Tomichi Creek Flow Restoration

Tomichi Creek, a tributary of the world-famous fishery the Gunnison River, flows from the mining town of White Pine, Colorado. Historically, toxic sediment loading from the abandoned Akron mine site has had a damaging effect on the trout populations.

Project partner Trout Unlimited is working to reconnect and restore fish habitat throughout the Gunnison basin that is presently fragmented, degraded or dewatered. These actions will make this legendary fishery even more spectacular for future anglers.

The Tomichi Water Conservation Program involves regional coordination between six water users on lower Tomichi Creek to reduce consumptive use on irrigated meadows as a watershed drought management tool. The project will use water supply as a trigger for water conservation measures during one year in the three-year period. During implementation, participating water users would cease irrigation during dry months. Water not diverted will improve environmental and recreational flows through the Tomichi State Wildlife Area and be available to water users below the project area.

* Project supports voluntary transactions to change, reduce or stop water use – either temporarily or permanently – to protect or restore water for environmental benefit

Location:

Gunnison, CO

Start Up Date:

2018

Project Benefits:

Community Engagement & Education

Environmental Flow Restoration & Protection

Increasing Water Conservation & Efficiency

Water Quality Improvement

Wildlife & Habitat Protection

Project Type:

Flow Restoration Transaction *

Opportunity:

Fully Funded