Plaster Reservoir

At the Thursday January 22, 2026 Open Space and Trails Advisory Committee (OSTAC) meeting, there was a brief presentation of this Plaster Reservoir Assessment and Proposed Improvements report. The report builds on the Management Plan completed in 2021. This report assesses storage capacity at the reservoir as well as in the channel upstream (west) and downstream (east) of the reservoir and water quality conditions. The recommendations target improving capacity and water quality which will improve environmental concerns specifically cattails and algae.

Plaster Reservoir History

Plaster Reservoir is a key feature of the City and County of Broomfield’s open space holdings and the Broadlands Golf Course. The primary objectives for Plaster Reservoir are to provide stormwater detention, wildlife habitat, public trail corridors, and aesthetic value for Broomfield residents, the adjacent neighborhood, and golf course patrons. 

In 2012, a reservoir dredging assessment was completed for multiple reservoirs throughout Broomfield, including Plaster Reservoir. This report determined that minimal sediment had been transferred into Plaster Reservoir, likely a result of established vegetation in the golf course, open space, and inflow channels. From a flood storage perspective, dredging was not recommended at that time. 

However, the assessment also noted that expansive cattails (Typha spp.) to the west creates a near stagnant flow along Quail Creek directly upstream of the reservoir. This issue, compounded by other factors such as fertilizer runoff, has contributed to periodic odor issues that have been brought to the attention of Broomfield staff by surrounding residents. 

Additionally, the Front Range of Colorado experienced a historic flooding event in the fall of 2013. While the homes surrounding Plaster Reservoir did not flood, there was concern that sedimentation and debris from the event may have decreased the flood storage capacity. 

In 2020, Broomfield engaged Smith Environmental and Engineering (SMITH) to develop a reservoir management plan that outlines an approach to the maintenance of Plaster Reservoir that will maintain flood attenuation capacity, enhance and support ecosystem health, preserve public trail access, maintain wildlife education experiences, and manage and reduce odor issues to the extent possible both over the short and long term. Visit the Plaster Reservoir Project Broomfield Voice page to learn more about the process.

On February 25, 2021, the Open Space and Trails Advisory Committee approved a management plan for Plaster Reservoir Open Space. The plan includes ongoing maintenance recommendations, near-term capital improvement project recommendations (within the next 10 years), and identification of long term capital improvement projects. Plaster Reservoir, a key feature of Broomfield’s open space holdings, is located within the Quail Creek Drainage Basin. The site is located just northeast of the intersection of Lowell Boulevard and West 136th Avenue. The primary objectives for Plaster Reservoir are to provide stormwater detention, wildlife habitat, public trail corridors and aesthetic value for Broomfield residents, the adjacent neighborhood and golf course patrons.

Plaster Reservoir Plan

SMITH developed a project approach that consisted of three phases: Data Gathering, Public Engagement, and Development of Recommendations. This management plan highlights each of these phases, describing the current status of Plaster Reservoir, the public engagement process and results, and the recommendations for future management. The full plan can be viewed here.