King Heatherly Fish Passage Project
MCWC reconfigured the King Heatherly diversion structure on East Divide Creek, opening more than five miles of historic habitat to native fish while preserving the irrigation infrastructure local ranchers depend on for their livestock and crops.
Why It Matters
Diversion structures like King Heatherly can act as dead ends for small native fish, blocking access to habitat they need to thrive. All three native species in this reach, bluehead sucker, flannelmouth sucker and roundtail chub, now occupy only a fraction of their historic range, largely due to habitat fragmentation from dams and diversions. This project proved a diversion dam could serve agriculture and fish passage at the same time, the first project of its kind in Colorado built specifically for the native bluehead sucker species.
Impact Numbers
A structure that once stopped fish from upstream migration and spawning grounds now offers passage, opening five miles of critical habitat.
Five miles of historic habitat reconnected on East Divide Creek
Three native fish of conservation concern are supported: Bluehead sucker, flannelmouth sucker and roundtail chub
The first fish passage project in Colorado built specifically for passage and spawning habitat for bluehead suckers
Budget
Funded through a series of grants from the Desert Fish Habitat Partnership, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Project management handled by MCWC.
Timeline
Early site assessment and planning began in 2016–2017. In 2018, MCWC contracted Wright Water Engineers to design modifications to the diversion structure. Pre-construction site work continued through 2021, with construction completed later that year. The project is now complete, with BLM and CPW biologists continuing to monitor fish movement above and below the structure to document long-term success.
Connection to IWMP
This project directly supports MCWC's Aquatic & Riparian Habitat focus area, restoring habitat connectivity for bluehead sucker, flannelmouth sucker and roundtail chub, three native species prioritized in the Integrated Water Management Plan.
Beneficiaries
| Native fish populations | Spring Creek Ranch | Future fish passage projects |
|---|---|---|
| Bluehead sucker, flannelmouth sucker, and roundtail chub gain access to miles of previously unreachable habitat, increasing resiliency and reducing extinction risk. | The redesigned structure continues delivering water for crops and livestock, with easier annual maintenance built into the new design. | Documented results from King Heatherly will inform the design of future fish passage projects across the watershed and the wider Colorado River Basin. |
Location
East Divide Creek, south of Silt, Colorado, Garfield County, on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public land
Status
Completed, with ongoing monitoring
Funders & Collaborators
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW)
Desert Fish Habitat Partnership
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Wright Water Engineers (WWE)
Spring Creek Ranch
Diggin' It River Works
