Protecting Aspen’s Rivers & Riparian Zones
Frying Pan River in Winter
Residents of Aspen, Basalt and the Roaring Fork Valley are very lucky to have direct access to some of the most beautiful Gold-Medal waters in the country, including the Roaring Fork & the Frying Pan Rivers. Those who are fortunate enough to live along the river can enjoy an unparallelled lifestyle and experience. From enjoying the relaxing sounds of moving water to fly-fishing from the backyard, riverfront property provides both an incredible experience and an important responsibility.
The area along the river, known as the riparian zone, is critical to wildlife and important for water quality. According to the Roaring Fork Conservancy (the watershed conservation organization in the Roaring Fork Valley that brings people together to protect local waters), 85% of wildlife in Colorado need riparian habitat, but only 1% of the land in Colorado is riparian. Some of the benefits of maintaining a healthy riparian habitat are:
•Food & Cover for Birds •Shade for Trout •Nutrients to feed the Bugs that Feed the Fish •Flood Water Storage •Pollution Filtering •River Bank Stabilization •Water Savings •Beautiful Scenery, Wildlife, Water Quality & Fish Habitat
Following are several tips that can help river property owners protect and maintain their riparian zones:
•Plant, maintain & encourage native vegetation growth to provide habitat, protect against floods & stop soil erosion •Avoid manicured lawn up to the river’s edge because it negates all of the benefits mentioned above •Do not ”clean up” a riparian zone by removing woody debris; trees, shrubs & grasses provide habitat for wildlife •Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly as chemicals unabsorbed by plants end up in the river
If you are a riverfront homeowner, you can contact the Roaring Fork Conservancy for a free on-site consultation regarding appropriate practices along a river in the Aspen or greater Roaring Fork Valley area.
