About the Project

The Yampa River, a tributary of the Green River, is a key part of the Colorado River system, flowing through northwestern Colorado and Dinosaur National Monument. Like many rivers in Colorado, the Yampa River is well known for its recreational uses but faces growing water scarcity and a decline in riparian habitat as temperatures increase and drought becomes commonplace.

The City of Craig draws its municipal water from the Yampa River. The city’s diversion dam, built in 1991, is a hazard for boaters, blocks fish passage for four federally listed endangered species, and is in disrepair. Located in Moffat County, the city is in the heart of coal country with some of the largest coal mines and coal fired power plants in Colorado. Over the last decade, the county has experienced falling median incomes, rising poverty levels, and net population outmigration. With the coal mines and powerplants scheduled for closure by 2030, the city and county are taking steps to diversify its economy.

A key part of Craig’s economic transition is replacing the city’s current municipal water diversion dam with a nature-like channel structure that will enhance  municipal water distribution, create a fish-passable multi-use whitewater park, and open 17 river miles. The project will transform the Yampa River Corridor into a healthy natural amenity, turning it into a foundational economic asset. The whitewater park will increase recreation opportunities and river access with a new trail system providing easy access to the whitewater park from downtown Craig. The project is also a part of the Yampa Integrated Water Management Plan (IWMP), a basin wide stakeholder-led restoration effort to address water scarcity and improve recreation and river health.