By David Hilborn
Exciting things are happening along the San Juan River, and the Town of Pagosa Springs would like the community to take part.
Pagosa Gateway River Project – 60% Design will be presented this Thursday, October 10, at 5:30pm at the Ross Aragon Community Center. This event will include an informational presentation on the project’s progress and gather valuable community feedback. We hope to see you there!
Additionally, the Town is offering a virtual open house that is open now through Thursday, October 10. Visit https://mypagosa.org/pagosa-gateway-project-60-design-open-house to participate in the online open house.
Upper San Juan Watershed Enhancement Partnership (WEP)
Working together since 2018 in Pagosa Springs, the WEP is a Colorado nonprofit incorporated in 2023 by local stakeholders to pursue the implementation of on-the-ground projects that improve conditions and resilience of the San Juan, Navajo, and Blanco River basins.
Project Summary
The Pagosa Gateway River Project is a vital restoration endeavor targeting approximately 2 miles of the San Juan River upstream from the Hwy 84 and Hwy 160 intersection. The project aims to strengthen the river’s resilience, improve the stability of riverbanks, minimize stream bank hazards, safeguard aquatic habitats and enrich recreational opportunities amid challenges posed by dwindling water flows and escalating temperatures.
We want your feedback. Community input is important to ensure this project is as amazing as possible.
Additionally, the Town will host a second open house to introduce the 30-percent design plans for the Yamaguchi South River Improvement Project. That event will take place on Wednesday, October 16 at the Ross Aragon Community Center.
The open house will give the public the opportunity to see the initial designs for the project. We’ll walk you through the plans to improve recreation access, enhance aquatic habitats and make our river area even more enjoyable.
Can’t make the in-person event? A virtual open house on mypagosa.org will be available from tomorrow, October 8 through October 23, where you can view the designs and drop your comments from home.
Plans include a new river access point, wading and swimming holes, and channel features like sandbars and pools. Not only will these upgrades make the river more fun for floating, fishing and lounging, but they’ll also help the environment by creating diverse habitats for coldwater trout and other native fish.
So, whether you’re an avid fisherman, a pastime boater, or just love the river, come join us at the open house and share your thoughts. See you there.
David Hilborn is Projects Manager with the Town of Pagosa Springs Development Department.