With the undeniable urgency for conservation and environmental protection of the natural places we love, the Canal has become a prime example of how we must look at the future differently than the past. Approximately 60-80 percent of the water diverted to the Canal seeps into the ground or evaporates prior to reaching a paying water customer. This highlights the importance of developing modern-day uses for the Canal that will preserve and enhance the qualities that we all love about it – connection with nature, recreation along its banks, wildlife habitat and a celebration of our region.
In 2019, with support from our jurisdictional partners and Denver Water, we launched The Plan for the High Line Canal (Plan) to repurpose the historic Canal, improve the health of people and the environment, and increase accessibility and enjoyment for generations to come. The Plan recommends over 100 improvement projects. Below are some of our main endeavors that we’re looking forward to this year:
1. Reimagining the Canal for stormwater management
The Stormwater Transformation and Enhancement Program (STEP) will bring a new life and a renewed utility to the High Line Canal as a green infrastructure system that provides for stormwater quality management.
In 2020: Four stormwater transition projects are moving forward including in Denver, Greenwood Village, Littleton and Douglas County.
2. Focusing on Neighborhood Canal Improvements (NCI)
In an effort to increase trail use and improve community health, the Conservancy will be working with communities in Aurora, Denver and Arapahoe County to create community-driven plans for improvements to the Canal. Community-driven infrastructure will provide access to diverse activities in the corridor, create a sense of ownership of the trail, increase recreational use and improve community health in eight diverse neighborhoods.
In 2020: We will be working with community members of the Laredo Highline neighborhood in Aurora to implement Canal improvements with the support of the Colorado Health Foundation
Stay tuned for more information about this project coming soon.
3. Caring for the Canal’s tree canopy
The High Line Canal Conservancy, along with its partners Denver Water and the adjacent jurisdictions, are collaboratively taking action to maintain and revitalize the tree canopy.
In 2020: Tree maintenance continues in the southern portions of the trail while, together with our partners, we will begin to develop a natural resources plan for future tree plantings.
Learn more about how we’re caring for the trees.
4. Caring for the Canal: Community Cleanups
The High Line Canal Conservancy coordinates various stewardship opportunities annually along the 71-mile corridor such as trash cleanups, weed removal and brush removal to connect the various Canal communities together and to connect people to nature.
In 2020: We are gearing up to offer independent cleanups to allow volunteers to safely help us care for the Canal. We’ll provide resources and supplies for community members who wish to do a cleanup on their own. We’re also adapting our Caring for the Canal Community Cleanup program this summer to host small-group community cleanups along the corridor that comply with social distancing regulations.
Read more about our stewardship programs.
5. Access improvements: New Underpasses, bridges and more
Along with the Conservancy’s efforts, Denver Water and the jurisdictions continue to advance some very important projects:
Long’s Pine Grove Park and Bridge: In 2014 Arapahoe County Open Spaces purchased Long’s Pine Grove, a 2.8-acre site that abuts the Canal. A park is being developed on the site that will preserve sweeping mountain views and stands of mature pine trees while adding a picnic pavilion, nature play area, turf lawn and parking area. A new bridge has been installed to connect park users to the Canal trail and completion of the park is anticipated in the summer of 2020.
Colorado and Hampden Underpasses: The City and County of Denver, Arapahoe County and Cherry Hills Village have come together to create a safe connection where there is currently a significant gap in the Canal trail. Construction of two underpasses connecting the High Line Canal trail is slated to begin this month.
Read more about current projects.
6. Connecting communities to nature
Our Map and Guide to the High Line Canal breaks down the 71-mile linear park into 27 walkable, bike- and equestrian-friendly trail segments, beckoning adventures along every curve. The map and guide include navigational tips and highlights of the Canal’s history and natural wonders, highlighting access points, landmarks and connecting trails.
Photo credit: RESPEC
