Park County, CO
Colorado Parks and Wildlife holds an easement that allows fishing significant portions of the Middle Fork of the South Platte River in Park County. One of the factors that limit the aquatic habitat through much of this water is pool habitat. ERC was selected to develop plans to optimize habitat along a 21,700 foot stretch of the Middle Fork known as Buffalo Peaks Ranch. The design included 79 habitat segments, each with a created pool to address the habitat limitations of the area. Pools were designed to work in combination with cascade features, riffles and bends, depending on site specific conditions. Funding was raised allowing for a priority reach of 9,800 feet to be completed. Using a natural restoration approach, ERC created 33 unique habitat units, each with a deepened pool along the priority reach.