Roan Creek Fish Barrier & Diversion Infrastructure Project
MCWC built a fish barrier and modern irrigation diversion on Roan Creek, creating a 4-foot waterfall to block invasive fish upstream movement, protect sensitive fish and improve water delivery for local agricultural producers.
Why It Matters
Roan Creek provides critical habitat for the native Colorado River cutthroat trout, which now occupies only about 8% of its historic range. The species faces ongoing threats from nonnative trout—including rainbow, brook and cutbow trout—as well as drought and rising temperatures that reduce suitable cold-water habitat. This project protects native fish while modernizing irrigation infrastructure for the agricultural community that depends on Roan Creek.
Impact Numbers
A creek that could lose its most vulnerable native species now has a barrier standing between them and local extinction.
27.7 miles of critical habitat protected along Roan Creek
4 native species benefiting: Cutthroat trout, bluehead sucker, Paiute sculpin and speckled dace;, a unique and rare combination of fish coexisting in one stream
$1Mfrom 6 partners invested in infrastructure and conservation
Budget
Funded through the Bureau of Reclamation's WaterSMART grant program, with additional support from BLM, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Colorado River District, Colorado Water Conservation Board and the Trout and Salmon Foundation.
Timeline
An original fish barrier built in 1993 by Colorado Parks and Wildlife isolated native fish populations, but by 2010, nonnative trout were discovered to have moved past the failed structure. Years of mechanical removal efforts took place to slow their spread upstream. After five years of planning, grant-seeking and stakeholder engagement, construction of the permanent replacement barrier began August 5, 2025, with 13-foot concrete diversion walls completed by September 28, 2025. The project was completed in April 2026. On-site weed management and vegetation monitoring will continue through 2028.
Connection to IWMP
Roan Creek advances MCWC's Aquatic & Riparian Habitat and Agriculture & Conservation focus areas, restoring native fish habitat, improving stream health and making irrigation water delivery more efficient as identified in the Integrated Water Management Plan.
Beneficiaries
| Native fish populations | Local agricultural producers | Roan Creek stream health |
|---|---|---|
| A permanent barrier protects cutthroat trout and other native species from competition and hybridization with non-native fish. | A new headgate, fish screen and flow meter improve water delivery efficiency for landowners who depend on Roan Creek for irrigation. | Modern infrastructure replaces an outdated push-up dam, reducing stream disruption and supporting long-term ecological function. |
Location
Roan Creek flows 45.7 miles from headwaters near the Roan Plateau to its confluence with the Colorado River near De Beque, spanning Garfield and Mesa Counties.
Status
An original fish barrier built in 1993 by Colorado Parks and Wildlife isolated native fish populations, but by 2010, nonnative trout were found to have moved past the failed structure. Years of mechanical removal efforts followed to slow their spread upstream. After five years of planning, construction on a permanent replacement barrier began August 5, 2025, with concrete diversion walls completed by September 28, 2025. The project was completed in April 2026.
Funders & Collaborators
Bureau of Reclamation (WaterSMART grant)
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Colorado River District
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW)
Colorado Basin Roundtable
Colorado Water Conservation Board
Kissner General Contractors
Wright Water Engineers
Trout & Salmon Foundation
Garfield County
