Restore the Poudre River in Greeley, Colorado

Share Restore the Poudre River in Greeley, Colorado on Facebook Share Restore the Poudre River in Greeley, Colorado on Twitter Share Restore the Poudre River in Greeley, Colorado on Linkedin Email Restore the Poudre River in Greeley, Colorado link

From 1950 to 2019, the length of the Poudre River within Greeley city limits decreased by 15% (about two miles). This change increased speeds and sediment flow, caused downstream flooding, led to severe bank erosion, a loss of aquatic life, and a reduction in important riparian habitats like wetlands.

The Poudre River Restoration Initiative seeks to develop a master plan to:

  • Develop the Poudre River as a community anchor and economic driver for the City

  • Increase recreational opportunities so that everyone feels invited, welcome and safe

  • Enhance multimodal circulation to and along the Poudre River

  • Protect the City’s infrastructure and reconnect the river to its historic floodplains

  • Reestablish river meanders, lengthening the river channel and recreating pool/riffle sequences

  • Create habitat features like spawning beds, wetland ponds, boulder clusters, and gravel bars.

These initiatives will create a plan to enhance the daily lives of Greeley residents and restore the ecological balance of our river.

How You Can Shape This Plan

The City of Greeley and the consulting team of Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA) and Inter-Fluve will develop a plan over the next 12 months. In September, we'll ask you to help by sharing your ideas for fun along the river using our engagement tools below.

From 1950 to 2019, the length of the Poudre River within Greeley city limits decreased by 15% (about two miles). This change increased speeds and sediment flow, caused downstream flooding, led to severe bank erosion, a loss of aquatic life, and a reduction in important riparian habitats like wetlands.

The Poudre River Restoration Initiative seeks to develop a master plan to:

  • Develop the Poudre River as a community anchor and economic driver for the City

  • Increase recreational opportunities so that everyone feels invited, welcome and safe

  • Enhance multimodal circulation to and along the Poudre River

  • Protect the City’s infrastructure and reconnect the river to its historic floodplains

  • Reestablish river meanders, lengthening the river channel and recreating pool/riffle sequences

  • Create habitat features like spawning beds, wetland ponds, boulder clusters, and gravel bars.

These initiatives will create a plan to enhance the daily lives of Greeley residents and restore the ecological balance of our river.

How You Can Shape This Plan

The City of Greeley and the consulting team of Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA) and Inter-Fluve will develop a plan over the next 12 months. In September, we'll ask you to help by sharing your ideas for fun along the river using our engagement tools below.

  • Exploring the Poudre River's Future: Engaging the Community at the Farmer's Market

    Share Exploring the Poudre River's Future: Engaging the Community at the Farmer's Market on Facebook Share Exploring the Poudre River's Future: Engaging the Community at the Farmer's Market on Twitter Share Exploring the Poudre River's Future: Engaging the Community at the Farmer's Market on Linkedin Email Exploring the Poudre River's Future: Engaging the Community at the Farmer's Market link
    supporting image

    Nestled amidst the vibrant booths of Greeley's farmer's market, the Poudre River Restoration Initiative invited community members to answer some questions about this cherished natural resource.

    Marketgoers viewed idea boards and placed water droplet stickers to "vote" for concepts on the river, such as:

    What water activities would you like to see on the river?

    What forms of mobility will be available?

    How do you want to interact with the river? A woman points to a large map of the Poudre River in Greeley. A little girl and two men look at the map.

    Dangling from the tent were large blue water drops with questions to get people thinking about the Poudre River's broad impacts on Greeley. Questions like:

    Have you been impacted by Poudre River flooding?

    What are your fondest memories of the Poudre River?

    Do you think of Greeley as a river city?

    Do you have safety concerns in the vicinity of the Poudre River?

    What is your favorite view of the Poudre River?

    What specific needs/issues do you think the project should address?

    What natural, cultural or historic features along the Poudre River are important to you?

    What recreational activities are missing or need improvement along the Poudre River?

    How could an improved Poudre River boost the local economy? A large blue water droplet picture hangs from a white tent and a woman stands in the background looking at a concept board.

    People could write their answers on a notecard, which were collected for the project team to read and review later. Feedback gathered from this project will influence the master plan.

    This was the first of several pop-up events the project team plans to attend and engage with the community to better understand the community understanding and needs of the Poudre River. Follow the City of Greeley on social media for details on the next pop-up event where you can provide your feedback on this project.

Page last updated: 26 Sep 2024, 12:42 PM