Lincoln Creek, in the upper Roaring Fork Watershed, faces numerous water quality and quantity challenges. The headwaters of the creek contain historic mining areas, including Ruby Mine, which are on the state list of abandoned mines. Ruby Mine historically produced silver, lead, zinc, copper, and manganese. Further downstream sits Grizzly Reservoir, where water diverted from the upper Roaring Fork River, Lincoln Creek, and numerous other tributaries, is collected and sent through a transmountain diversion to the Arkansas River Watershed.