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Big Thompson River Restoration - Cedar Cove Reach

Using the past to manage the future

  • Loveland, Colorado

    Loveland, Colorado

Engaging stakeholders and landowners to come up with a creative, sustainable solution to future flood events

Repair. Restoration. Teamwork. Following the 2013 flood of the Big Thompson River, the Cedar Cove area required special attention to protect itself from future flood events. While the entire river needed repair, the Cedar Cove reach restoration in particular needed to develop a robust, resilient, and sustainable river and floodplain design, provide for channel stabilization, enhance the protection of life and property, and create aquatic and riparian habitats. 

Our team partnered with landowners and stakeholders to deliver an ecologically functional river/floodplain system while navigating an array of social, political, and technical constraints.

Stantec was originally brought in by the Big Thompson Watershed Coalition (BTWC) to provide a 30% conceptual design for approximately six miles of Big Thompson River through the lower canyon and in West Loveland. After building a great relationship with the BTWC, we were then asked to advance the plans to 80% design and provide construction oversight for the Cedar Cove reach. 

Ultimately, the river restoration design was based on the results of multiple quantitative and qualitative analyses, including hydrology and hydraulics, sedimentation, fluvial geomorphology, and active stakeholder engagement, among others. Today, the river is once again a thriving community resource that’ll provide flood protection for years to come. 

At a Glance

Offices
Client
  • Big Thompson Watershed Coalition
Meet Our Team

George Athanasakes, Vice President, Ecosystem Restoration, Environmental Services

We analyze natural processes driving ecological functions and incorporate these processes into designs to create self-sustaining ecosystems.
George Athanasakes Vice President, Ecosystem Restoration, Environmental Services Read More

George Athanasakes

Vice President, Ecosystem Restoration, Environmental Services

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