Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands
Forest Service News Release
Media Contact: Lana Longwell
(719) 318-7749 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.fs.usda.gov/psicc
South Park Ranger District to implement Lake George Dam removal and South Platte River restoration projects in Park County
Lake George, Colo., July 11, 2023—The South Park Ranger District of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, will be removing Lake George Dam and implementing restoration activities on the South Platte River at the entrance to Elevenmile Canyon near Lake George, Colorado. This project is being conducted in partnership with the Coalition for the Upper South Platte River and Colorado Springs Utilities. The purpose of this project is to completely remove the obsolete structure and restore the popular sport fishing segment on the South Platte River to a more natural condition. The area will be closed to public access beginning July 16 and will remain closed through December 31, 2023.
The dam impacts the river by impeding natural sediment movement, modifying the floodplain and channel structure, negatively impacting fish habitat and compromising fish reproduction and survival. The overall objective is to restore aquatic habitat and improve water quality of approximately 45 river miles of the South Platte River (Elevenmile Reservoir to Cheesman Reservoir). The visitor experience will also be enhanced with parking improvements, relocation of outhouse facilities, and improvement of the accessible trail and fishing access bench.
This project supports the U.S. Forest Service’s goal to protect, sustain, and improve National Forest System watersheds by implementing practices designed to maintain or improve watershed conditions for the communities that rely on them and to maintain resilient ecosystems for the use and enjoyment of current and future generations. For further details, contact the South Park Ranger District at 719-836-2031.
Follow us on
Facebook
and Twitter @PSICC_NF for the latest updates.
My Mountain Town Community Calendar
- filter events by Category, date, or keyword to easily find events of interest. Add your community, church, or non-profit event to the calendar yourself! Click here
to access the submission form. Businesses: please contact us for more information on adding your events! Questions? Email
In partnership with the Coalition for the Upper South Platte River, Park County Land and Water Trust Fund and Colorado Springs Utilities, the South Park Ranger District will begin implementing important projects to restore aquatic habitat and improve water quality of approximately 45 river miles of the South Platte River.
They will be removing Lake George Dam and implementing restoration activities on the South Platte River at the entrance to Elevenmile Canyon near Lake George, Colorado. The purpose of this project is to completely remove the obsolete structure and restore the popular sport fishing segment on the South Platte River to a more natural condition.
The area will be closed to public access beginning July 16 and will remain closed through December 31, 2023.
The dam impacts the river by impeding natural sediment movement, modifying the floodplain and channel structure, negatively impacting fish habitat and compromising fish reproduction and survival. The overall objective is to restore aquatic habitat and improve water quality of approximately 45 river miles of the South Platte River (Elevenmile Reservoir to Cheesman Reservoir). The visitor experience will also be enhanced with parking improvements, relocation of outhouse facilities, and improvement of the accessible trail and fishing access bench.
This project supports the U.S. Forest Service’s goal to protect, sustain, and improve National Forest System watersheds by implementing practices designed to maintain or improve watershed conditions for the communities that rely on them and to maintain resilient ecosystems for the use and enjoyment of current and future generations. For further details, contact the South Park Ranger District at 719-836-2031.
My Mountain Town Community Calendar
- filter events by Category, date, or keyword to easily find events of interest. Add your community, church, or non-profit event to the calendar yourself! Click here
to access the submission form. Businesses: please contact us for more information on adding your events! Questions? Email
