The five-year dam rehabilitation project at Barr Lake State Park is set to resume on Monday, July 20.

According to a press release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), trails and recreation will be impacted as the project resumes, with sections of the Lake Loop Trail being closed weekdays because of dam construction through the fall season and reopening on the weekends.

The Lake Loop trail will be closed between the Pioneer Boardwalk and the Gazebo Boardwalk with no trail access from the bridge by the Nature Center from about July 20 to July 25. Beginning on July 28, the closure will move to the section of Lake Loop trail between the south entrance of Niedrach trail to the Gazebo Boardwalk.

According to the press release, the Farmers Reservoir and Irrigation Company (FRICO), which owns and operates the reservoir for irrigation purposes, started the project in 2023 to “reinforce the integrity of the dam, address safety needs and ensure continued compliance with state requirements.” The dam will be widened from about 15 feet to 22 feet, which will improve accessibility and create a more durable surface.

Cottonwood trees affecting the integral dam structure will be removed and repurposed at the park to provide wildlife habitat features. FRICO will also reseed disturbed areas to “encourage native vegetation and discourage invasive species.”

CPW will continue to work to address impacts and identify chances to enhance habitat at Barr Lake, including developing a wetlands enhancement plan that includes funding to improve about 30 acres of habitat, plantings of native vegetation and more.

Heavy construction has been scheduled to avoid nesting raptors and work will not occur near active bald eagle nests.

Find more information here.

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