What is the GC-SMP

Since its creation in 2010, the Grand County Stream Management Plan (GC SMP) has provided a guiding framework for maintaining healthy streams within the CEA by protecting and enhancing aquatic habitat, safeguarding local water uses, and preserving flexibility for future water operations. In 2023, Learning By Doing initiated a comprehensive update to the GC SMP to reflect current stream conditions, align with Colorado’s planning process, and incorporate robust stakeholder input. The updated plan is built on a flexible, adaptive framework, simplifies future updates, facilitates regrading, and reprioritization of stream reaches as projects are completed and conditions evolve.

Purpose

The purpose of the Stream Management Plan (SMP) is to provide a roadmap for maintaining a healthy and resilient stream system within the Cooperative Effort Area in Grand County, Colorado by protecting, monitoring, and restoring aquatic habitat while supporting local water uses and retaining flexibility for future water operations. Led by Learning By Doing, the SMP is designed to be adaptive and will be updated as conditions and needs evolve.

Objectives

ONGOING STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Host and participate in meetings, workshops and community events to gather input and share progress to foster collaboration, promote education and ensure transparency and inclusivity in decision-making processes.

RIVER HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND REACH PRIOIRITIZATION

Apply a customized River Health Assessment Framework (RHAF) tailored to the Cooperative Effort Area which, where possible, relies on data and quantitative metrics that can be reassessed in the future.

PROJECT PRIORITIZATION AND DEVELOPMENT

se the results from the GC RHAF and restoration goals developed with stakeholders to prioritize stream reaches where restoration or protection efforts are most critical, and identify and design projects that align with community values and aquatic habitat improvement goals.

DYNAMIC IMPLEMENTATION AND DATA INTEGRATION

Create a user-friendly website to host the GC SMP, making it accessible to stakeholders and the public, and easy to update as new data are collected and projects are completed.