Yamaguchi South River Improvement Project Construction

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The Town of Pagosa Springs is pleased to announce the completion of the Yamaguchi South Project, a collaborative effort focused on improving river habitat, recreation, and access along the San Juan River.

The project was completed by Southwest River Engineering and made possible through funding and support from the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), Southwest Water Conservation District, Town of Pagosa Springs, Archuleta County, The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, and the San Juan Conservancy District.

The project included several improvements designed to enhance both the health of the river corridor and the community’s recreational opportunities. A new public boat ramp was constructed to improve access to the San Juan River, while habitat enhancement structures were installed in the river to improve aquatic habitat and create healthier conditions for fish and other wildlife.

The project also included wetland enhancement improvements, installing a new headgate that channels water into the newly restored wetlands area just east of the pickleball courts. Helping restore and improve important wetland areas along the river. In addition, single-track trail improvements were completed along the river, connecting the area at the old boat ramp to the new boat ramp in South Yamaguchi.

The completion of the Yamaguchi South Project represents an important investment in the Town and the San Juan River corridor. By combining habitat restoration, wetland enhancement, improved river access, and trail improvements, the project demonstrates how conservation and recreation can work together to benefit the community and protect one of Pagosa Springs’ most valuable natural resources.


About the Project

What are the objectives of the Yamaguchi South Project?

The project is designed to improve recreational and ecological enhancement of the San Juan River in South Yamaguchi Park. Goals include:

  • Enhance the recreational experience for both anglers and river enthusiasts
  • Improve public access to recreational features
  • Create a new river access at the southern end of Yamaguchi South Park to extend the in-river experience another 1700 feet
  • Improve fish habitat quality and promote sediment movement through this section of the San Juan River flowing through the Town’s Yamaguchi Park
  • Improve irrigation infrastructure for Yamaguchi park.

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

The structures to be included within this project to meet the objectives are:

  1. Various Habitat Structures
  2. New Boat Ramp/parking area
  3. Improved River Access Options
  4. Wetland Area/Pond Improvements
  5. Channel Shaping Structures with Riffles and Pools

(Click HERE for the definitions and purpose of each of the proposed improvements)

Who provided funding for the Project?

  • The Town of Pagosa Springs
  • Archuleta County
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • Trout Unlimited
  • San Juan Water Conservancy District
  • Southwestern Water Conservation District
  • Colorado Water Conservation Board

The Town of Pagosa Springs would like to thank all of the funding partners, project partners, contractors, and community members who helped make this project possible.

Where is the project located?

The project is located at Yamaguchi Park South at 684 South 5th Street in Pagosa Springs, CO. Work will be done from where the current river access point is at Yamaguchi Park, continuing downstream to the new river access point that will be created near the south property boundary.

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 improved conditions for recreational users
  • Support long-term river health and resilience

Construction Information

When will construction occur?

Construction is currently being rescheduled after the flooding, but once started, is expected to take approximately 2 months.. Work is planned to occur 7 days a week during this project. 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?

The work will be mostly completed with track hoes and front end loaders as well as road graders for some of the parking area work.

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?

Yes. There will be deliveries of construction materials to the project staging area at the end of 5th street during the project.

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?

Minimal. 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 periodically increase turbidity.

What vegetation will be affected?

  • Cottonwoods will be planted near the new boat ramp
  • Dead or dying cotton wood trees will be removed and repurposed for underwater fish habitat
  • Willow transplants will be planted in disturbed areas along the riverbank.

Maintenance

Who will maintain the improvements?

The Town of Pagosa Springs’ Parks Department will be in charge of long-term maintenance of the Park.

Community Involvement

How can residents stay informed?

Updates will be provided through mypagosa.org




The Town of Pagosa Springs is pleased to announce the completion of the Yamaguchi South Project, a collaborative effort focused on improving river habitat, recreation, and access along the San Juan River.

The project was completed by Southwest River Engineering and made possible through funding and support from the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), Southwest Water Conservation District, Town of Pagosa Springs, Archuleta County, The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, and the San Juan Conservancy District.

The project included several improvements designed to enhance both the health of the river corridor and the community’s recreational opportunities. A new public boat ramp was constructed to improve access to the San Juan River, while habitat enhancement structures were installed in the river to improve aquatic habitat and create healthier conditions for fish and other wildlife.

The project also included wetland enhancement improvements, installing a new headgate that channels water into the newly restored wetlands area just east of the pickleball courts. Helping restore and improve important wetland areas along the river. In addition, single-track trail improvements were completed along the river, connecting the area at the old boat ramp to the new boat ramp in South Yamaguchi.

The completion of the Yamaguchi South Project represents an important investment in the Town and the San Juan River corridor. By combining habitat restoration, wetland enhancement, improved river access, and trail improvements, the project demonstrates how conservation and recreation can work together to benefit the community and protect one of Pagosa Springs’ most valuable natural resources.


About the Project

What are the objectives of the Yamaguchi South Project?

The project is designed to improve recreational and ecological enhancement of the San Juan River in South Yamaguchi Park. Goals include:

  • Enhance the recreational experience for both anglers and river enthusiasts
  • Improve public access to recreational features
  • Create a new river access at the southern end of Yamaguchi South Park to extend the in-river experience another 1700 feet
  • Improve fish habitat quality and promote sediment movement through this section of the San Juan River flowing through the Town’s Yamaguchi Park
  • Improve irrigation infrastructure for Yamaguchi park.

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

The structures to be included within this project to meet the objectives are:

  1. Various Habitat Structures
  2. New Boat Ramp/parking area
  3. Improved River Access Options
  4. Wetland Area/Pond Improvements
  5. Channel Shaping Structures with Riffles and Pools

(Click HERE for the definitions and purpose of each of the proposed improvements)

Who provided funding for the Project?

  • The Town of Pagosa Springs
  • Archuleta County
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • Trout Unlimited
  • San Juan Water Conservancy District
  • Southwestern Water Conservation District
  • Colorado Water Conservation Board

The Town of Pagosa Springs would like to thank all of the funding partners, project partners, contractors, and community members who helped make this project possible.

Where is the project located?

The project is located at Yamaguchi Park South at 684 South 5th Street in Pagosa Springs, CO. Work will be done from where the current river access point is at Yamaguchi Park, continuing downstream to the new river access point that will be created near the south property boundary.

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 improved conditions for recreational users
  • Support long-term river health and resilience

Construction Information

When will construction occur?

Construction is currently being rescheduled after the flooding, but once started, is expected to take approximately 2 months.. Work is planned to occur 7 days a week during this project. 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?

The work will be mostly completed with track hoes and front end loaders as well as road graders for some of the parking area work.

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?

Yes. There will be deliveries of construction materials to the project staging area at the end of 5th street during the project.

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?

Minimal. 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 periodically increase turbidity.

What vegetation will be affected?

  • Cottonwoods will be planted near the new boat ramp
  • Dead or dying cotton wood trees will be removed and repurposed for underwater fish habitat
  • Willow transplants will be planted in disturbed areas along the riverbank.

Maintenance

Who will maintain the improvements?

The Town of Pagosa Springs’ Parks Department will be in charge of long-term maintenance of the Park.

Community Involvement

How can residents stay informed?

Updates will be provided through mypagosa.org