06/10/10 Bear Creek Habitat Improvement Project El Paso County, Colorado Pike National Forest and Colorado Springs Utilities Owned Land Report prepared by: Eric Billmeyer Executive Director Rocky Mountain Field Institute 3310 W. Colorado Avenue Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904 719.471.7736 rmfi@rmfi.org
CONTENTS A. INTRODUCTION 3 B. PROJECT AREA Zone Details 5 1) Zone A USFS Lands 5 2) Zone B CSU Lands 8 3) Zone C CSU Lands 10 4) Zone D CSU Lands 12 5) Zone E USFS Lands 16 C. BUDGET FOR ALL PROJECT ZONES AND TIME REQUIRED 19 2
A. INTRODUCTION The Bear Creek Watershed lies just west of the City of Colorado Springs along the eastern flank of the Pikes Peak Massif (Lat. 38 48' 15" N, Long. 104 55' 30" W). Encompassing both National Forest lands administered by the Pike National Forest and private lands owned by Colorado Springs Utilities, a community owned company, the Watershed is extremely important for its recreational opportunities, its value as a water resource, and as vital habitat for the threatened Colorado greenback cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki stomias). The Bear Creek Habitat Improvement Project will enhance and protect greenback cutthroat habitat within the Bear Creek drainage by reducing sedimentation and erosion impacts from 3.9 miles of the Pike National Forest system trail #667 which runs adjacent to upper Bear Creek. The #667 trail provides connections to over a hundred miles of additional trails in both the Pikes National Forest and Colorado Springs Open Space and Park lands. The trail is very popular for hiking, camping, mountain biking, and off-highway vehicles (motorcycles). Impacts due to the heavy recreational use of the trail are exacerbated by the highly erodible soils made up of decomposing Pikes Peak Granite. This has resulted in sections of the outslope of the trail failing, and severe over-steepening and vegetation loss on many cutslope sections. In addition, the trail crosses the creek eight times, has poorly designed drainage, and trail segments that are within a foot of the stream channel. The Bear Creek Habitat Improvement Project will focus on eliminating sediment influx from erosion off the trail into Bear Creek through the use of erosion control structures, retaining walls, the reconstruction of eroded banks, construction of bridges, rerouting portions of the trail and restoring closed sections, and applying re-vegetation techniques to eroded banks and slopes. Completion of erosion control, stabilization, and restoration work through the Bear Creek Habitat Improvement Project will provide the following benefits: Substantial reduction in the amount of sediment that is transported off trail during storm events into Bear Creek through the reconstruction of 48 drainage ditches to include rock check dams to attenuate runoff and trap sediment. An additional 16 new drainages and water control structures will also be installed. Stabilization of outslope banks that are currently eroding into the creek through the construction of 188 linear feet of retaining wall and 1500 sq feet of re-vegetation prescriptions including native seed and erosion control matting on the banks. 3
Stabilization of severely eroding cutslope banks through the construction of 290 linear feet of retaining wall and 2800 sq feet of re-vegetation prescriptions including native seed and erosion control matting on the slopes. Construction of 800 feet of new trail that is out of the riparian zone of the creek and that is built to current Forest Service standards. Over 535 feet of old trail will be closed and restored to provide the creek additional protection from sedimentation sources. Reconstruction of 30 feet of eroded banks where the trail crosses the creek to prevent water from flowing down the trail during high flow events and to provide sustainable platforms for the construction of new bridges across the creek. This report details the habitat improvement actions that are recommended as well as a budget for completing all work within each project zone. 4
B. PROJECT AREA ZONE DETAILS This section details the habitat improvement work identified through site visits to the project during 2009 and 2010. For the construction of all structures listed below (except the bridge) it is proposed that natural materials found within the project area be utilized. Most areas have abundant rock that can be used to construct check dams, retaining, walls, and rock culverts. Revegetation of slopes will use a seed mix approved by specialists from the Pike Ranger District. Erosion control matting consisting of Aspen shavings and a biodegradable net will also be used. Willow plantings will come from existing stock along the Bear Creek drainage. 1) Zone A- USFS Lands This zone encompasses the furthest distal reach of the Bear Creek Habitat Improvement Project. The northwest boundary of the zone lies approximately 1.5 miles east of a South Slope Watershed access road and 2.7 miles northwest of the first bridge crossing on the #667 Trail. The length of trail included in this zone is just under a half mile. 5
