Pagosa Gateway Project Construction

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Pagosa Gateway Project



About the Project

What is the purpose of the Pagosa Gateway Project?

The project is designed to improve the health and function of the San Juan River upstream of Pagosa Springs. Goals include:

  • Enhancing in-channel aquatic habitat via increased hydraulic cover, low water connectivity, and increasing pool depth.

  • Stabilizing eroding riverbanks

  • Removing hazardous debris and improving boater safety

  • Restoring native riparian vegetation and improving riverbank resilience

This work addresses challenges from changing climate conditions, increased recreational use, and legacy modifications to the river channel.


Who are the sponsors of the Project?

  • Upper San Juan Watershed Enhancement Partnership (WEP)

  • The Town of Pagosa Springs

  • San Juan Water Conservancy District

  • Pagosa Springs Area Tourism Board

  • Friends of the Upper San Juan River

  • Southwestern Water Conservation District

  • Trout Unlimited

  • The Nature Conservancy

  • Colorado Water Conservation Board

  • Bureau of Reclamation


Where is the project located?

The project covers a 2-mile stretch of the San Juan River upstream of the Town of Pagosa Springs, along areas of mixed residential and commercial land use.


Why is restoration needed?

This river reach has limited habitat diversity, unstable and eroding banks, debris from past flood events, and impaired riparian areas. Restoration will:

  • Improve fish habitat and low-water connectivity

  • Reduce sediment input from eroding banks

  • Provide safer conditions for recreational users

  • Support long-term river health and resilience


Construction Information

When will construction occur?

Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2025 and is expected to take approximately 2.5 months, finishing by late November 2025. Work is planned to occur on weekends during this project. Construction sequencing in various areas of the project reach have been established to minimize disruptions to private land use. If river levels or weather delay work, activities and revegetation may continue into spring 2026.

Will the river be closed during construction?

Some short-term closures may be needed for safety when work is occurring in or near the river.


What equipment will be used?

Construction will use excavators and specialized carriers to move rock and materials. Access routes will use existing roads and temporary ramps that will be fully restored after construction.


How will noise and dust be managed?

Construction activities will generate typical construction noise during daytime hours. Dust control measures (such as watering disturbed areas) will be implemented as needed. Work will comply with all local ordinances regarding noise and air quality.

Will there be increased truck traffic?

Material deliveries, including boulders and riprap, will increase truck traffic temporarily. Truck routes will use existing roads, and staging areas are designed to minimize impacts on nearby properties.


How will the project affect property access?

No permanent changes to private property access are expected. Temporary access ramps may be built for construction equipment but will be removed and fully restored when work is completed.


Environmental Protection

How will fish and wildlife be protected?

  • Seasonal restrictions are in place to avoid sensitive wildlife periods.

  • Bank stabilization and revegetation will improve habitat over the long term.

  • Increased turbidity is expected periodically during the project. If levels become problematic to aquatic species, alternate construction methods and live water diversions may be employed.


Will wetlands or water quality be affected?

No permanent wetland impacts are expected. Temporary disturbance areas will be restored and erosion controls will be installed. No permanent impacts to water quality are expected. Temporary impacts to water quality will be periodic increased turbidity.


How will vegetation be restored?

Native plants and seed mixes will be used for revegetation along with locally harvested native plants.


Monitoring & Maintenance

How will success be measured?

Monitoring will include:

  • Fish population and species diversity surveys

  • Riparian vegetation health assessments

  • Physical stability checks on bank protection features

Monitoring will occur for at least five years after construction.


Who will maintain the improvements?

Long-term stewardship will be coordinated by the project sponsors. If changes occur that require maintenance, appropriate measures will be taken to keep the river functioning as intended.


Community Involvement

How can residents stay informed?

Updates will be provided through mypagosa.org and https://uppersanjuanwep.com/


Questions or comments?
Contact information for project representatives:

  • Danyelle Leentjes (Upper San Juan WEP Coordinator):

coordinator@uppersanjuanwep.com

For time sensitive questions or concerns please contact:

  • Corey Engen (FlyWater- Contractor)

(970) 217-3182

corey@flywater.com


Pagosa Gateway Project



About the Project

What is the purpose of the Pagosa Gateway Project?

