Projects
With the help of grants and donations from volunteers just like you, we have been able to put over $225,000 into 15 projects on our home river.
We have triggered action to avert FIVE watershed disasters.
In 2019, we were able to provide 28 tours, programs, and interviews about the Denver South Platte
We have changed perception of water from avoid it, to enjoy it
Ongoing Projects
Trout-in-the-Classroom
Trout in the Classroom (TIC) is a conservation-oriented, environmental education program for elementary, middle and high school students.
Meet-the-River
In this program, DTU exposes local civic leadership and other potential partners to the river and its potential
Chatfield Storage
10 Acre Feet of Chatfield Storage
$75,000 spent and water is set to be released as needed for a healthy and happy DSP.
On May 13, 2020 the project participants were granted the right to store water in the new 20,600-acre-foot reallocation pool by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Read more about it here.
9 Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen Full Time Loggers
Long term continuous temperature monitoring is essential to determine:
Thermally suitable fish habitats in the Denver South Platte.
The temperature effects of the in-stream projects and riparian improvements.
The impact of stormwater on stream temperature.
Temperature Sensor data will be collected and posted every 6 months during low water periods.
Request access to the current DTU temperature and dissolved oxygen log here.
9 LUNKER Pipes and Boulder Clusters
Little Underwater Neighborhood Keepers Encompassing Rheotatic Salmonids (LUNKER)
To solve the problem of lack of habitat shelter from undercut banks, sweeper logs, or big boulders in the Denver South Platte, the DTU River Run Habitat Committee, Ben Neilsen (RiverRun Phase II designer), and Paul Winkle (CPW DSP Aquatic Biologist) have designed and located for experimental placement, of ten 18-36 inch diameter 8 foot sections of concrete pipe with rectangular windows below the water line to simulate the kind of shelter we hope the fish of the DSP will love.
Projects in the Works
Denver Waterways Project
The Denver Urban Waterways Restoration Study is a study to identify restorative improvements to three major urban waterways — Harvard Gulch, Weir Gulch, and the South Platte River from 6th to 58th Avenues — in the City and County of Denver. As one of the sponsors, DTU is conducting a series of studies to reassess the condition of the DSP considering flood risk assessment, ecosystem health and recreational opportunities.
Lifetime Angling Access
During the next 15 years, DTU estimates that over a billion dollars will be spent on restoration in the Denver South Platte (DSP). As an angler, we will likely pass through all of these different phases; starting as a kid, becoming a newbie, maybe being an injured angler, and finally into our senior years. Together, we can make lifetime access to our own river possible. Read more here.
The River Mile
Transformation project from Old Colfax to Confluence Park. Revesco Properties, which has already invested in an Acre-Ft of Environmental Pool storage, will remove years of sediment and restore this section. Plans include a standing wave structure to replace some of the existing boat drops at Confluence Park.
National Western Riverfront and Water Building
This is a huge project stretching from I-70 to Franklin St & The Water Building. It is currently in the design and early construction phase. DTU has requested and been approved for space in the Water Building which will be managed by Denver Water to hold meetings and store equipment.
Reynolds Landing
Arapahoe County River Vision Project which is currently in the planning pre design stage— this project stretches from Reynolds Landing to Dartmouth Ave
Bear Creek Fish Passage
Two small dams block fish passage in Bear Creek, 200 yards from the confluence with the South Platte. As the South Platte improves, fish passage into tributaries will be critical. Eliminating these barriers will improve spawning activities and enhance the ecosystems in the Bear Creek and South Platte. This project is currently on hold while MiHi flood control and others do a “Stream Management Plan”.