Work proposed for this zone is to close and rehabilitate the existing Trail #667 dead-end spur from the junction with Trail #701 to just after the Bear Creek crossing (200 feet) and reopen an old trail running to the northeast of the creek (475 feet) with the following improvements: - Construct new bridge crossing over Bear Creek along main trail corridor for Trail #667 before junction with dead-end spur and Trail #701 (Fig. 1). - Install French drain where small tributary crosses trail (Fig. 2). - Install 12 rock check dams within existing trail drainage channels (one per drainage) to attenuate storm flow (Fig. 3). - Transplant willows along two 150 square foot reaches just below trail. - Close and rehabilitate 200 feet of the existing Trail #667 dead-end spur (this would include the Forest Service closing off the entrance to the existing trail with fencing) (Fig. 4 and 5). - Reopen 475 feet of the old trail running to the northeast of the creek to where it joins the existing Trail #667 dead-end spur just above the creek crossing (Fig. 6). I. Photos Fig. 1. New bridge over creek crossing. Fig. 2. French Drain location. Fig. 3. Example of drainage needing check dam Fig. 4. Head of trail to be closed off 6
Fig. 5. Rehabilitate 200 of trail. Fig. 6. Reopen 475 of old trail. II. Budget Zone A This budget includes RMFI completing all the work previously described. The bridge will be constructed to specifications already approved and in use in the Bear Creek Watershed. The work will require 9 days of labor utilizing 10-12 volunteers with three staff. This section will require the crew to camp for 8 nights. Total cost would be: ITEM BUDGET Personnel 4,832 Direct Expenses 2,406 Indirect Expenses 1,592 Total $8,830 7
2) Zone B- CSU Lands This zone is of a high priority as it includes two stream crossing as well as one major tributary crossing. The length of trail included in this zone is approximately ¾ of a mile. Proposed work to be completed in this zone of the habitat improvement project includes: - Installation of 16 rock check dams within existing trail drainage channels (one per drainage) to attenuate storm flow (Fig. 1). - Construction of a 10 bank built w/ large boulder that then grades down to existing trail at a 3% slope. A new bridge crossing will then be constructed and put into place by spring 2010 (bridge construction is being completed by separate contractor) (Fig. 2 and 3). - Install rock culvert where major tributary to Bear Creek crosses trail (Fig. 4). - Transplant willows along a 250 square foot reach adjacent to Bear Creek to minimize sediment transport from trail corridor. - Installation of a bridge where the trail crosses Bear Creek at the southeastern end of this zone (bridge construction is being completed by separate contractor) (Fig. 5). 8
I. Photos Fig. 1. Example of drainage needing Fig. 2 and 3. Re-construct bank and install bridge. check dam in Zone B. Fig. 4. Install rock culver at trib crossing. Fig. 5. Install new bridge. II. Budget Zone B This budget includes RMFI completing all the work previously described. Work will require 6 days of labor utilizing 10-12 volunteers with three staff. This section will require the crew to camp for 5 nights. Total cost would be: ITEM BUDGET Personnel 3,198 Direct Expenses 1,680 Indirect Expenses 1,073 Total $5,951 9
3) Zone C- CSU Lands This zone lies in the middle of the greater project area. Trail 720-A comes in from the southwest, increasing recreational impacts within this zone. The length of trail included in this zone is just over a half mile on the #667 Trail and 836 feet on Trail 720-A. Proposed work to be completed in this zone of the habitat improvement project includes: - Installation of 5 rock check dams within existing trail drainage channels (one per drainage) to attenuate storm flow (Fig. 1). - Construction of 2 retaining walls to protect the outside slope of the trail and reduce sediment transport into the stream. Each wall would be 2 x10. - Install rock culvert where major tributary to Bear Creek crosses the 720-A Trail (Fig. 2). - Transplant willows along a 300 square foot reach adjacent to Bear Creek to minimize sediment transport from trail corridor. - Install a French drain at the minor tributary in the southeastern portion of the drainage and direct drainage back into original channel (Fig. 3). - Rehabilitate 60 linear feet of closed trail near minor tributary. The old trail is conveying a substantial amount of sediment into the main trail corridor (Fig. 4). 10
I. Photos Fig. 1. Example of drainage needing Fig. 2. Install rock check dam where 720-A crosses tributary. check dam in Zone C. Fig. 3. Install French drain at trib crossing. Fig. 4. Rehab closed trail. II. Budget Zone C This budget includes RMFI completing all the work previously described. Work will require 5 days of labor utilizing 10-12 volunteers with three staff. This section will require the crew to camp for 4 nights. Total cost would be: ITEM BUDGET Personnel 2,696 Direct Expenses 1,320 Indirect Expenses 883 Total $4,899 11
4) Zone D- CSU Lands This zone encompasses the last section of the Bear Creek trail on CSU lands. The trail in this section is heavily eroded and will require substantial work to ensure the trail does not continue to negatively impact Bear Creek s water quality. This section is of the highest priority to complete. The length of trail included in this zone is approximately ¾ of a mile. Preferred Reroute Option Work proposed for this zone includes the following improvements: - Installation of one rock check dam within an existing trail drainage channel to attenuate storm flow. - Construction of 3 retaining walls to protect the outside slope of the trail and reduce sediment transport into the stream. In total, 98 linear feet of retaining wall 2-3 high needs to be built into the outslope (Fig. 1 and 2). - Install a rock culvert where tributary to Bear Creek crosses trail at western boundary of zone (Fig. 3). 12
