The Helper River Revitalization is an environmental infrastructure project on the Price River. A conceptual study report for the Price River through Helper was completed July 2013. It prioritizes construction of green infrastructure for 2.5 miles and has been adopted into the Price River Watershed Plan. The Project will restore stream and riparian health functions, improve water quality, enhance public access, and build community stewardship of the river. The Pilot Project at Ivy Street was completed fall 2014. Phase II included the removal of an abandoned sheet pile diversion near Janet Street and construction of two grade control structures to improve passage of fish, especially of the bluehead sucker and was completed in 2016. Phase III included the removal of obsolete grade control structures and was completed in 2017. Phase IV implementation was focused on providing longitudinal connection of the river over and existing diversion structure for fish from below and people from above. This phase was recently completed. It is the goal of this next phase (Phase V) to continue to connect aquatic species to habitats that have been long blocked by diversion structures, in this case an obsolete set of grade control structures made of spiked rail lines. In the fall of 2015, DWR staff performed a quick inventory of species upstream of the Pilot Project site. They were surprised to find over 100 bluehead suckers in only half an hour of shocking. Other species identified include speckled dace, mottled sculpin, mountain sucker, brown trout, and cutthroat trout. Phase V of the Project, we intend to further open this habitat for these species, leaving only one additional blockage for fish upstream adjacent to the Gigliotti Pond. Historically the Price River was straightened and realigned for the highway and railroad. Several steel pile-on grade control structures were installed to stabilize the channelized reach. Land developments filled the floodplain, hardened the banks, and encroached the river. The channel and banks have been inadequately stabilized using concrete, slag, riprap, cars and other junk fill materials. Floodplain habitats no longer exist. Vegetation overstory is dominated by invasive species, such as Russian olive and Siberian elm, nearly choking out the biological diversity. The narrowed channel has become entrenched, creating excessive velocities, limited pools, and homogeneous aquatic habitat. Since the completion of the Pilot Project there have been native and sport species found upstream of that project reach that had not previously been observed. The Project reach has not been considered viable for fish stocking, but DWR staff familiar with the project have stocked the reach with Colorado River cutthroat trout post-revitalization and 400-500 hatchery raised fish were released in 2016. The conservation and restoration of the stream channel, as well as riparian improvements, is needed to restore stream health, floodplain habitat, riparian buffer areas, and create public access to the restored Price River. The Project is immediately upstream of a 303(d) impaired segment of the Price River listed for partially supporting beneficial uses. In 2010, the downstream segment was listed for macroinvertebrate and biological impairment; and in 2004 for total dissolved solids (TDS). Non-point pollution sources (hydromodifications, sediment loading, diminished native riparian vegetation, and loss of floodplain connectivity) have adversely impacted natural channel functions and significantly contribute to the 303(d) listed impairments. There were 8 fish passage barriers within the project reach before the Helper River Revitalization Project began. This phase proposes to create passage for all fish species around 1 of these barriers. The initial four phases of the project have already removed 4 barriers to fish.Opening up and restoring this reach creates a potential corridor for native species, and advances the effort for the Colorado River Recovery Program. The overall project has been designed to accommodate this phased approach as funds become available. The continuation of the Project in Phase V, will include many strategies to further improve both aquatic and riparian habitat connectivity and access for anglers and the community. This phase will highlight incentives for continuing to protect and enhance the natural channel values and the reduction of fish barriers.

Funding through WRI and others through FY 2019 has made it possible to complete preliminary design and more detailed survey of the Martin Road grade control site. The project presented in this phase is the complete removal of outdated grade control constructed from vertical rail lines and replace with three natural rock grade control weirs to provide fish passage upstream of the Martin grade control. See attached images of current condition and depiction of future condition at the project site. The goal of Phase V is to provide passage for fish over the Martin grade control structures. Bluehead sucker have been identified as the target fish species and the project will be designed to pass this non-jumping fish. It is also the goal of this phase to allow passage and make the reach viable for stocking of other native and high interest game and fish species, such as the Colorado River Cutthroat. This phase will continue the work of the first four phases by opening up another half mile of aquatic habitat for Colorado River cutthroat trout, bluehead suckers, mountain suckers, and many other species. The project includes a monitoring and maintenance plan in collaboration with Helper City, schools, citizen volunteers, and state agencies. Community volunteers are excited and active, organizing via the Helper River Revitalization Facebook page. This phase of this project proposes to implement fish passage around the Martin grade control structure adjacent to Martin Road located off US-6 on the north side of Helper. Recreation and access to provide longitudinal connectivity, including riparian and bank restoration, would be improved at the Martin grade control site. Project objectives are to continue implementation of projects to: 1) Remove fish barriers on the Price River for native and sport fish; 2) Repair and enhance riparian habitat; 3) Create designated river access points for boat and angler ingress/egress; 4) Implement BMPs to improve water quality, restore aquatic and riparian habitat, and move toward meeting aquatic life beneficial uses; and 5) Connect the community to the river by enhancing access and recreational experiences.

