Yamaguchi South River Improvement Project Construction

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The Yamaguchi South River Improvement Project is currently being evaluated and a new start date will be determined soon. SW River Engineering is the selected contractor for the project. The 100% Design Plans for the Project are attached to this post.


Yamaguchi South Project – Frequently Asked Questions

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

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 TBD on this (Darin was hesitant if there wasn’t a method to automate the watering)
  • 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

Questions or comments?

Contact information for project representatives are:

Kyle Rickert

Project Manager, Town of Pagosa Springs

krickert@pagosasprings.co.gov

Chris Pitcher

Owner, Southwest River Engineering, Inc.

cpitcher@swriver.com



The Yamaguchi South River Improvement Project is currently being evaluated and a new start date will be determined soon. SW River Engineering is the selected contractor for the project. The 100% Design Plans for the Project are attached to this post.


Yamaguchi South Project – Frequently Asked Questions

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

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 TBD on this (Darin was hesitant if there wasn’t a method to automate the watering)
  • 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

Questions or comments?

Contact information for project representatives are:

Kyle Rickert

Project Manager, Town of Pagosa Springs

krickert@pagosasprings.co.gov

Chris Pitcher

Owner, Southwest River Engineering, Inc.

cpitcher@swriver.com