Measurable Results Project (MRP) Highlight - Inflow Newsletter 9/12/2013

The Measurable Results Project (MRP) was started in 2010 by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's (CDPHE) Water Quality Control Division (WQCD) Nonpoint Source Program (NPS). The MRP works with organizations conducting restoration projects throughout the state to scientifically document the effects of their restoration efforts while helping to enhance the overall quality and quantity of stream restoration monitoring data. It began as a program in partnership with the Division and the Colorado Watershed Assembly, and though it is now purely a Division project, the Assembly continues to include information about the project on their website.

Since it began, the MRP has worked on over 15 projects throughout the state, covering projects funded by NPS as well as the Colorado Water Conservation Board.

In the last year, the MRP developed a database of monitoring procedures and parameters that can be applied by local watershed groups to systematically and quantitatively measure the changes to chemical, biological, and physical attributes of river systems. Though the database houses information that is unique to each specific restoration project based on that project's goals, the information might also be very useful to those watershed professionals planning on conducting other projects in the future. The database can be found here.

Currently, the MRP is monitoring the following projects:

• Florida River near Durango – The Animas River Stakeholders are working on a NPS funded project to fence out livestock and improve irrigation, with nutrient reduction being the overall objective. The MRP is monitoring pre- and post-project water chemistry, macroinvertebrates, riparian heath, and periphyton (algae).

• Kerber Creek near Villa Grove, CO – Trout Unlimited received NPS funding to address streambank stabilization and to reduce connectivity to mining waste piles, reducing metals contamination. The MRP is providing post-project water quality and macroinvertebrate assessments.

• Willow Creek near Creede – The Willow Creek Reclamation Committee is using NPS funding to address streambank stabilization and to reduce connectivity to mining waste piles, reducing metals contamination. The MRP is providing pre- and post-project macroinvertebrate and geomorphic assessments.

• Halfmoon Creek in Upper Arkansas – The MRP is evaluating the water quality and macroinvertebrate status to assess the current state of the creek and determine the need for additional restoration/protection in the area.

• Clear Creek near Idaho Springs – The Clear Creek Watershed Foundation is working on a NPS funded project to create a sediment catchment basin for metals contaminated sediments. The MRP is assisting in collecting pre-project data to determine baseline conditions. The MRP is also supporting the CCWF in post-project monitoring of Gilson GI and Trail Creek, which both addressed mining waste in the region and subsequent metals impairments.

Have questions about the Measurable Results Project? Contact Curtis Hartenstine at curtis.hartenstine@dphe.state.co.us.