The Price River has been encroached and neglected for years. Without taking action, the Price River risks continued degradation to water quality and aquatic life beneficial uses. Without restoration of stream health, the reach will continue to have limited survival rate and habitat fragmentation of resident fish. The bluehead sucker (Catostomus discobolus) would continue to have low population and limited habitat within the reach. The presence of dams and diversions, channelization and bank alteration from urban development, and rampant overgrowth of invasive plant species, has led to a severely degraded Price River through Helper. Without restoration of pools, holding capacity, and public access, the reach will continue to decline as a viable sport fishery. Without the removal of fish passage barriers the potential to recover historic habitat will continue to be limited. Riverbanks of the Price are overgrown with Russian olive and other noxious and invasive plant species. Without their removal and replacement with a native riparian corridor the reach will continue to see bank erosion problems, recreational access issues, and low diversity in its wildland plant and animal communities. Without the creation of improved public access the upstream reaches of the Price River will continue to be over-fished. The completed phases of the Helper River Revitalization have already shown local improvements to all threats listed above. It would put the overall Project at risk to delay this phase.

The Utah State Resource Management Plan (UT RMP) has identified fishing and wildlife watching as key recreation aspects that contribute to the economic vitality of Utah communities, especially rural communities like Helper. Additionally, the UT RMP identifies healthy fisheries, riparian and floodplains, and recreation and tourism as important issues for consideration. The Helper River Revitalization project encompasses features that relate to all of these resource topics and has consistently shown to increase the economic base for Helper City and Carbon County. Helper City also won a design competition to have the American Association of Architects conduct a "Sustainable Design Assessment Team" (SDAT) in 2018. This planning effort resulted in four specific tenets that Helper City will follow through on for community improvement. Notably, the River was one of the four focal points for improvement and identified specifically as a unique resource for the basis of community sustainability. This effort resulted in regularly scheduled volunteer events focused on the river and may result in the eventual establishment of a river celebration festival. Project planning has identified opportunities that align multiple local, county and statewide plans for restoration, recreation, and economic growth. These plans include the Price River Watershed Plan, Price River System Conservation Pilot Project, Helper City General Plan, Helper City Stormwater and Capital Facilities Improvement Plan, Carbon County Weed Management Plan, Carbon County Natural Resource Use and Management Plan, Carbon County and Price City Trails Plan, Carbon County Comprehensive Plan, Utah Wildlife Action Plan, Colorado River Recovery Program, Price River Drainage Management Plan, DEQ/EPA West Colorado Total Maximum Daily Load, the Utah State comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, and the Price River Watershed Plan. Phase V of the Project will implement the following measures which complement existing plans: * Enhance multiple recreational uses * Encourage multi-agency and public and private landowner coordination * Support public education programs * Promote stewardship and connect citizens to the land * Maximize public and private benefits of water resources * Remove invasive species * Enhance the riparian area * Enhance the urban fishery * Remove fish passage barriers * Facilitate angler access * Encourage tourism and business growth * Support economic development

There are a few Russian olives that will be removed as part of the Phase V project, so there is limited reduction in the risk for catastrophic fire.

An urgent need exists to reduce and repair NPS pollution by guiding revitalization from the river out (versus re- development continuing to limit the health of the stream). The goal of channel restoration for this project is to maximize the valuable, natural river functions such as sediment transport, flood capacity, recreation, riparian and aquatic health. The Price River through Helper City is only 3 miles upstream of a 303d listed impaired segment. One of the major benefits of the Helper River Revitalization project is to help the community appreciate the value of a healthy river, thus public education and stewardship are a main focus of the project.

The project area is located within Helper City and has been disturbed by previous railroad, highway, residential and commercial development. The River Corridor is concurrently being redeveloped. No cultural resources are anticipated to be impacted by the project. If potential cultural resources in the project area are discovered during construction and cannot be avoided, activities in that area will be suspended until the properties can be evaluated for eligible listing on the National Register of Historic Places in consultation with Utah State Historical Preservation Office. A Utah Stream Alteration Permit will be submitted to the Utah Division of Water Rights and will include both a delineation of Waters of the US and threatened and endangered species. The past four phases of the project have received a Stream Alteration Permit and no issues are expected with this project.

