At the heart of the Western Slope’s natural identity is the Uncompahgre River, a lifeline flowing through the city and nourishing both community and ecosystem. Colorado Outdoors’ river restoration initiative is a purposeful vision to create a river-centric community where environmental health, recreation and economic vitality work together.
The Uncompahgre River has a long history of natural beauty and community value, but years of past land use practices resulted in habitat degradation, unstable riverbanks and limited public access. The river restoration initiative sought to reverse those impacts while opening up new opportunities for recreation, habitat improvement and connection to nature.
Colorado Outdoors helped unlock the potential of this corridor by donating 41 acres of river and riparian land to the City of Montrose, enabling a comprehensive set of improvements and access enhancements.
Stabilizing the Riverbank and Improving Habitat
One of the core achievements of the restoration initiative was the stabilization of more than 3,400 feet (0.65 miles) of riverbank along the Uncompahgre River. This effort began in late 2020 when the City of Montrose announced construction to improve the river system within a 41-acre corridor that was donated by Colorado Outdoors.
The riverbank stabilization work included engineering techniques that restore a more natural stream system and reduce lateral erosion while encouraging ecological recovery of aquatic and riparian habitat. These efforts were part of Phase I of the Uncompahgre River Improvements Project, which was completed ahead of schedule and under budget in 2021.
Beyond stabilization, restoration work included structures such as root wads, boulders and riffle-pool sequences that deepen and diversify the channel, improving conditions for aquatic species and especially trout populations. Projects of this nature help create the foundation for what many locals aspire to see as “gold medal” fishing waters – a designation used to describe rivers that support abundant trout and high recreational fishing quality.
The engineering and ecological design components were guided by a team involving river scientists, landscape architects and representatives from community, recreation and conservation organizations. This collaborative approach helped ensure that improvements were effective for both habitat and community use.
acres of riverbank donated by Colorado Outdoors
invested in river restoration, trails, and green spaces
miles of riverfront trails added or improved
Watch the below video from 2021 to see the initial restoration work in action.
Enhancing Public Access and Recreation
An integral part of the initiative was creating and expanding access to the river, so residents and visitors could enjoy the waterway more fully.
Trails and Connectivity
One of the standout features of this effort is the Uncompahgre River trail system, which weaves along the river and connects to Montrose’s broader network of trails. Roughly 1.5 miles of new trail, built through a combination of local funding and a substantial Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grant, brings pedestrians and cyclists right alongside the water and links downtown Montrose with riverfront areas.
These trail improvements make it easier for residents to engage in everyday outdoor activities — walking, jogging, biking and fishing — without the need to leave town. They also knit together park spaces, public art installations and natural areas in ways that enhance quality of life.
Flex Park and ADA Access
In 2024, a new public space called Flex Park opened along the riverfront. This 24,000-square-foot, multisurface park provides a restful point on the river trail network, complete with ADA-accessible ramps, public bathrooms, parking and lit walkways that make the river frontage welcoming to all ages and abilities.
Flex Park reflects a broader emphasis on inclusivity: ensuring that people using strollers, bikes, wheelchairs or mobility devices can comfortably reach and enjoy the Uncompahgre River corridor.
Fly Fishing and Conservation
With restoration efforts improving habitat along the Uncompahgre River, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) implemented new fishing regulations to protect and elevate this stretch of water.
In January 2020, CPW designated a two-mile section of the river, from the West Main Bridge to LaSalle Road, as artificial flies and lures only, with mandatory catch-and-release for all fish. This designation makes this portion the longest catch-and-release stretch on the Uncompahgre in Montrose.
The regulation complements ongoing habitat restoration, including the addition of in-stream structures that create deeper pools and better cover for trout. Similar habitat work upstream has already demonstrated measurable results, with fish populations increasing by approximately 40 percent following improvements.
Together, habitat restoration and protective regulations are allowing trout populations to grow larger and improve the overall quality of the fishery.
Watch the below video to learn more about our river conservation efforts.
A Community-Driven Effort
The scope and depth of the Uncompahgre River restoration could not be carried out by any one entity alone. Colorado Outdoors connected with a range of local partners to support both planning and implementation. These partnerships included:
- City of Montrose: Led construction, permitting and coordination of restoration phases.
- Montrose Urban Renewal Authority (MURA): Played a key role in funding infrastructure improvements and aligning restoration with broader community goals.
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Provided technical expertise and grant support for aquatic habitat design.
- Colorado Water Conservation Board: Grant support that helped underwrite stabilization and design expenses.
- Gunnison Gorge Anglers and Colorado Trout Unlimited: Contributed to the local volunteer river design committee, bank stabilization, project funding, and trout habitat restoration.
- Friends of the River Uncompahgre (ForU): A volunteer nonprofit that continues active riparian restoration, invasive species removal and cleanup efforts focused on sustained river health.
This cooperative model not only spread the cost and workload of restoration, but it also strengthened community investment in a shared natural resource.
Watch the below video to learn more about the partners that have made this project a reality.
Why Restoration Matters to Montrose
Looking Ahead: Continued Restoration and Community Engagement
The restoration of the Uncompahgre River is a long-term process, involving phased improvements, ongoing habitat management and community involvement. Restoration activity continued throughout 2025 with crews working on additional habitat enhancements, invasive species removal and riverside vegetation projects.
In 2026 and onward, future efforts will deepen Montrose’s legacy as a place where environmental care and community recreation are part of everyday life.
A River That Reflects Community Values
The transformation of the Uncompahgre River corridor is a reflection of what Montrose aspires to be: a community rooted in sustainability, accessibility and outdoor lifestyle. This initiative brings together public agencies, private developers like Colorado Outdoors, nonprofit advocates, volunteers and everyday citizens in a shared effort to restore a cherished natural asset.
As visitors walk the river trail, fish from improved banks, or simply watch it flow through the city, they are experiencing the result of years of intentional collaboration and investment.
