Critical construction project to impact Barr Lake State Park through fall
Kara Van Hoose
August 2, 2024
Critical construction project to impact Barr Lake State Park through fall
BRIGHTON, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife is notifying Barr Lake State Park visitors of trail closures and recreation changes due to upcoming construction projects. As part of a five-year project plan by Farmers Reservoir and Irrigation Company (FRICO), the dike will undergo major changes to reinforce the embankments in order to continue to be in compliance with dam safety standards. Work is expected to begin in early August and continue through the fall, focusing on a smaller than four-mile area of the lake’s shoreline.
The majority of construction will take place Monday through Friday. Portions of the Lake Loop trail will be closed to all recreation from the boat ramp south to mile marker four and will reopen Saturdays and Sundays. The project will also widen the trail from its current 15 foot radius to 22 feet, increasing accessibility and improving trail road surfacing.
While shoring up the dike is paramount to ensure human safety, CPW is closely monitoring the impact the project will have on the park’s bird population. Heavy construction work has been scheduled to not interfere with nesting raptors. No work will happen near existing bald eagle nests.
“Bird population health and mitigating potential habitat loss have been at the forefront of all discussion surrounding the project,” said Lisa Gill, Barr Lake State Park Manager. “We have worked closely with FRICO and Bird Conservancy of the Rockies to ensure the centerpieces we love about the park, including the renowned birding opportunities, are protected.”
In order to reinforce the dike embankments, cottonwood trees in a ten-foot radius from the edge of the dike’s slope will need to be removed. After Barr Lake received a large amount of rainfall in 2023 and filled to its storage capacity, roots from nearby cottonwood trees served as a conduit for water to penetrate the side of the dike, causing soil seepage and the ditch to slough. These roots must be extracted in order to protect the dam and human safety. CPW and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies have identified sensitive areas for birds where impact will be minimized. The demolished trees will be repurposed into habitat at Barr Lake. FRICO will also seed the embankments to prevent invasive species.
Lake levels will be decreased in October to allow better access for construction work on the dam and any sinkholes. Barr Lake will remain open to motorized and non-motorized water recreation until lake levels drop below a 20-foot gauge height. The lake is expected to begin refilling in mid-November. Dove hunting at Barr Lake is not likely to be impacted, however waterfowl hunting will be limited to Saturdays only.
“We will monitor aquatic health while the lake levels are lowered and alert the public if a fish salvage is needed,” said Gill.
Park visitors should check Barr Lake’s website for construction updates and impacts before visiting. The Nature Center will remain open during the project every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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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.