Heavy track equipment will be used for excavation and haul-off of timber and stone walls, junk fill, and other materials from the banks. Bank and channel stabilization will include both stone toe protection, and bioengineering methods utilizing biostabilized stream banks, vegetation revetments, pole planting and container planting. Best Management Practices to protect the Price River from sedimentation and turbidity issues during construction including turbidity curtains, oil booms, coffer dams, and other care of water techniques. Work will include the removal of invasive Russian olive trees utilizing cut-stump herbicide and excavation treatments. Revegetation and native enhancement of riparian vegetation is included in Phase V by working with the Utah Conservation Corps. Aquatic habitat enhancement will include excavation of bed materials to establish pools and the placement of boulders for object cover and artificial riffle-pool enhancements. A significant effort for the Care of Water and on-shore Best Management Practices will be required to minimize disturbance from construction activities and to comply with Clean Water Act Sections 404/401 and SWPPP permit requirements. Preparation for the construction plans and specifications is being completed through the professional services provided by a team of engineers and scientists. This phase of the project includes a request for funding to support permitting and construction oversight. Contractual services for heavy equipment will be used for the Project. The project is expected to use excavators of 350-ton size with articulated thumbs with the ability to rotate and place boulders up to 6' size. Loaders, side-dumps, and skid-steers will also be used for excavation and haul-off. Aerial bucket lifts are expected for trimming to protect mature native cottonwoods.

The riparian vegetation in the project are has been mapped and photo points have been established to show improvements in riparian conditions. Field surveys for noxious and invasive species will be completed before work is started and will be mapped through the Early Detection and Mapping System (EDDMaps). Electro-fishing surveys were conducted after the completion of the Pilot project. Since then (fall 2015), limited fish surveys have been completed in this reach and we are working with UDNR staff to assess fish populations with a survey planned for October 2019. Additionally, Utah Water Watch and local school groups have started to conduct community science monitoring along the River and this interest continues to grow. A group of local residents have started "The River Helpers" group and are coordinating regular visits to check vegetation establishment and will also be watering riparian plants.

Helper City is the main organization that is leading and managing the river restoration and will continue to provide project administration services. Trout Unlimited is assisting Helper City in developing community stewardship and funding for the project and has recently opened an office in Price. The Price River Watershed Council continues to provide high level input through the Price River Watershed Plan. The Price River Enhancement Committee has recently changed focus from water management to river and stream restoration in the watershed and will provide a forum for discussion of project success and failures. Additional contacts have been made with local schools in partnership with the Utah Natural History Museum to get middle school kids engaged with river stewardship. Helper City is also working closely with land owners that own adjacent lands to the project.

Helper City will hold land easements and be responsible for the future maintenance of the Project. A community led volunteer group has formed since the completion of the Pilot Project to perform maintenance and watering of revegetated areas "The River Helpers". This group is excited about future phases of the project and is committed to stewardship of their river. See their Facebook page for their coordination efforts. An Operation, Maintenance, Repair, Replacement and Rehabilitation (OMRR&R) plan will be developed with the objective to give the project a 50-year lifetime and commitment to success. Operational practices will include weed control, stormwater basin clean-out, and regular maintenance of irrigation, trash, access and pathways. The OMRR&R strives to maximize native planting survival, and restore structures to as-built conditions and/or adjust structures that are adversely affecting hydraulics. In conjunction with the OMRR&R plan a monitoring program will be implemented to assist Helper City and adjacent land owners with adaptively managing the riparian corridor.

The Helper River Revitalization Project provides for the sustainable use of the Price River through enhancement of recreation opportunities for anglers, wildlife watchers, and on-water river users. Increased longitudinal access to the river at the Phase V project will be provided through removal of dangerous and unaesthetic debris in the river, thus allowing for safe passage down river by boaters and tubers.

07/01/2019

07/10/2020

2021

The Phase V project was implemented as designed, using heavy equipment to install three grade control structures and an access ramp at the Martin Road project. The three grade control structures each provide approximately one foot of drop over the three foot vertical drop needed for Bluehead Sucker and other fish passage.

Phase V of the Helper River Revitalization Project has been completed and now approximately 2 miles of the Price River is open to fish passage upstream and human passage downstream through Helper City. The Price River is now connected longitudinally from the Carbon Canal to the proposed Phase VI project for approximately 5.3 miles. Once the Phase VI project is completed, there will be an additional 0.6 miles of longitudinal connection with only one partial barrier remaining all the way up to Scofield Reservoir. The UDWR released Colorado River Cutthroat Trout into the Helper Reach in 2017 and many of these fish were observed during fish surveys conducted in 2019. Locals and visitors routinely fish and float the river and work is underway to design, permit and implement Phase VI. After Phase VI is completed, there will be other opportunities to improve the river and riparian habitat, but the major fish barriers will be removed from this reach. A late invoice from Helper City required that the project be carried over into FY21. All work was completed in FY20.

Helper City is working to get riparian plants established throughout the river corridor and is working with land owners and other stakeholders to keep the stewardship of the river and trail active. Community members, local business owners, students and visitors now enjoy an enhanced natural feature and work together to get riparian areas established and maintained.