National Forest Foundation Awards Funding to Local Conservation Nonprofit

Eagle River Watershed Council to Collaborate on Project in Homestake Valley

Photo: Eagle River Watershed Council

As part of its work to improve aquatic ecosystems in the Eagle Valley watershed, Eagle River Watershed Council will oversee the replacement of the undersized culvert crossing on Homestake Road (National Forest System Road 703) at the East Fork Homestake Creek crossing. The project is in cooperation with the White River National Forest, Homestake Partners and the National Forest Foundation (NFF). Work is planned for August 14 – August 29 for the project in Homestake Valley.

This project is part of an ongoing Forest Service program to replace aging and failing corrugated metal culverts with structures that are designed to have a long lifespan, handle peak stream flows, provide flood resiliency, reduce future maintenance and provide passage for fish and other aquatic animals. The new culverts, called aquatic organism passages (AOPs), are wider than traditional round culverts and have open bottoms that allow stream channels to maintain their natural characteristics. The specialized design allows aquatic organisms to move freely up and down the stream channel. They may reduce road-animal interactions on the roadway and are less likely to catch debris that can block culverts and cause damaging flooding during periods of high water.

“This project is a great example of how valuable our partners are for accomplishing important projects on the White River National Forest,” said Deputy Eagle-Holy Cross District Ranger Mike Smith. “We greatly appreciate the efforts from the Eagle River Watershed Council, National Forest Foundation and Homestake Partners to see this project through.”

The National Forest Foundation Ski Conservation Fund (SCF) has awarded funding to Eagle River Watershed Council for the AOP installation at East Fork Homestake Creek. These award funds are from guest contributions at ski areas and lodges operating on or adjacent to National Forest System lands, with added National Forest Foundation federal funds.

“The National Forest Foundation is proud to support Eagle River Watershed Council and the East Fork Homestake Aquatic Organism Passage,” said Jamie Werner, Rocky Mountain Region Program Manager with the NFF. “This important project will benefit both water quality and habitat improvement, which are community-advised stewardship priorities of the White River National Forest Ski Conservation Fund. The NFF is grateful to our partners at Vail Resorts and their guests for their support of this innovative program.”

The National Forest Foundation works on behalf of the American public to inspire personal and meaningful connections to our National Forests. By directly engaging Americans and leveraging private and public funding, the NFF leads forest conservation efforts and promotes responsible recreation. Each year the NFF restores fish and wildlife habitat, facilitates common ground, plants trees in areas affect by fires, insects and disease and improves recreational opportunities. The NFF believes our National Forests and all they offer are an American treasure and are vital to the health of our communities. Learn more at nationalforests.org.

For more information about the East Fork Homestake Project, contact Anna Nakae, Eagle River Watershed Council’s projects coordinator, at 970-827-5406.