The Coalition for the Upper South Platte (CUSP) and the US Forest Service (USFS) commissioned FlyWater, inc. to conduct and oversee the demolition and removal of the Lake George Diversion Dam on the South Platte River at the mouth of Eleven Mile Canyon, an internationally renowned trout fishery. After removal of the dam, FlyWater, inc. was responsible for the construction of the new river channel designed by Jacobs Engineering as part of the post-dam comprehensive river restoration plan.

Phase one of the project broke ground in July 2023 and was completed in December 2023. Phase two is scheduled to commence in spring 2024, with anticipated completion in summer 2024. The diversion structure, originally constructed in the 1950s, functioned as a diversion dam for Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) until the 1990s. Despite being decommissioned, the dam has persisted as a barrier to fish passage and an obstacle to the overall health of the riparian zone.

The total demolition and removal of the dam was the overarching goal of this first phase of the project. By reengaging the native channel, the project sought to allow again for uninhibited movement of aquatic species, optimized sediment transport, reduced erosion and sedimentation and, ultimately, restored natural riparian function and increased ecosystem resilience. Phase two aims to enhance public river access, improve parking infrastructure, and upgrade public amenities.