The document provides a vegetation plan for the Fraser Flats River Habitat Project. The plan aims to increase woody canopy cover and riparian plant diversity along the project reach to provide shade and stabilize the river channel. Key aspects of the plan include: - Planting approximately 2,850 willow stakes and 150 trees/shrubs from local sources between April-May 2017. - Harvesting willow stakes from on-site and a nearby watershed to use in planting. - Recruiting 50 volunteers over 4-5 days to help with harvesting and planting.

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Fraser Flats River Habitat Project
Vegetation Plan
Presented to the Learning by Doing Committee 9/28/2016
Approved by the Governance Committee 9/28/2016
Project Goals
Taken from Monitoring Plan: An increase in woody canopy of riparian habitat along the
project reach is the desired project output. The canopy will mature over time to provide increased
shade cover, which will benefit the river by helping to provide cool instream habitat. Increased
riparian plant diversity will support increased diversity in terrestrial stages of insect life.
Complex riparian root structures will also help to stabilize and maintain the narrowed, deeper
river channel.
Timeline
2016
• Pre-project photos taken: June 19, August 26, September 2 (see Appendix A)
• On-site field trip with Freestone Aquatics, Inc. and Learning by Doing (LBD) members:
September 27
• Draft vegetation plan presented to the LBD Committee: September 28
• Place plant order with Middle Park Conservation District (MPCD): October 1
• On site trip with Freestone Aquatics, Inc.: mid-October (17/18)
2017
• Marketing and outreach to organize community volunteers:
o Sign up on local TU website (www.coheadwaters.org); social media; articles in
newspapers; start recruiting high schoolers: January
o Design and print posters: February
o Hang posters: March and April
o Ads in local newspapers (5 total): 1 for Fishing is Fun grant, 3 to recruit
volunteers in April and May and 1 post-project to thank volunteers
• Place plant order with Neil’s Lunceford: April 1
• Harvest willows: April 22 (Earth Day)-April 29 (weather dependent)
• Plant harvested willows: April 29-May 6 (weather dependent) after 1 week of soaking
• Pick up MPCD and Neil’s Lunceford order: May 23
• Plant MPCD and Neil’s Lunceford order: Week of May 23
• Post-project photos taken and stem count: June 23, July 21 and September 2
• Handbook presented to Colorado Headwaters Chapter of Trout Unlimited: May
• Final Presentation to LBD Committee: September
Vegetation
Quantity and Types
Freestone Aquatics, Inc. has provided a conceptual design that designates areas for
vegetation in Section A (see Appendix A). In these areas, vegetation will be spaced 3 feet apart
and in 3-5 staggered rows. The total planting length in Section A is 2,928 linear feet, which

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means if we plant willows in 3 rows 2,928 stakes or large tubes will be planted in Section A (C.
Packo, personal communication, April 8, 2016). Freestone Aquatics, Inc. has not created a
conceptual design for Section B. Since Section B has more vegetation established, we plan on
planting 10+/- #5 container mountain willow (Salix monticola) and 100+/- willows harvested on-
site. Bruce Hutchins has agreed to allow harvesting of willows from Grand #1.
Willow stakes harvested on-site and from the Ranch Creek watershed—a tributary to the
Fraser River and at a similar site in relation to soils and elevation—will be used in areas
designated for vegetation in addition to ordered vegetation (see Figure 1). Freestone Aquatics,
Inc. has also offered harvesting of willows from private property on the Yampa River. Dominant
willows at the project site are: Bebb willow (S. bebbiana), Geyer’s willow (S. geyeriana),
mountain willow, and strapleaf willow (S. eriocephala var. ligulifolia). Dominant willows at the
Ranch Creek harvest sites are: Geyer’s willow (S. geyeriana), mountain willow, strapleaf willow
(S. eriocephala var. ligulifolia), whiplash willow (S. lasiandra), and planeleaf willow (S.
planifolia).
