With funding from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), ARWC collaborated with Chaffee County and residents impacted by the Decker Fire - and subsequent flooding - to address issues most likely to negatively impact life, safety, property, recreation, and the delicate ecological systems of the Arkansas River watershed. Projects were designed to protect life and safety, provide education and reduce the potential for non-point source pollution that impacts water quality by improving post-fire areas to reduce sediment and contaminant delivery into the Arkansas River.

​ARWC increased the capacity of a stormwater drainage system bar ditch below the burn scar to accomodate heavier storm flows. The work allows the structure to hold more sediment and help prevent  property damage below the structure.

We reinforced a stock pond full of water and sediment at risk of breaching, and re-contoured and reinforced an emergency spillway. We used log structures to protect the channel and encourage the water to spread out and deposit sediment in a field.

ARWC worked in partnership with River Science, Canon City Water, and Colorado Springs Utilities to install two turbidity sensors between Canon City and Salida to allow the water providers enough time to react to precipitation and sediment runoff from post-fire areas that threaten drinking water supplies and infrastructure.

We are thankful for the opportunity to partner with CDPHE and aid those who are affected by the Decker Fire. Although this funding provided some relief to address the most pressing issues that could impact life, property, recreation, and the environment, we know that it cannot solve all the existing problems. Therefore, we provided education and outreach as part of our activities to inform landowners, partners, recreators, and downstream users of the potential risks and threats due to post-fire flooding. We hope to encourage individuals to act independently to protect their properties and inspire other federal, state, and local partners to join us in the recovery and protection of our watershed. Our outreach included educating landowners about how to handle ash, debris removal, water rights, and educating the county on EWP procedures, identifying areas of concern.

ARWC installed cribbing structures to protect Pass Creek Road in the Spring Creek Fire burn scar area. The structure utilizes burned, but stable trees from the area to stabilize the road and prevent deterioration and washout caused by post-fire flooding. Pass Creek Road provides critical ingress and egress for local residents, emergency responders, utility and services providers, and travelers in the area. 

Our new post-fire flooding and recovery video helps share the story of recovery following fire in the Arkansas Basin. Take a look to hear perspectives from our recovery coordinators and communitiy members on the ground working through these challenging processes.

ARWC is on the ground in the Spring Creek Fire burn area completing digital elevation mapping in partnership with River Science. This imaging will help ARWC choose and prioritize sites to implement post-fire recovery projects for the most positive impacts.

Also this summer, ARWC cleared out a pool at Sulphur Springs to create a sediment catchment basin which worked to successfully slow down and catch sediment during two flood surges on July 27 and August 3. We are developing new projects in Middle Creek,  Indian Creek and Pass Creek. ​

As the rainy season approaches, we want to remind area residents to begin preparing now for post-fire flooding in the Decker Fire burn area. Areas below the Decker Fire burn scar face risks to safety, homes, roads, trails, and water supplies from post-fire flash flooding. While projects are underway to assist landowners and others with recovery, there is significant work you can do now - before the rainy season is upon us. 
 
Education and preparedness are the first line of defense.
Hillsides stripped by the fire of trees and other vegetation are unable to absorb rainfall which creates what we call a “bulking factor”. The bulking factor takes into consideration increased runoff due to reduced vegetation and the collection of debris (burned trees, soils, etc.). The bulking factor in post-fire conditions results in dangerous flash flooding even in drainages or draws that have historically been dry. Burned and unstable soils break apart easily even with modest amounts of precipitation and burned trees and debris can be swept down during a flash flood and cause severe injuries and threats to life and property. Educating and preparing yourself will go a long way to creating a safe and secure environment on your property.

• Be safe. 

Safety is of the utmost importance when post-fire flooding occurs which can be during the first rain events of the monsoon season and remain a threat for many years to come. During a rain event in the burn scar area, get to high ground immediately. Do not use trails during this time as they can quickly become a route for fast-moving water from a flash flood. If you have not already, sign up for Chaffee County’s EverBridge alert system. 

• Be smart - remove homemade dams, berms, and bridges.

Conditions can and do create dangerous water flows in dry gullies that have never seen water before. In these areas, homemade dams, berms, and bridges can create debris jams and unintentionally divert floodwaters toward your home, or your neighbors. Please remove any homemade dams, berms, and bridges to protect yourself and your neighbors. 

• Be Prepared – its not too late to get FEMA flood insurance. 

It is highly recommended that all property owners who are located below the Decker Fire burn scar consider getting FEMA flood insurance. Additional information on FEMA flood insurance can be found on our Resources page.

• Clean and remove debris and garbage from your property.

Keep draws, drainages, and low-lying areas free from debris of any kind. Remove and dispose of down branches and trees and any trimmings from yard care. Get rid of trash, scrap metal, old vehicles, tires, and anything else that could get swept downstream. Contact the Chaffee County Landfill for more information on disposing of debris. 

By taking a few basic but vital steps you can prepare yourself for potential post-fire flooding. We ask you all to be safe, be prepared, and be informed. For more information, links, resources, and contacts to help you prepare for post-fire flooding please visit the Chaffee Recovers website.
 
REGISTER NOW FOR CHAFFEE COUNTY EMERGENCY ALERTS

PURCHASE FLOOD INSURANCE

REVIEW PREPAREDNESS & RECOVERY RESOURCES
 

We join with our community - locally and globally - to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus to help protect those that are most vulnerable. We are practicing social distancing, remaining at home  and cancelling gatherings in accordance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

We are fortunate to have a team that is prepared for and adept at working remotely so that we can continue working on urgent projects - especially post-fire recovery and flood preparedness - that impact the health and safety of our communities in the Arkansas Basin. 

We will continue to shelter at home to protect public health and follow disease control recommended practices, while continuing to work hard on projects that positively impact forest and watershed health, and water quality, in the basin. We will continue to prepare for potential post-fire flooding that the coming rainy season could bring. If you live in a fire-impacted community in the basin and have questions or concerns, please reach out by phone or email. We encourage everyone to carefully practice social distancing to keep everyone as safe as possible. 

During times of change that channel our attention and action to uncertain circumstances, we can choose to take the opportunity to learn to tread more lightly on the earth, consider how we may  consume less to be safe and comfortable, and care for each other and the land that sustains us all. 

We would like to share a positive example of critical watershed restoration work being done in the Arkansas River Basin. In this difficult time, we remember that we must tread lightly, caring for each other and the land that sustains us.

Trout Unlimited's Jason Willis designed and implemented restoration of the Monarch Pass Gravel Pit, a former gravel mine adjacent to Monarch Mountain's Gunbarrel ski run. The abandoned pit was in poor condition, stripped of vegetation. Situated on a steep hillslope, eroded soils from the site washed  into the headwaters of the South Arkansas River. As Jason said, the site was a "barren landscape that provided an open pathway for highly mobile soils to cross Hwy. 50  and flow into the headwaters of the South Arkansas River." 

Jason partnered with ARWC through the Monarch Pass Forest & Watershed Health Project to design and implement this important work. We will continue to collaborate with our partners to make more of these projects a reality. Each effort makes a measurable improvement to the health of the entire watershed. 

​Read more about Jason's work here: https://www.tu.org/blog/good-outcomes-from-field-season/

The Community Recovery Fair on February 29 provided an opportunity for those impacted by the Decker Fire - and their concerned neighbors - to gather to learn more about fire preparedness and post-wildfire safety and preparedness. Learn more.