Last week, Summit County’s design-build team of Ecological Resource Consultants/Tezak Heavy Equipment (ERC/Tezak) started major earthwork on the Swan River Restoration project site. Major earthwork activities continue this week as the site is prepared for the new stream channel and associated floodplain, riparian corridor, and uplands. Materials are being sorted by size (i.e., boulders, cobbles, sand, etc.) and stockpiled in various locations throughout the site for reuse during construction and offsite beneficial reuse. An improved temporary stream crossing was also installed across the existing Swan River channel at Rock Island Road to facilitate heavy truck access during construction. Rock milling equipment is anticipated to be delivered this site this week, with rock milling activities commencing shortly thereafter. Big changes are happening fast onsite, and for probably the first time in recent memory, the project site is visible from Tiger Road.
With restoration construction underway, we have been excited to host two site visits over the last week. A water resources group from the University of Nebraska (UNB), hosted by Summit County’s Water Commissioner and Blue River Watershed Association Board Member, Troy Wineland, visited the site to check out the work and learn more about the project. Bill Jackson, White River National Forest Dillon Ranger District, District Ranger; Jason Lederer, Summit County Open Space and Trails resource specialist; and Troy Thompson, ERC Design Engineer, provided a project overview and discussion with around 60 UNB participants.
This past Monday, the Breckenridge Open Space Advisory Commission (BOSAC), also stopped by the site prior to their monthly hearing to discuss the project and see the progress. The town of Breckenridge is a joint landowner with the County and has been instrumental during the project planning and fundraising process. County Commissioners and Managers were also in attendance to thank the BOSAC for their support and get an on-the-ground project update.
Work is scheduled to continue through November 2016, followed by a winter shut-down period, before recommencing in spring 2017. Additional information about Swan River Restoration Project is available at RestoreTheSwanRiver.com as well as on the Open Space and Trails Special Projects web page. If you have additional questions about the restoration project, you can contact Summit County Open Space and Trails Director Brian Lorch, or Open Space and Trails Resource Specialist Jason Lederer, or call 970.668.4060.