If you live near the Rueter-Hess Reservoir and you are interested in how the area will be used for recreational purposes in the future, there are plenty of ways to stay informed and to voice your opinion. An online survey was recently administered by the Parker Water & Sanitation District (PWSD) that asked the public to provide guidance on which activities they would like to see offered at the Reservoir. Essentially, the District, along with its five regional partners consisting of the Towns of Parker and Castle Rock, Cities of Lone Tree and Castle Pines and all of Douglas County, wanted to know the specific ways in which the public would like to use the water and surrounding land for recreational activities.
The questions asked in the survey covered topics related to natural areas, trails, aquatic activities, cultural programs and adventure recreation in the Rueter-Hess Reservoir vicinity. The survey also allowed the public to submit specific ideas and thoughts for how the area should be utilized. Even though the survey is now closed, the PWSD still wants to hear from as many members of the public as possible so that recreational activities and areas can be developed at the Rueter-Hess Reservoir that will be enjoyed by a large number of people. There will be additional opportunities for public engagement over the next several months. Please visit the Parker Water & Sanitation District’s website for future updates and more information.
More Information about the Rueter-Hess Reservoir
During the mid-1980s, it was determined by the PWSD that there would likely be a shortage of water in the area due to the growth of the community and the increasing demand for water. As such, solutions to the water shortage issue were implemented and plans for the development of the Rueter-Hess Reservoir project were put into action. In 2012, construction on the Reuter-Hess Reservoir was complete.
Located approximately three miles southwest of downtown Parker Colorado, the Rueter-Hess Reservoir is larger than Cherry Creek Reservoir. The Rueter-Hess reservoir will serve as a long-term water storage solution, and will provide enough water to the area for the foreseeable future.
This was no easy feat to accomplish. Read Wiki history on the efforts that the town and PWSD took to make the Rueter-Hess Reservoir happen.
Fishing, Camping and Hiking
According to an article published on the City of Castle Pines website, Recreation at the Rueter-Hess Reservoir, “The vision is for the reservoir be “quiet”, “calm”, “tranquil” and “serene”. There will be non-motorized boats (kayaks, canoes, etc.). Fishing, camping, and hiking will also be available. However, since the reservoir is mainly used for drinking water, motorized boating and swimming will not be allowed.”
A Fisherman’s Dream!
The stocking of fish in the Rueter-Hess Reservoir has already begun. The fish-stocking strategy will take years to fully implement, and should be complete by 2019. Stocking will occur in phases, according to a strategy that was developed by Aquatics Associates, Inc. The first phase will introduce fish species such as fathead minnows and bluegill into the reservoir. The second phase, which should occur in 2016, will include other fish species such as catfish and rainbow trout. Eventually, other types of game fish species will be added, which will help encourage a balanced ecosystem.
The goal of the fish-stocking strategy is to create a recreational fishing venue for fishermen/women of all ages and abilities. The fish stocking plan for Rueter-Hess Reservoir will eventually create an excellent opportunity for anglers to enjoy their sport – which is something that is not available anywhere else nearby.
Stay Informed!
Calling all residents of Parker, Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Castle Pines and Douglas County
If you would like your opinion to make a difference in the development of a Recreational Master Plan for the Rueter-Hess Reservoir area, make sure to stay informed on the plans for recreational activities in the area. In the near future, there will be public meetings where information on the progress of the project will be presented. For more information, please call the PWSD at (303) 841-4627, visit www.pwsd.org, and/or sign up for e-mail updates.