100% Funding Secured for phase 1 of the Del Monte Ditch project.

After receiving funding for approximately 67% of project implementation costs for agricultural infrastructure improvements on the Del Monte Ditch from the Chaffee County Common Ground fund, and contributions from the Hutchinson Ranch LLC, we're happy to report that an additional $50,000 has been awarded to the project from the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) Water Plan Grant program to bring it to 100% funded.

Working in collaboration with the Colorado Ag Water Alliance (CAWA), the UAWP helped write and present the Water Plan Grant application. CAWA will be the fiscal agent and help the ranch contract and manage the grant.

The Hutchinson Ranch has contracted with Brett Jordan of HydroGeo Designs LLC to do the install and the work should be completed this winter. The work includes replacing a push up rock diversion that required constant and unsafe maintenance in Poncha Creek. The new infrastructure will include two rock vanes in the creek, bank stabilization above the diversion and a diversion with two gates to help control the water flow and reduce sedimentation. Below the diversion the ditch will be piped for a short distance through an areas subject to heavy sedimentation. Additional work includes the construction of a new rock wastewater flume to return water to Poncha Creek, a new head gate and a new measuring weir. Below the head gate, an additional short section of the ditch will be piped.

These improvements will first and foremost allow the ranch to use their full decreed water right, reduce sedimentation in the ditch, reduce maintenance for ranch hands, repair a highly erosive wastewater flume, allow the ranch to measure the water flow in their ditch more accurately, and eliminate the need to continually disturb the riparian area around the diversion. Being able to use their full water right will allow the Hutchinson Ranch to put 25 acres back into hay production.

This project has been a collaborative effort between the Hutchinson Ranch, Central Colorado Conservancy, Upper Arkansas Conservation District, Town of Poncha Springs, local water commissioners (past and present), CWCB, CAWA, US Army Corps of Engineers and others.

We'll update you on this project with construction photos once the project starts on the ground.