The Middle Colorado Watershed Council asked Garfield County commissioners for foundational support on an implementation plan to restore about 6.5 miles of Rifle Creek from below Rifle Gap Reservoir to the Colorado River confluence.

Kate Collins, executive director of Middle Colorado Watershed Council, and technical staff told commissioners the project would pair agricultural irrigation‑infrastructure upgrades with in‑channel and riparian habitat work to address an incised channel, sedimentation and intermittent dry reaches tied to water‑rights use and aged ditch infrastructure. Collins said the council has secured seven signatures from ditch water‑right holders and conditional approval for a related Roan Creek fish barrier project.

Mikaela Richardson, hydrologist with LRE Water and project presenter, described outcomes the council expects, including improved in‑stream flows, better water quality by addressing tributary sediment (notably Government Creek), healthier riparian vegetation after invasive removal, improved fish and wildlife habitat and increased wildfire resilience over the long term. The council identified potential funding sources including Colorado Water Conservation Board grants, Federal Mineral Lease District funds, Colorado Parks and Wildlife high‑priority habitat funds and state GoCo Restore grants.

Collins said the county’s earlier grant to the council and recent collaborations — including fluvial hazard mapping being developed with county planning staff — demonstrate existing partnership. The council asked for a general letter of support and said they would later return with project‑level funding requests. Commissioners indicated general support and requested project‑by‑project materials when funding applications are ready. Commissioner Will suggested county staff work with the council to prepare a tailored letter for grant applications; the board asked that formal letters be provided with each funding request.

The council and county staff also discussed coordination with the City of Rifle, RE‑2 school district properties that flood, Government Creek sediment issues, measuring devices and the need for both initial projects and further hydrologic study. Collins said many projects could start with invasive‑species removal and infrastructure efficiencies and that the work builds on prior watershed plans, a 2017 assessment, and the county’s 2021 integrated water management plan.