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Boulder to use mechanical and diver-assisted harvesting to manage reservoir milfoil; $900,000 state grant supports Tram Hills fuels-reduction work
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Summary
Water-quality staff announced a switch from herbicide to mechanical and diver-assisted suction harvesting to manage Eurasian watermilfoil at Boulder Reservoir, and described a Tram Hills tree-thinning project funded by a $900,000 state grant to protect a water pipeline and power lines.
Water-quality and parks staff updated the board on two operational projects: a new approach to manage Eurasian watermilfoil in Boulder Reservoir and a tree-thinning fuels-reduction project along a drinking-water pipeline.
Megan Wilson, water-quality senior manager, said staff have decided to pivot from an herbicide option to mechanical harvesting and diver-assisted suction harvesting because of water-quality concerns. Mechanical harvesting will be used in shallower recreation areas to improve boating and swimming access, and diver-assisted suction harvesting — using a specialized boat and suction hose to remove plant material — will target denser patches near the intake and outlet. The removed material will be collected and composted on-site in coordination with EcoCycle. Wilson said the techniques have been used elsewhere in the country but not previously in Colorado; operations are planned to start this spring.
On wildfire and source-water protection, staff described the Tram Hills fuels-reduction project to protect a drinking-water pipeline from wildfire and to improve first-responder access. The project targets trees directly over the pipeline and other trees larger than 8 inches in diameter identified by the Colorado State Forest Service. Staff said the city has received a $900,000 grant from the state of Colorado; a small city match may be required but the match amount was not specified in the meeting record. Tree felling is expected to begin in April and prescribed burning of piles is planned during suitable winter conditions beginning in 2026 if necessary.
Both projects include community engagement steps: staff said they have held community meetings (Tram Hills) and will provide notifications ahead of visible work and prescribed burns.
Next steps: mechanical and suction-harvesting work at the reservoir will begin this spring; Tram Hills tree removal begins in April with prescribed burns scheduled in winter windows when conditions allow.
