Restoring Nature’s Flow: The Fooses and Garfield Reservoir Removal Projects

mikeballmedia
Jul 10
4 min read

Updated: Aug 4

Tucked into the forested slopes near Garfield, Colorado, the dams at Fooses Reservoir and along the South Arkansas River were once key components of the historic Salida Hydroelectric Project.

But after more than a century of operation, the aging infrastructure had become more burden than benefit, especially for the surrounding ecosystems. What followed was an ambitious, multi-agency restoration effort to return these waterways to a more natural state, benefiting both people and wildlife.

AloTerra’s Lyz Bender, Construction Branch Manager Wildlife Biologist, and Mitch Meyer, Construction Program Manager and Lead Equipment Operator spoke about the challenges, lessons, and unexpected joys of restoring these beloved mountain landscapes.

A view east up the South Arkansas River shortly after project completion - Photography by Mike Ball Media

A Legacy in Need of Renewal

Fooses Reservoir, fed by a diversion dam on the South Arkansas River, was originally built to channel water for hydroelectric power. But over the decades, its infrastructure deteriorated, and environmental concerns, including impacts on fish passage, mounted. The decision was made to remove both the Fooses and Garfield dams in collaboration with Xcel Energy, the U.S. Forest Service, Moltz Construction, and others.

“The dams were about 100 years old,” Meyer explained.

Getting Started: Challenges from the Ground Up

From the start, the project’s complexity tested even the most experienced teams.

“Our work heavily depends on preceding construction phases, permitting, and weather,” said Bender. “Trying to line everything up for revegetation was incredibly complex.”

Delays during the early phases rippled across the timeline. “We were supposed to begin in early August, but Moltz was delayed because of unexpected muck at the bottom of the reservoir,” said Meyer. “They had to work with a nearby mine just to dispose of it. By the time we started, we were planting in the snow.”

Photography & Descriptions by Gene Milus

Tight spaces, heavy machinery, and freezing temperatures added to the challenge. But the teams adapted and pressed on, sometimes working side by side with deconstruction crews still pulling apart infrastructure.

Teamwork Makes the Difference

Despite the hurdles, Bender and Meyer point to strong partnerships as the backbone of the project’s success.

“Our collaboration with Moltz Construction and HDR was critical,” said Bender. “Everyone brought their expertise and was willing to adjust in real time, even if it meant installing structures knee-deep in snow.”

Meyer echoed the sentiment: “We had an awesome crew. Everyone pitched in. You don’t get through a job like this without trust and communication.”

Lessons in Flexibility and Flow

Looking downstream Fooses Creek shortly after project completion - Photography by Mike Ball Media

Both Bender and Meyer gained key insights that they carried from Fooses into the Garfield portion of the project.

“One big ‘aha’ moment was understanding that nature doesn’t always fit into our plans,” said Bender. “We had to work around bedrock and leave some areas undisturbed. That flexibility helped the ecosystem and cut costs.”

For Meyer, it was about tools and expectations. “We learned not to overengineer. At Garfield, we avoided using car-sized boulders, which made construction easier. We also rented an excavator with onboard survey equipment, huge time saver!”

He added, “The biggest realization was that you can’t make everything perfect. It’s more about knowing where imperfection is acceptable.”

The Road Ahead

Planning began as early as 2022, with in-stream construction kicking off in fall 2024. By spring 2025, restoration and revegetation were wrapping up, thanks in part to the help of local experts like Green Scene Hydroseeding, Inc. But the work isn’t done, monitoring and maintenance will continue to ensure the restored rivers thrive.

And beyond environmental restoration, there were human benefits too.

“Our team grew stronger,” said Bender. “We built new skills in large-scale ecological work and forged great relationships with partner organizations.”

Meyer added, “This was a huge learning experience. Now we know we can take on large, complex projects, and do them well.”

How You Can Help Pollinators and Native Habitats

If this story inspires you to help your local ecosystem, both Bender and Meyer say: start small.

“Replace your lawn with native grasses or even just plant a few flowers on your porch,” Bender advised. “Avoid pesticides when possible and keep learning.”

Meyer’s tip? “Even a bird bath with some rocks for bees to land on helps. Xeriscaping is a great option too.”

Final Thoughts

The Fooses and Garfield reservoir removal projects are a testament to what’s possible when passionate professionals, creative problem-solvers, and a deep respect for nature come together. These efforts not only restored rivers, they rejuvenated a sense of community, collaboration, and shared stewardship of the land.