Stream Bank Stabilization & Bio-Engineering

Animas River

Bank stabilization, riparian improvements and fish habitat work was completed on 1.8 miles of the Animas River, south of Durango, Colorado in 2004. The project was funded and administered by the Fisheries Department of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Design and construction of the project was contracted to Aqua-Hab, Inc.

The project included bank stabilization of a severe cut-bank, constuctin of fish habitat structures and improved access to the river for fishing and riparian/floodplain plantings.

Prior to final completion of the project, very heavy rains caused the Animas River to quickly surge up to bank-full conditions. This flow tested the structures and freshly installed bank work and plantings.

Animas River 1
Before
 Animas River 2
During High Flow
Animas River 3Animas River 4
After

Dry Creek

Bio-engineering techniques were used on 1100’ of Dry Creek, a tributary to the Pine River near Ignacio, Colorado. The project was completed in 1998, and now the willows are 8-12’ tall.

Dry Creek 1
Before

Dry Creek 2
After

Pine River

Hard-scape bank stabilization was needed along a section of the Pine River to protect a trail. Fish habitat structures and riparian plantings were incorporated in to bank work.

Pine River