River Projects
Rossum to Wilson Ave River and Rist-Goss Ditch Improvement Project
Project Description
The Rossum Drive to Wilson Ave River Improvement projects is being constructed in conjunction with Rist-Goss Ditch Improvement Project to deliver a combined two miles of river restoration and the removal of a 6 ft high cement diversion structure. This exciting project, implemented by Big Thompson Watershed Coalition on City of Loveland and Loveland Ready Mix land, boasts multiple benefits for both wild and human communities of the Big Thompson through the City of Loveland. Long term City Parks & Open Space development plans to eventually open a new portion of the property at Medina’s Crossing to the public. This project also provides improvements to the City’s Namaqua Park, adding to the enjoyment of this easily accessible riverside park. This project will replace the aging cement diversion with natural water features such as large rocks, riffles and pools, improve bank stability, reconnect the river to its floodplain, and install native plant species, and will improve wildlife habitat and fish passage upstream. The project will also ensure continued water delivery to downstream water rights holders, and also provide flood protection to nearby private lands and infrastructure. The project is being completed in coordination with Larimer County, who is replacing the Namaqua Road bridge and will provide greater resilience to the road and bridge infrastructure.
Construction began in January 2019. Initial reconstruction and revegetation efforts expected to be completed by June 2019.
Get Involved
Project partners BTWC and the City of Loveland were awarded additional grants from GOCO and Colorado Watershed Assembly Healthy Rivers Fund in 2018 to carry out additional community volunteer opportunities to plant and ensure success of new vegetation along 7 acres of native plants within the project’s floodplain. Come join the effort and help us install 1,000s of new plants at this site summer and fall 2019
Rossum and Rist-Goss
Construction Progress
Rist Goss Area – March 2018
The aging Rist Goss ditch is made of cement and currently accumulates debris and prevents sediment and fish passage. Once removed, the current diversion infrastructure will be replaced with a series of large rocks within the river that help divert water into the ditch for downstream water users, while promoting better river function.
Construction is UNDERWAY
Construction on the project is underway. Check back for photos of progress and conditions after construction is complete.
Rossum to WILSOn Gallery
Former Rist Goss Diversion Dam – Photo by Michael Gutman Photography
Rossum to Wilson Uplands Prior to Restoration – Photo by Michael Gutman Photography
Initiation of Construction – Photo by Michael Gutman Photography
Rossum During Construction
Learn More
Check out this time lapse photography from the construction team showing recent progress
This video from our construction subcontractor Flywater, shows demolition of the existing Rist Goss Diversion. The Big Thompson Watershed Coalition project will be replacing the aging infrastructure with a more river and fish friendly diversion that will continue to deliver water to downstream water users.