GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — On July 7, the City of Grand Junction will restrict access to the River Park at Las Colonias due to declining water levels in the Colorado River. Large sandbags will be placed near the boat ramp entrance to redirect water flow into the main river channel, a measure aimed at protecting four endangered fish species. The river’s flow has dropped below the critical threshold of 810 cubic feet per second (cfs), triggering requirements under a federal permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to cut off the River Park channel from the main river.
Despite the modifications, the River Park remains open during regular hours, though visitors will experience lower water flows in the channel. Beach areas will still be accessible into the fall, with sandbags remaining in place until water levels rise. The $1.2 million River Park project, funded by multiple grants and partnerships including Great Outdoors Colorado and the Colorado Water Conservation Board, was designed with such environmental safeguards in mind, ensuring compliance with federal regulations to protect critical wildlife habitat.