as long as they stay clear of the construction work. CPW warns anglers that water quality will be poor downstream, and alternate fishing locations are advised. Temporary signs have been placed in the parking lots warning anglers of the closure and listing alternate access points.
“We want to thank our anglers for their support and patience while working on this crucial habitat project,” said CPW Steamboat Springs Area Aquatic Biologist, Bill Atkinson. “Once complete, this project will allow the river to function in a more natural state, through improved riparian habitat connectivity and aquatic habitat features. Overall recreational amenities will be improved.”
Anglers looking for an alternative location to fish can contact CPW’s Steamboat Springs Area Office at 970-870-2197 or by viewing our 2024 Fishing Brochure.
Learn more about the Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area on our website.Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.