UN Global Compact  |  CEO Water Mandate

Great Britain Colombia Brazil

Camp Hale - Eagle River Collaborative Restoration

<% join_label %>

Camp Hale - Eagle River Collaborative Restoration

Show Full Map
Amazon
Area: 5888268 km2
Countries:
Brazil; Peru; Suriname; France; Colombia; Guyana; Bolivia; Venezuela; Ecuador
Cities:
Santa Cruz; Manaus; La Paz
PFAF ID:
HydroBasin Level:
Baseline Water Stress:
Water Quality Stress:
Sanitation Access Stress:
Click to view individual basin.
Location
Click Icon to Show on Map
City & Country
,
()

Quick Info

Countries: United States of America
Basins: Mississippi (419)
Project SDGs:
Includes Sustainable Development Goals from the project and its locations.
Protect and Restore Ecosystems (SDG 6.6)
Stakeholder Participation (SDG 6.b)
Climate Resilience and Adaptation (SDG 13.1)
Project Tags:
Includes tags from the project and its locations.
Nature-Based Solutions
Progress to Date: NA Acres Reforested
Services Needed: Communications & outreach
Stakeholder engagement & facilitation
Desired Partner: NGO / Civil Society
Language: English
Start & End Dates: Apr. 01, 2018  »  Ongoing
Project Website: www.nationalforests.org/who-we-are/our-impact/whiteriver
Contextual Condition(s): PHYSICAL: Ecosystem vulnerability or degradation
Additional Benefits: Basin stakeholder mapping, Long-term partnership(s) created, Raised awareness of challenges among water users, Raised awareness of challenges among local authorities
Beneficiaries: Ecosystems, Environmental users (e.g., fishers, recreational users), Local communities / domestic users
Planning & Implementation Time: More than 3 years
Primary Funding Source: pool
Project Source: User
Profile Completion: 85%

Project Overview

In 2013, the NFF embarked upon a collaborative effort to improve the wetland and stream ecology of the valley, and to honor the rich military history of the Eagle River at Camp Hale.

Tucked into a high elevation watershed along the west slope of the Continental Divide in central Colorado are the headwaters of the Eagle River, a prominent tributary of the Upper Colorado River. These waters flow from each winter’s snowpack and they are the life blood of both human and ecologic…

Read More

In 2013, the NFF embarked upon a collaborative effort to improve the wetland and stream ecology of the valley, and to honor the rich military history of the Eagle River at Camp Hale.

Tucked into a high elevation watershed along the west slope of the Continental Divide in central Colorado are the headwaters of the Eagle River, a prominent tributary of the Upper Colorado River. These waters flow from each winter’s snowpack and they are the life blood of both human and ecological communities in western and eastern Colorado.

The area is a year-round recreation mecca for camping and hiking, skiing, hunting, wildlife watching, and off-road vehicles. The headwaters of the Eagle River also provide habitat for wildlife such as elk, bear, lynx, pine marten, marmot, pika, otter, trout, white-tailed ptarmigan, rosy finches, migratory songbirds and waterfowl. And underlying the iconic beauty of the landscape there is an important story in U.S. history.

Steven C. DeWitt-Jr.

In 1942 the Eagle River headwaters, and the surrounding 240,000 acres, became a winter and mountain warfare training camp during World War II, housing up to 17,000 troops. At an elevation of 9,200 feet, the military established Camp Hale here because the natural setting included a large, flat wetlands meadow, surrounded by steep slopes suitable for training in skiing, rock climbing, and winter survival skills.

Later, after World War II, Camp Hale was also used by the C.I.A. to secretly train Tibetan soldiers to enter China over high mountain passes during the Cold War. The camp was deactivated in 1964 and returned to the U.S. Forest Service for management.

When the Army established Camp Hale, they:

  • drained the large wetlands meadow surrounding the East and South Forks of the Eagle River;
  • installed a sewage system;
  • imported millions of cubic yards of fill; and
  • channeled the meandering East and South Forks of the Eagle River headwaters into a linear three-mile ditch system that remains today.

Steven C. DeWitt Jr.

Working with key stakeholders, the NFF developed an historic interpretation plan for creating a visitor experience focused on the importance and historic military value of Camp Hale, including the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division.

Basin and/or Contextual Conditions: PHYSICAL: Ecosystem vulnerability or degradation
Project Benefits: Basin stakeholder mapping, Long-term partnership(s) created, Raised awareness of challenges among water users, Raised awareness of challenges among local authorities
Indirect or Direct Beneficiaries: Ecosystems, Environmental users (e.g., fishers, recreational users), Local communities / domestic users
Months & Implementing: More than 3 years
Primary Funding Source: Pool funding (i.e., joint funding of several partners)

Project Narrative

Efforts will include: hundreds of acres of wetland restoration, miles of stream channel development, recreation infrastructure enhancements, and construction of interpretive structures and experience zones that tell the story of Camp Hale. This important work can only be accomplished with the support of local communities, stewardship partners, and generous donors.

Partner Organizations


Who We Are? The National Forest Foundation is the leading organization inspiring personal and meaningful connections to our National Forests, the centerpiece of America’s public lands. Working on behalf of the American public, the NFF leads forest conservation efforts and … Learn More


   Loading Lessons