Native plant species will be ordered from local sources. 25 #5 containers of mountain
willow will be ordered from Neil’s Lunceford in Tabernash. 60 large tube orders of narrowleaf
cottonwood (Populus angustifolia) and 90 large tube orders of coyote willow (S. exigua) will be
ordered from MPCD (see Figure 1). Tree guards will be placed around a majority of the
cottonwood trees (see Figures 1 and 2). Reaching ultimate willow diversity is not the goal since
increasing shade and cover are the top priorities in this project.
All vegetation ordered through MPCD will be grown at the Colorado State Forest Service
nursery in Fort Collins. Anna Drexler-Dreis will place the order with the MPCD on October 1
and the plants will be shipped to Grand County free of charge. MPCD delivers vegetation in lots
of 30 in large tubes, which are 7” x 2” and contain 10 cubic inches of soil. #5 containers are 10 ¾
inch in diameter, 11 inches tall, contain 887.73 cubic inches of soil. The Haley Fund Grant
awarded to Anna will pay for this vegetation (see Figure 1).
Figure 1: List of vegetation to be planted at the Fraser Flats River Habitat project site. Vegetation will be purchased with money
received from the Haley Fund Grant and harvested from the Ranch Creek watershed on the Devil’s Thumb Ranch property and
onsite at the Fraser Flat area.
Best Practices
Harvesting
DesCamp (2004) provides guidance for harvesting live stakes: cut branch at an angle at
the bottom end of the branch so you know which end is up, remove leaves and branches on the
stake, make bundles of 25 stakes pointing in the same direction, and keep stakes moist by
Vegetation Amount Source Type
Willow (Salix sp. ) 2850 (+/-)
Ranch Creek and
On-site Stake
Narrowleaf cottonwood
(Populus angustifolia) 90 MPCD Large tube
Coyote willow (Salix
exigua) 60 MPCD Large tube
Mountain willow (Salix
monticola) 23 Neils Lunceford
#5
container

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wrapping in a wet burlap sack. All harvested willow stems will be ½ to 1 ¼ inches in diameter
and 2-3 feet long. The willows will be harvested using these techniques and kept moist and cool
in Kirk Klancke’s garage until planting time or kept directly in the river if planting the next day.
Planting
Giordanengo and Mandel (2016) recommend preparing pilot holes when installing live
cuttings. This is because “pilot holes allow for easier installation without damaging the cuttings.”
The holes will be prepared by pounding a form stake in the ground and installing the willow in
that hole. The cuttings will be backfilled to ensure there are no air pockets and good soil-to-stem
contact. This will be done by adding a slurry of soil and water directly into the hole. If the soil is
already muddy, the soil will be packed around the plant by hand and foot. The pilot holes will be
deep enough to reach the groundwater table, which varies.
Giordanengo and Mandel (2016) list five important installation tips:
1. Remove the bottom 1-2 inches of the cutting with a clean diagonal cut to “freshen up” the
conductive xylem cells prior to installation.
2. Be sure upward-facing tips of lateral buds point sky-ward and the diagonally cut end,
usually the thicker end of the cutting, is inserted into the ground.
3. Cut the top of the stem to leave 1-3 feet remaining above ground, so competing plants do
not overshadow the cutting during the growing season, or high water does not completely
overtop them.
4. Cracked, diseased, or mangled cut ends will increase susceptibility to pest damage,
decreasing survival rates. If cuttings are damaged from installation, provide a clean
diagonal cut just below the damaged surface.
5. A minimum of two lateral buds (preferable 3 or more) should be present on portion of
stem remaining above ground.
This summer, Kirk planted a nursery crop of willows harvested from Ranch Creek to better
understand willow harvesting and planting at the project elevation. Out of 34 willow stakes that
were planted, 32 survived. The harvesting took place on two week intervals starting in early
March through early May and the planting started in early April and went through mid-May.
Given this success rate, we are confident this vegetation project will also be successful.
