Yamaguchi South River Improvement Project Construction

The Yamaguchi South River Improvement Project will begin construction Fall 2025. SW River Engineering is the selected contractor for the project. The 100% Design Plans for the Project are attached to this post.

Project Objectives

• Create diverse aquatic habitat that supports cold water trout and native fish populations in the face of drought and climate change.
• Create a geomorphology more resilient to hydrological and sediment deposition changes.
• Enhance recreation options at various river flows and reduce access conflicts.
• Improve the water irrigation system for Yamaguchi Park including a new in-stream rock diversion structure with headgate and an open water delivery ditch to an adjacent wetland pond that would be used for irrigation water storage and wetland pond habitat.

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)

Funding for the Yamaguchi South River Improvements has been provided by:

• Colorado Water Conservation Board, Water Supply Reserve Grant
• Colorado Water Conservation Board, Water Plan Grant
• Southwest Water Conservation District
• Town of Pagosa Springs
• Archuleta County
• Trout Unlimited
• San Juan Conservancy District
• The Nature Conservancy

Please address any questions or concerns to:

Kyle Rickert, Project Manager - Town of Pagosa Springs,

krickert@pagosasprings.co.gov

(office) (970) 585-8667