Cache la Poudre National Heritage Area

Box Elder Ditch Parshall Flume

Ralph Parshall designed a way to measure the flow of water and patentend his invention in 1925.  Named after him, the Parshall flume, still in use today, channels water in such a way that the relationship of depth and flow measures cubic feet per second (CFS).

Environmental Learning Center

In east Ft. Collins, students can learn about the Poudre River and the natural environment at the Environmental Learning Center.  The center is owned and managed by Colorado State University.

Coy Ditch: fish ladder, canoe chute and diversion

Man uses the river for irrigation and recreation but fish call it home…fish move up the river via “fish ladders”, and man moves down the river on the current, crossing diversion structures via canoe chutes.  DIversion structures channels the water into smaller irrgation ditches or other uses.

Box Elder Ditch Parshall Flume
Environmental Learning Center
Coy Ditch: fish ladder, canoe chute and diversion
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A River Runs Through It...

Welcome to the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area! This publication aims to help visitors learn about the wonders of north-central region in the state of Colorado. This is an area rich in natural, cultural, scenic and recreational resources.  Together they help us understand our history and the significance of the nation.