Stream Committee: February 2010 Update
The SVATU Stream Committee recently met with Boulder County Open Space
officials to check in on the status of three Rubicon gates that are being
installed on major ditches along the St. Vrain river drainage. Rubicon gates
are designed to insure that water, purchased by the cities of Longmont and
Lyons and Boulder County to maintain minimum flows in the St. Vrain river,
actually flows down the main river channel. A scientific evaluation of the
St. Vrain river done by our TU chapter in 2005 to 2006 found that sections
of the river were going dry during the winter months due to major ditches
diverting the entire river flow. In conjunction with the St. Vrain Corridor
Committee, three Rubicon gates were purchased to insure that minimum flows
in the river channel were maintained.
We are please to announce that one of the Rubicon gates is fully operational on the Oligarchy Ditch and the remaining two are partially installed on the Palmerton and Highland Ditches. The ditches should be fully operational by late Spring if all goes well. Maintaining consistent flows in the St. Vrain river is the first step in strengthening the health of the river and the fish and animal life that depend upon the St. Vrain. Stay tuned for future news on other Stream Committee activities aimed at improving the St. Vrain river. SVATU Stream Committee Update February 2010 Rubicon gate on the Oligarchy Ditch
Gallery of the Highland, Oligarchy and Palmerton Gates
Highland Gate 1 of 3
Highland Gate 2 of 3
Highland Gate 3 of 3
Oligarchy Gate 1 of 1
Palmerton Gate 1 of 1
