Heavy equipment construction has wrapped up on the channel stabilization of Upper Dad Clark Gulch from Wildcat Reserve to Summit View Parkway. Restoration and revegetation efforts are the last remaining phase of the project.

The Highlands Ranch Metro District, in conjunction with Mile High Flood District and ICON Engineering, designed improvements in Upper Dad Clark Gulch as part of the Metro District Stormwater Master Plan. The goals of this plan were to restore, stabilize, improve, and protect the drainage ways in our open space. 

Storm runoff and base flows from homes and development had caused significant bank erosion, resulting in 10–15-foot vertical banks. Severe channel degradation increases sediment load in downstream areas and impacts vegetation.

Improvements

• 

  Constructed stable low flow channel using boulder drops and sections of riffles to manage watershed flows.
• Installed series of riprap on the outside bends of the channel to reinforce the channel banks.
• Removed vertical banks.
• Re-establish vegetation.

These techniques have been used successfully in other areas in Highlands Ranch and the Denver Metro area.

Please note: Please stay out of work zones.

Project Schedule

Spring/Summer 2026:
Mobilization and prep work; channel work including grading and rock placement. Heavy civil work ended mid-July.