Telluride, CO
The San Miguel River runs through downtown Telluride. The Town of Telluride had past experience using a very structural approach in an attempt to enhance the San Miguel corridor. This structural approach was generally deemed unsuccessful as improvements didn’t fit into the aesthetic landscape of this high alpine valley and past work required continual maintenance. ERC was hired by the Town to complete a second phase of stream restoration using our natural restoration approach. The approximately 3,200 foot reach restored by ERC included areas that were immediately adjacent to private property and others that were more natural in character. The design accounted for the need to protect private property and ensure stability of the stream while incorporating improved aquatic and riparian habitat through the stream corridor. Work was completed so that the finished river system was natural in appearance and fit in with its surroundings.