2018
The High Line Canal History The 71-mile High Line Canal was a commercial idea to bring water to settlers and farmers near the confluence of the South Platte and Cherry Creek following a gold rush in 1859. 1883: Canal construction completed 1924: HLC purchased by Denver Water 1970: Restrictions lifted to allow recreational uses Ca. 1900: Osner’s farmstead
The Canal may look like a creek, but it’s actually manmade.
Tremendous Resource Begins in Douglas County at the • mouth of Waterton Canyon Passes through 11 jurisdictions • and ends near DIA in Aurora 71 miles long and approximately • 100 feet wide Total of over 800 acres that • connects 72 different greenspaces ranging from state parks to pocket parks Threads together over 8,000 • acres of green space throughout the region.
Challenges and Realities Denver Water in business of • water conservation 60-80% of water evaporates or • leaks out Parts of the Canal have been filled • in Trail gaps and safety • Lack of water right priority • Demand: Colorado’s population is • projected to grow to 8.5 million by 2050 Over 350,000 residents within 1 • mile and 500,000 users annually
Conservancy Mission To preserve, protect and enhance the 71-mile long Canal in partnership with the public .
Planning Together A regional planning initiative for the 71-mile corridor Phase I Phase 2 Public Outreach and Vision Planning Framework Plan (May 2016 – Jan 2017) (2017 – 2019)
The Framework + Implementation Plan Additional open space/parks and trailheads with user amenities • Canal branded directional and interpretive signage • Crossing safety and trail gap design solutions • Environmental guidelines for landscape, tree planning and stormwater • Health and education programs for increased access and use • Long-term permanent protection and maintenance •
Multi-layered Benefits: Stormwater Adaptive and Innovative Reuse • Vibrant Canopy • – Canal bottom would be wetter 100 more days per year Environmental Health • – Stormwater 72-hour hold provides 40% cleaner water $30 Million in Potential Savings • – Cost for High Line Canal stormwater system is ~$45m – Cost for traditional infrastructure is ~$75m
Engage with the Conservancy Become a High Line Hero! • – Membership connects you to the Canal and supports the Conservancy Attend a Planning Meeting • – Framework Plan public open houses: January 23 + 24 Stay in Touch • – Sign up for our email newsletter to get updates about Canal plans and events Enjoy and use the Canal! •
highlinecanal.org hello@highlinecanal.org
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