Your Watershed / Water Quality / Current & Targeted Studies

Current Studies:

2015 Cattle Creek Stream Health Evaluation

In 2015, with funding provided by Garfield County, RFC embarked on an extensive study to better understand water quality impairment(s) on Cattle Creek. Data from former studies revealed high water quality near the headwaters and impaired water quality on the lower portion of Cattle Creek.  With this information, RFC worked with landowners to gain access to private land, and thus be able to sample multiple sites along Cattle Creek, in effort to understand what is happening in between these two sites; if there was a gradual impairment, a point where “good” turned to “bad,” or just a small impaired reach.

RFC assessed chemical and biological water quality data, based on standards set by the State of Colorado, at seven sites along Cattle Creek to provide insight into the source of any water quality impairment(s). This data, coupled with a land use analysis, will recommend best management practices in effort to improve any impairment, and will also be used to inform stakeholders including landowners, water rights holders, county officials, and state regulators. 

Throughout the study, RFC conducted stakeholder outreach, including hosting a meeting with public citizens, Cattle Creek residents, business representatives, and elected officials. A shared interest in the long term health of Cattle Creek was a common denominator among attendees and has led to ongoing support of the study and great anticipation of results. 

 

Hear about the different phases of the Cattle Creek Study on public radio:

 

For more information about this study, please contact Heather Lewin, Watershed Action Director, at (970) 927-1290.

 


Collecting stream flow measurements on Cattle Creek

 

PUBLISHED REPORTS:

 

 

Targeted Studies

Roaring Fork Conservancy conducts many studies on the rivers and streams throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. Data collected by staff, RiverWatch or StreamTeam volunteers provides a baseline data to the health of our waterways. Sometimes that data raises a flag or indicates a concern which requires a more in-depth study.

Local government officials and not-for-profits, such as conservation organizations, commission Roaring Fork Conservancy to conduct a study on a particular area of interest.

 

Recent Targeted Studies:

Brush Creek (Snowmass Village)

 

Thompson Divide Baseline Water Quality Studies (Garfield & Pitkin Counties):  Thompson Divide Coalition commissioned these studies in order to provide valuable baseline data for water resources within the Thompson Divide. These data will serve as a “yardstick” against which future water quality changes can be compared. The major components researched: water quality and field data analysis and aquatic macroinvertebrate community conditions and tissue analysis.

 

Contact Us

Roaring Fork Conservancy

PHONE: (970) 927-1290
EMAIL: info@roaringfork.org

MAILING ADDRESS:
PO Box 3349
Basalt, CO 81621

PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
22800 Two Rivers Road
Basalt, CO 81621

What's New

Fryingpan Fishing Brings in $3.8 Million Annually to Local Economy Learn More

Contact