Soaring Eagles

High up on the cliffs east of the reservoir sits one of several nests that golden eagles have built in the area. Golden eagles typically mate for life and move around to various nest sites they have established. The nest closest to construction is monitored regularly to detect any activity. By March, the eagle pair will have selected their nest for the year and if they choose this nest, additional monitoring continues with a half-mile buffer zone in effect to avoid disrupting the nest. 

Habitat Restoration

This spring, crews will ramp up native habitat restoration activities. Areas disturbed by construction will be recontoured, soil amended, and native plants will be drill seeded or planted through a hydroseeding process. Northern Water environmental staff will also coordinate with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Larimer County to plan additional post-construction habitat enhancements.  

Searching for Artifacts

A team of archaeologists and paleontologists monitor ground disturbing activities in certain areas of the project. If cultural artifacts or fossils are found, the Chimney Hollow environmental team will analyze the site, consult with ancestral Native American tribes and coordinate with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science to curate the findings.