Need- The crumbling concrete Hotchkiss Diversion Structure was once used to divert water to the Hotchkiss Fish Hatchery, which has long since moved several miles downstream. The structure spans approximately 75 feet across the width of the North Fork of the Gunnison River barricading fish migration and isolating populations of fish that would benefit from free passage and cross-fertilization. Almost every spring at high water, the Hotchkiss Fire Department is called out to rescue hypothermic boaters stranded in the continuous wave created by the structure.

For years local residents have petitioned the Association and the Hatchery to remove the dangerous dam. Imminent need to remove the structure exists to potentially save lives. In addition to these issues, the banks along the dam are infested with non-native Russian Olive and Tamarisk trees, which consume more than two times the amount of water as native plants. Restoration is needed to return this stretch of river to a passable and ecologically functional reach.

Project Diary-

March -December of 2005: The project is born– grants are being written, funds are being raised, and meetings with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and landowners are being held. NFRIA members and the community have petitioned for the removal of the dam for some years, and now we are in a position to move on it.

Jan. 15th, 9:00 AM:
Huge boulders from Roger’s Mesa are being loaded into a dump truck and stockpiled in the staging area for site restoration. Dormant willows are also being cut, bundled, and hauled to the site. The ends of the willows are placed in the river to keep them wet and alive.

February 16th:
The project is now complete and water quality, fish, and macroinvertebrate monitoring will ensue in the coming months.

March 9th, 12:30 PM, Washington D.C.:
NFRIA receives the US Fish and Wildlife Service 2006 Partners in Fisheries Habitat Conservation Award for working with the Hotchkiss Fish Hatchery on Dam Removal!

Benefits- This project will benefit native Bluehead and Flannelmouth Sucker, and sportfish, such as Rainbow, Brown, and native Cutthroat Trout by creating a migration route and enhancing habitat. It will also enable safe boating and swimming in the area.

Partners- The Association is bringing multiple partners together to make this project a reality. We are working with the US Fish & Wildlife Service, the Colorado Water Protection Fund, Wildlife Forever, Trout Unlimited, the Conservation Alliance, and local landowners.

The project has a long history with resident and visiting boaters and anglers who continually petition for the removal of the structure. The local and state chapters of Trout Unlimited are eager to help with finance and volunteer labor. The Paonia Kayak Club, a local group that teaches kayaking to youth in the area, will help with revegetation once the structure is removed.

The Hotchkiss Fire Department is participating by helping to post signs and the North Fork Volunteer Monitoring Network is anxious to track the progress of the project through monitoring activities.