The Evans Gulch Restoration Project is a joint partnership and a collaboration between Trout Unlimited, Bureau of Land Management, Colorado Nonpoint Source Program, Colorado Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety, Parkville Water District, Freeport-McMoRan Inc., Colorado Mountain College, Collegiate Peaks Anglers Chapter of Trout Unlimited, local landowners, and other local partners. Historic mining operations within the Evans Gulch area have created the degraded landscape that visibly exists in the watershed today. Mine wastes and tailings piles are scattered throughout the riparian area with numerous piles coming in contact with Evans Gulch. During spring runoff and summer precipitation events these mine wastes directly interact with Evans Gulch stream flows causing a spike in metals loading and a low pH, which is why Evans Gulch is included on the State’s list of impaired waterways for exceedance of the zinc standard. This listing, combined with the fact that the watershed serves as the primary municipal water supply for approximately 5,000 residents of Lake County and Leadville, makes Evans Gulch restoration a priority. This project involves implementation of an Remediation Design for priority project areas outlined in the Evans Gulch Watershed Plan. An extensive monitoring plan was implemented in 2014 and will continue through 2018.