Volunteers
It is estimated that 140 man hours will be needed to harvest the willows and 200 man
hours to plant the vegetation, for a total of 340 man hours (see Figure 2). Volunteers will be
asked to work 4-5 hour days. We estimate around 10 volunteers per day. Therefore, to complete
the harvesting, it will take around 35 volunteers over a period of 3-4 days. To complete the
planting, 50 volunteers will be required over a period of take 4-5 days. Trout Unlimited will
provide liability waivers that all volunteers will be required to sign (see Liability Waiver at end
of document).
Volunteers will be obtained by hanging posters around town, placing ads in the local
newspapers, engagement on the Colorado Headwaters Chapter of Trout Unlimited website/social
media and by using the email lists of the local Trout Unlimited chapter and Colorado Headwaters
Land Trust. Kirk has and will continue to make presentations to the high school and we hope to
engage school-aged volunteers in addition to community volunteers.

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The first task of each day will be dividing the volunteers into three groups (if necessary,
depending on the number of volunteers), assigning Kirk, Dennis and Anna as team leaders,
teaching tool safety and proper planting/harvesting techniques and identifying sources of water,
food and places to go to the bathroom. The Governance Committee of the Learning by Doing
Committee approved up to $1,000 for porta potty rentals during the planting days. Porta potties
will not be needed during harvesting because volunteers will be close to the facilities at Devil’s
Thumb Ranch. Anna will invoice Grand County and cc Kiki Sayre. Porta Potties will be rented
from Good to Go (970-531-4357) for $113 (nonprofit rate) per porta potty.
Figure 2: Money will be provided from the Haley Fund Grant. All equipment and tools will become property of the Learning by
Doing Committee for their use in completing future Learning by Doing projects. Grand County Landscaping will be asked to
provide additional ball pein hammers.
Monitoring Plan
A monitoring plan has been developed by the Monitoring Subcommittee of the LBD
Committee. An increase in riparian woody vegetation will be documented by taking photographs
at predetermined photo point locations pre- and post-planting (see Appendix A). Anna will count
the number of stems we plant after planting and the local TU board will count the number of
stems for three years following the planting. If deemed necessary, the local TU chapter will
return to the project site in 2018 to plant additional vegetation. Anna has a request in to Light
Hawk, a volunteer pilot conservation organization, to take aerial photos of the area in June 2017
and in June 2019. She will update the LBD committee as that progresses.
Works Cited
DesCamp, W. (2004, June 10). Collecting, installing, storing, and caring for live stakes.
Retrieved from http://depts.washington.edu/propplnt/Chapters/Stakes%20combined.htm
Giordanengo, J. and Mandel, R. (2016, March 6). Field guide for harvesting and installing
willow and cottonwood cuttings.
Interviews with: Doreen Sumerlin (USFS), Mark Volt and Don Slusher (NRCS), John
Giordanengo (AloTerra), Clint Packo (Freestone Aquatics, Inc), Jessica Alexander
(Denver Water), Katherine Morris (Grand County), Bob Fanch (Devil’s Thumb Ranch),
Dennis Buechler (TU), Mely Whiting (TU), Gwen Kittel (CO Native Plants Society),
Denise Culver (CO Natural Heritage Program), Dirk Eichler (Waters Edge Reclamation),
Dan Krupp (Grand County Landscaping).
Volunteers
Man Hours $6,800
Snacks and drinks $250
Total: $7,050
Equipment & Tools
Tree Guards $66 Pack of 90
Form Stake $45 15, Ace Hardware
Ball Pein Hammer $161 7, Ace Hardware
Clippers $120 10, Ace Hardware
Gloves $315 15, Ace Hardware
Total: $707

6. COLORADO HEADWATERS CHAPTER
TROUT UNLIMITED
PO Box 2135
Fraser, CO 80442
PARTICIPANT’S FULL NAME: _____________________________________
PARTICIPANT’S AGE: _____
I, the above-named person, being over the age of 18 years, or the legal guardian of the above
named person who is under the age of 18 years, hereby acknowledge, agree, promise and covenant with
Colorado Headwaters Chapter Trout Unlimited (TU), as follows:
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK
I hereby acknowledge that TU has informed me and I understand that river restoration projects
that include harvesting willows, planting willows and other vegetation, heavy lifting, using tools, and/or
volunteering are not without risk. Certain risks are inherent in each activity and cannot be eliminated.
