PRRP consists of restoring the straightened river channel to a meandering channel mimicking historic conditions, reconnecting the river to existing remnants of historic secondary channels, and constructing small side channels to recreate aquatic features. The project will provide a protected 800 to 2,200-foot-wide corridor along the entire reach of the restored middle Provo River for angler access and wildlife habitat. Existing levees are being set back to create a near natural flood plain and to allow the river to change course naturally. Planting and fostering streamside vegetation will provide necessary environment for healthy fisheries. Side channels and ponds will improve fish habitat and create habitat for wetland dependent wildlife. Baseline monitoring of riparian habitat, physical features, sensitive species, neotropical migratory birds and related studies are underway.

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation construction crews helped initiate the project by carving new meanders, side channels and wetland ponds in a pilot project along approximately 1.5 miles of river corridor near the new Highway 40 river crossing. In 2000, about 1.3 miles of river reconstruction was completed starting beneath the bridge over Highway 40 and ending at River Road in Midway. Similar to the pilot project, main channel, secondary channel and wetlands features were created. In 2001, work began on a 2-mile reach of the Provo River that was completed the spring of 2002. In December 2002, crews completed reconstructing about 0.9 miles of river immediately upstream from the pilot project, above Cottonwood Canyon bridge to below Jordanelle Dam. Much farther downstream, below Midway Lane in Midway, reconstruction of two additional miles began in 2003, with work continuing in the area through 2004. In 2005, restoration began an approximately one and a half miles of river downstream from the bridge over River Road in Midway. [Click here for more info on the 2005 construction project]. Work continued in 2006, 2007 and 2008 with miscellaneous projects, such as drop structure removal, parking lot construction and revegetation. The designated seven angler access sites have been completed along the middle Provo providing parking lots, trash recepticles, educational displays and new restrooms. [Click here to view project status map]