SWan River Fish Barrier

Fish barriers, such as man-made vertical structures, natural waterfalls, and water-diversion structures, can be an effective way to save native species from predation, reduce competition for food, limit hybridization through interbreeding, and help prevent disease. The focus of fish barrier projects in Colorado is typically centered on protecting native cutthroat trout​​ from downstream threats. Natural or engineered barriers are used to isolate cutthroat trout in headwater streams, which protects them from whirling disease​, hybridization with rainbow trout and competition with brook trout and other non-native fish species. 

BRWG is a leading partner in the Swan River Restoration Project which will result in restored connectivity of the Swan River once reaches C and D are restored. This collaborative, multi-phase project is located in the upper Swan River drainage near the Town of Breckenridge and is designed to address damage caused to the Swan River as a result of historical dredge mining. Part of the full restoration of the Swan River includes a goal to build effective fish barriers to protect native Cutthroat Trout which live in the North Fork of the Swan River upstream of the restoration site.

The goals of the Fish Barrier project is to:

• Replace and install fish barriers to prevent non-native fish species including other trout from negatively affecting native Cutthroat populations.
• Restore a self-sustaining native trout fishery and create habitat for a diversity of native wildlife.
• Increase the native trout population by allowing natural migration and recolonization through the reconnected forks of the Swan River without detrimental influx of non-natives.

 

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The Fish Barrier is partially dependent on the completion of the Swan River Restoration. The continuation of the Swan River restoration project into the upper reaches C and D is in process, and BRWG intends to play a leading role in that effort.  Read more about that project here.

To learn more about the fish barriers go to:
https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/RA-Fish-Barrier-Studies.aspx

For Swan River Restoration Project Plans and Photos, go to:
Summit County Swan River Restoration Project Page

News about the project:

• Swan River restoration in Breckenridge works toward natural course.
• The Swan River Restoration Project made significant progress in 2018, but hits significant speed bump​​​
• Swan River Restoration project closer to restoring riparian ecosystem in Upper Blue River Valley​​​

Page header photo courtesy of Zach Mahone.