In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant developments regarding the Mount Shavano fish hatchery, which is undergoing a major transformation aimed at enhancing fish production capabilities. The facility is currently operating at 60% design completion, with plans to increase water output from 2,000 gallons per minute to 10,000 through advanced treatment and recirculation methods. This ambitious project is expected to be bid-ready by September, following four years of planning and consultation.

The hatchery will undergo a depopulation phase this fall, lasting approximately 18 to 24 months for construction. During this time, the state may experience a temporary reduction in fish availability, as the existing 19 hatcheries will not be able to compensate for the decreased output from Mount Shavano. Biologists will determine how to manage the distribution of fish across various waters.

Additionally, the URAVE facility, located on the same site, is set to implement a new production well to address declining spring water levels. This well will support the hatchery's efforts to raise greenback cutthroat trout, a species currently facing challenges in reproduction within Colorado. The hatchery is the only facility in the state dedicated to raising this species, contributing to reclamation projects across the South by drainage.

The meeting also highlighted the hatchery's community engagement, with approximately 5,000 visitors annually and a team of seven full-time staff members, alongside interns and volunteers. The facility aims to enhance biosecurity and fish production through its new indoor setup, which will feature large circular tanks.

As the project progresses, officials remain optimistic about its potential impact on fish populations and ecological restoration efforts in the region.