Chatfield Reservoir Offsite Mitigation Evaluations

Quick Facts:

• Acres Preserved: 2,500+ acres
• Open Spaces Areas Created: 2
• Ecological Function Units Required: 71
• Ecological Function Units Captured: 80

Project Summary:

Great Ecology analyzed multiple streams and tributaries as part of offsite mitigation efforts for a water storage expansion project in Douglas County, Colorado. The project was expected to impact wetland, tree, and bird resources, as well as critical habitat for the federally endangered Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei). Great Ecology identified potentially suitable properties using publicly available data, outreached to property owners, and then conducted vegetation assessments and ecological functional assessments for stream channels, riparian, and upland areas within the Douglas County-designated Riparian Conservation Zone up to a 300-foot buffer.

Two properties, totaling more than 2,500 acres of habitat in Douglas County, have been permanently protected as part of the mitigation process. Great Ecology conducted Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, developed baseline documentation, completed due diligence, created management plans, and will conduct ongoing site monitoring for at least five years. The project required extensive coordination with Douglas County Open Spaces and Natural Resources, US Army Corps of Engineers, and multiple other organizations and agencies.