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Back to: Home Page : The Watershed : Watershed Collaborative : Research Projects : Roaring Fork Stream Health Initiative : Stream Segments
Crystal River - Lower Base of McClure Pass to the Roaring Fork River  In this segment we assess the condition of the Crystal River from Placita to its confluence with the Roaring Fork River. Historic impacts from coal and marble mining-related activities, railroad operation and ranching, and more recent activities including residential and highway development, have impacted this entire segment of the Crystal River. However, a few areas are present that have not been subjected to recent human disturbance. Here historic impacts from ranching, mining, railroads and associated development have come some distance towards self-restoration. Because these areas are few, they are all the more important to protect from human disturbance. Recent development has, on the other hand, frequently contributed to stream degradation. A highway that parallels the Crystal River channelizes the stream, fragments upland from riparian habitat, dissects the floodplain in numerous areas and is a major source of road-based pollutants and sediment. Additional development activities that impact the stream include cattle ranching, agriculture, residential development and golf courses, commercial development, commercial campgrounds and, planned for the near future, a paved recreational trail that will run the length of the valley.  Crystal River Segment 2 (south) habitat assessment results.  Crystal River Segment 2 (north) habitat assessment results. |
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