The project is designed to improve the health and function of the San Juan River upstream of Pagosa Springs. Goals include:

  • Enhancing in-channel aquatic habitat via increased hydraulic cover, low water connectivity, and increasing pool depth.

  • Stabilizing eroding riverbanks

  • Removing hazardous debris and improving boater safety

  • Restoring native riparian vegetation and improving riverbank resilience

This work addresses challenges from changing climate conditions, increased recreational use, and legacy modifications to the river channel.


Who are the sponsors of the Project?

  • Upper San Juan Watershed Enhancement Partnership (WEP)

  • The Town of Pagosa Springs

  • San Juan Water Conservancy District

  • Pagosa Springs Area Tourism Board

  • Friends of the Upper San Juan River

  • Southwestern Water Conservation District

  • Trout Unlimited

  • The Nature Conservancy

  • Colorado Water Conservation Board

  • Bureau of Reclamation


Where is the project located?

The project covers a 2-mile stretch of the San Juan River upstream of the Town of Pagosa Springs, along areas of mixed residential and commercial land use.


Why is restoration needed?

This river reach has limited habitat diversity, unstable and eroding banks, debris from past flood events, and impaired riparian areas. Restoration will:

  • Improve fish habitat and low-water connectivity

  • Reduce sediment input from eroding banks

  • Provide safer conditions for recreational users

  • Support long-term river health and resilience


Construction Information

When will construction occur?

Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2025 and is expected to take approximately 2.5 months, finishing by late November 2025. Work is planned to occur on weekends during this project. Construction sequencing in various areas of the project reach have been established to minimize disruptions to private land use. If river levels or weather delay work, activities and revegetation may continue into spring 2026.

Will the river be closed during construction?

Some short-term closures may be needed for safety when work is occurring in or near the river.


What equipment will be used?

Construction will use excavators and specialized carriers to move rock and materials. Access routes will use existing roads and temporary ramps that will be fully restored after construction.


How will noise and dust be managed?

Construction activities will generate typical construction noise during daytime hours. Dust control measures (such as watering disturbed areas) will be implemented as needed. Work will comply with all local ordinances regarding noise and air quality.

Will there be increased truck traffic?

Material deliveries, including boulders and riprap, will increase truck traffic temporarily. Truck routes will use existing roads, and staging areas are designed to minimize impacts on nearby properties.


How will the project affect property access?

No permanent changes to private property access are expected. Temporary access ramps may be built for construction equipment but will be removed and fully restored when work is completed.


Environmental Protection

How will fish and wildlife be protected?

  • Seasonal restrictions are in place to avoid sensitive wildlife periods.

  • Bank stabilization and revegetation will improve habitat over the long term.

  • Increased turbidity is expected periodically during the project. If levels become problematic to aquatic species, alternate construction methods and live water diversions may be employed.


Will wetlands or water quality be affected?

No permanent wetland impacts are expected. Temporary disturbance areas will be restored and erosion controls will be installed. No permanent impacts to water quality are expected. Temporary impacts to water quality will be periodic increased turbidity.


How will vegetation be restored?

Native plants and seed mixes will be used for revegetation along with locally harvested native plants.


Monitoring & Maintenance

How will success be measured?

Monitoring will include:

  • Fish population and species diversity surveys

  • Riparian vegetation health assessments

  • Physical stability checks on bank protection features

Monitoring will occur for at least five years after construction.


Who will maintain the improvements?

Long-term stewardship will be coordinated by the project sponsors. If changes occur that require maintenance, appropriate measures will be taken to keep the river functioning as intended.


Community Involvement

How can residents stay informed?

Updates will be provided through mypagosa.org and https://uppersanjuanwep.com/


Questions or comments?
Contact information for project representatives:

  • Danyelle Leentjes (Upper San Juan WEP Coordinator):

coordinator@uppersanjuanwep.com

For time sensitive questions or concerns please contact:

  • Corey Engen (FlyWater- Contractor)

(970) 217-3182

corey@flywater.com