- Revegetate two major areas (1500 sq ft total) with seed mix and place erosion control matting to minimize sediment transport from trail corridor into the creek (Fig. 4). - Install a French drain where a minor spring is feeding water onto the trail (Fig. 5). - Remove two water bars currently placed in trail that are conveying large amounts of sediment into the creek. The sediment by staying on the trail will help fill low erosion spots within the trail itself. Due to the porous nature of the trail bed, any water within this section of trail will seep into the ground relatively quickly and not affect the trail bed surface (Fig. 6 and 7). - Use boulders to narrow the trail and keep users from treading on the outslope where the trail is becoming unstable (Fig. 8). - Complete a 335 trail reroute utilizing an old trail (Fig. 9) In addition, the closed portion of the existing trail will be rehabilitated. The reroute will remove the existing trail away from Bear Creek in this section (Fig. 10). - Use rock to armor an extremely downcut portion of trail (Fig. 11). I. Photos Fig. 1 and 2. Examples of areas needing retaining walls in Zone D. Fig. 3. Install rock culvert at tributary crossing. Fig. 4. Revegetate barren slopes. 13
Fig. 5. Install French drain at spring/seep crossing.. Fig. 6. First water bar to be removed (view down trail). Fig. 7. Second water bar to be removed (view down trail). Figure 8. Trail to be narrowed on outslope with boulders Fig. 9. Example of the old trail to be re-opened. 14
Fig. 10. Portion of trail to be restored. Fig. 11. Gullied section on existing trail that would be hardened. II. Budget Zone D This budget includes RMFI completing all the work previously described. Work will require 7 days of labor utilizing 10-12 volunteers with three staff. This section will require the crew to camp for 6 nights. Total cost would be: ITEM BUDGET Personnel 3,700 Direct Expenses 1,930 Indirect Expenses 1,239 Total $6,869 5) Zone E- USFS Lands This zone is the furthest east zone in the project area and is where the proper Bear Creek trail (#666) joins with Trail 667. The Bear Creek trail is non-motorized. The length of trail included in this zone is just over 1300 feet on Trail #667 heading up the Bear Creek drainage and 328 feet #667 heading toward High Drive. 15
Proposed work to be completed in this zone of the habitat improvement project includes: - Installation of 2 rock check dams within existing trail drainage channels (one per drainage) to attenuate storm flow (Fig. 1). - Construction of an 18 long, 2 high bank to separate the trail and creek just upstream of the bridge crossing (Fig. 2). - Construction of 2 retaining walls to protect the outside slope of the trail and reduce sediment transport into the stream. One wall will be 2 by 28, with the other 3 by 12 (Fig. 3 and 4). - Install French drain where minor tributary to Bear Creek crosses the (Fig. 5). - Revegetate five areas (2800 sq ft total) with seed mix and place erosion control matting to minimize sediment transport from trail corridor into the creek (Fig. 6). - Install or repair 8 water bars on #667 trail heading back towards High Drive (Fig. 7 and 8). - Construction of 40 linear feet of retaining wall 2-3 high needs to be built into the inslope of the major switchback on #667. 16
I. Photos Fig. 1. Example of drainage needing Fig. 2. Construct 18 bank to separate trail from creek channel. check dam in Zone E. Fig. 3. Install 12 retaining wall with drain and check dam Fig. 4. Install 28 Cutslope retaining wall to stabilize slope Fig. 5. Install French drain at trib crossing Fig. 6. Example of slope area needing revegetation. 17
Fig. 7 and 8. Section of Trail #667 coming from High Drive that needs water bars installed or repaired (view down trail). II. Budget Zone E Work would require 6 days of labor utilizing 10-12 volunteers with three staff. The crew could hike in each day or camp in Zone D for 5 nights. Total cost would be: ITEM BUDGET Personnel 3,198 Direct Expenses 1,680 Indirect Expenses 1,073 Total $5,951 18
C. BUDGET FOR ALL PROJECT ZONES AND TIME REQUIRED The following summarizes the cost to complete the required habitat improvements in each of the 5 zones. Each budget includes all staff project planning, preparation, and implementation time, all volunteer outreach, coordination, and supervision, all tools and equipment, all restoration supplies, and all camping supplies. Due to the length of time estimated to complete the entire project, utilizing our Earth Corps program for college students would be the most appropriate. The program is 30 days in length and would provide for the majority of the project work to be completed. The remaining work can be completed through our Wildlands Environmental Stewardship Program for community volunteers. These programs are 2 to 4 days in length for up to 20 volunteers. Zone Budget Time Allotted Zone A $8,830 9 days Zone B $5,951 6 days Zone C $4,899 5 days Zone D $6,869 7 days Zone E $5,951 6 days Total all zones- $32,500 33 days 19