Trout Unlimited (TU), in partnership with the San Juan National Forest (SJNF) and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), recently completed the Sig and Relay Creeks Aquatic Organismal Passage (AOP) project; it was successful due to the effective teamwork of these organizations as well as the commitment and dedication of the contractor, Medved Global.

The AOP effort replaced existing culverts with structures that allow all aquatic organisms to access upstream reaches of each tributary. This work is part of the Hermosa Creek Colorado River Cutthroat Trout (CRCT) Reintroduction effort and was listed as a project in the Hermosa Creek Special Management Area Plan legislation, signed in 2018.  CPW and the SJNF have worked to reestablish a genetically pure CRCT population in the Hermosa Watershed.  

“Between the two culverts, approximately 1.5 miles of new habitat will be available for cutthroat trout located downstream, which is significant because Sig and Relay Creeks regularly provide more water to the watershed than East Fork Hermosa during low flow periods.” Clay Kampf, Supervisory Aquatic Biologist, San Juan NF             

The CRCT populations in the greater Hermosa drainage are experiencing a substantial rebound due to over 35 years of effort. Past endeavors dating to the 1990s included the construction of fish barriers to prevent upstream migration of non-native trout species and widespread habitat improvements. Decades of accomplishments were headlined by and in partnership with the San Juan National Forest, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Trout Unlimited Five Rivers Chapter.

Sources

USDA Forest Service Partnership Peaks, Winter 2023. “Connecting Habitat for Cutthroat Trout”; Abe Proffitt- SJNF Partnership Coordinator

Durango Herald, August 23, 2024- “Part of Hermosa Park Road closes through September 13”; Reuben Schafir- Herald Staff Writer