PRRP Angler Access
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Selection Marker ImageAngler Access Page
Selection Marker ImagePRRP Angler Access
Selection Marker ImageDiamond Fork Creek Angler Access
Selection Marker Imagemiddle strawberry angler access
Selection Marker ImageLower strawberry angler access
Selection Marker Imageduchesne rivers angler access
Selection Marker ImageCurrant Creek Angler Access
Selection Marker ImageRock Creek Angler Access

Historical photos from the 1930s show the Heber Valley was once dominated by broad stands of dense riparian vegetation (cottonwoods, willows, etc.) extending a width of 1,500 ft. or more in places. This riparian corridor was supported by the Provo River migrating back and forth across its flood plain in response to natural forces. In the 1940s and 50s the Provo River through Heber Valley was channelized to reduce the impact of flooding that resulted from a trans-basin diversion of irrigation water into the valley. The channelized and straightened river corridor, less than 200 ft. wide in many locations, provided necessary flood protection, but resulted in significant impacts to the river's ecosystem.

With construction of Jordanelle Reservoir in 1995, the risk of flooding was significantly diminished, which provided the opportunity to restore the Provo River through Heber Valley back to a natural meandering riverine ecosystem. With construction crews from Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the Mitigation Commission designed and constructed new meanders, side channels and wetland ponds. Existing levees were set back to create a near natural flood plain and to allow the river to change course naturally. This effort is referred to as the Provo River Restoration Project (PRRP).

Restoration construction efforts were initiated in 1999, were substantially complete in 2008, and resulted in approximately 2 miles of additional river length. New side channels and ponds are improving fish habitat and providing habitat for wetland dependent wildlife. Growing stands of riparian vegetation are providing the environment necessary for a healthy fishery and riparian ecosystem.

Public access to the 12-mile PRRP corridor is available from seven designated angler-access parking areas shown on the map below. Two of the sites were built to provide easier access to fishing for those who are physically challenged. Private property runs adjacent to this public corridor, so please respect the rights of private-property owners. While the public may move freely once within the corridor, entering and leaving should be done only through the designated access points. The following are examples of what there is to do throughout the project: Fishing, Bird and wildlife watching, Photography, and Cross-country skiing; however, to protect the river's sensitive riparian ecosystem, these activities are not allowed: Hunting, Boating, ATVs, Camping, Equestrian activities, Bicycling, Roller blading, Skateboarding, Motorcycles and motorized scooters.


View Provo River Restoration Project in a larger map

Email Link to the Utah Reclamation Mitigation Conservation Commission, urmcc@uc.usbr.govAddress for Utah Reclamation Mitigation Conservation Commission, 230 South 500 East, Suite 230, Salt Lake City, Utah 84102-2045, (801)524-3146, Fax (801)524-3148