Blue River Stewardship Public Access Infrastructure Phase Begins

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BLUE VALLEY RANCH, Colo. (April 30, 2026) — Blue Valley Ranch (BVR) today announced that work has officially moved into the active infrastructure phase for a series of landmark stewardship projects designed to enhance the long-term health and accessibility of the Blue River.

This “river-first” initiative focuses on science-based habitat restoration and the development of new recreational infrastructure to benefit wildlife advocates, anglers, and the Lower Blue community. 

Key Public Benefits in Development:

• New Recreational Infrastructure: Planned construction of more than 2.7 miles of new walking trails, wheelchair-accessible fishing platforms, and managed rest stops at Spring Creek Bridge and the Pump Station Rest Areas.
• Open Space Protection: $600,000 has been contributed to the Summit County Open Space fund to support future local acquisitions.
• Habitat Restoration: Implementation of science-based strategies to build a resilient ecosystem capable of withstanding environmental stressors such as low flows and temperature fluctuations.

“These projects are a long-term commitment to the structural health of the entire river,” said Brien Rose, Director of Natural Resources for Blue Valley Ranch. “We are turning years of science-based planning into tangible benefits that will preserve these world-class resources for generations to come.”

Stewardship by the Numbers:

• 2.7 miles of new trails, including 2.3 miles of trails at the Confluence Recreation Area and approximately 0.4 miles from the Green Mountain Parking Area to the river.
• 1.65 miles of new continuous river access in the lower Green Mountain Canyon, plus 2 miles at the Confluence of the Blue and Colorado Rivers.
• 0.75 miles of river habitat restoration at the confluence.
• 7.5 miles of total river channel restored to date.
• Expanded Recreational and Habitat Access: Enhanced access to over 1,400 acres of BLM land, resulting in a net gain of 1,100 acres for recreation and habitat.
• Enhanced Accessibility: 13 wheelchair-accessible fishing platforms connected by ADA-accessible paths.
• Day-use Recreational Amenities: Includes accessible fishing platforms, 2.3 miles of trails, picnic areas, a vault toilet, two developed parking areas, and a dedicated take-out for river floaters.

About Blue Valley Ranch: Blue Valley Ranch is dedicated to the proactive stewardship of its land, water, and wildlife. Through innovative, data-driven solutions and partnerships with state and local agencies, the ranch works to enhance the high-mountain environment and recreational opportunities within the Blue River basin.

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