These inherent risks can be the cause of loss or damage to my property, or accidental injury, illness or in
extreme cases, permanent trauma or death. TU does not want to frighten me or reduce my enthusiasm for
volunteering to help, but believes it is important for me to know in advance what to expect and to be
informed of the inherent risks.
Among these risks are the following: (1) the acts or omissions, negligent in any degree, of any
persons; (2) latent or apparent defects or conditions in tools and equipment supplied by TU or others; (3)
weather, (4) contact with plants or animals; and/or (5) first aid, emergency treatment or other services
rendered. I understand and acknowledge that the above list is not complete or exhaustive, and that other
risks, known or unknown, identified or unidentified may occur. I acknowledge that TU has fully
explained to me the nature and physical demands of this activity and the inherent risks, hazards, and
dangers associated therewith.
ACCEPTANCE OF RISK AND RESPONSIBILITY
Being aware that this activity entrails risk, I agree, covenant, promise and assume all
responsibility or liability and risk for injury, death, illness, disease, or damage to property, arising out of
or in any way connected with my participation in this activity. My participation in this activity is purely
voluntary, no one is forcing me to participate, and I elect to participate in spite of and with full knowledge
of the risks. I hereby certify that I am fully capable of participating in this activity.
RELEASE
I hereby voluntarily release and forever discharge the Colorado Headwaters Chapter Trout
Unlimited and its officers, agents, employees, volunteers, any other persons or entities acting on their
behalf, and the successors and assigns (collectively Released Parties) from any and all liability, claims,
demands, actions or rights of action, loss, damages, injury to persons or property, which are related to,
arising out of or in any way connected with my participation in this activity, including specifically but not
limited to the negligent acts or omissions of the Released Parties, including reasonable attorney’s fees and
costs incurred.
I further agree, promise and covenant to waive any and all rights, claims, causes of action or
rights to a certain claim which I may have or acquire against the Released Parties. I further agree, promise
and covenant not to use, assert or otherwise maintain or assert any claim against the Released Parties, for

7. any injury, death, illness or disease, or damage to my property, arising out of or in any way connected
with my participation in this activity.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF EFFECT OF THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT
I understand and acknowledge that by signing this document I have given up certain legal rights
or possible claims which I might otherwise be entitled to assert or maintain against the Released Parties,
including specifically, but not limited to, claims of negligence in any degree of the Released Parties.
GENERAL TERMS
1. I understand that this Release cannot be modified or changed in any way by the representations or
statements of any of the Released Parties, or by me, except in writing signed by the parties.
2. This Release shall be governed by and constructed under the laws of the State of Colorado.
3. This Release contains the entire agreement of the parties, and no representations or promises not
contained herein shall be binding or enforceable. This Release shall inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the heirs, personal representatives, successor and assigns of the parties.
4. If the above named person is a minor or otherwise incapacitated I, the undersigned, represent and
warrant to TU that I am the parent or legal guardian of the above named person and that I am
authorized to sign this document on behalf of the person. I consent to the person’s participation in
these activities with knowledge of and in spite of the risks. I affirm that I have read and
understand this document and I agree that the person shall be bound by all of the terms of this
agreement, both now and after the person’s age of majority or end of any incapacitating
condition. I hold harmless and indemnify the Released Parties for any claims, damages, actions,
causes of actions, including reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, incurred as a result of my
misrepresentation or breach of warranty under this provision.
Participant/Volunteer (or Parent or Guardian thereof):
MY SIGNATURE BELOW INDICATES THAT I HAVE READ THIS ENTIRE
DOCUMENT, UNDERSTAND IT COMPLETELY AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY ITS
TERMS.
Signature: _____________________________________ Date:____/____/2017
Participants Full Name (printed): _________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________
Phone Number(s): _____________________________________________________
Email Address: _________________________________________
Emergency Contact (name and number): ___________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________