District 5
Park, Big Horn, Washakie, and Hot Springs Counties
Lower Enos Creek
December 2009. This project is part of a basin-wide effort to remove invasive and non-native species that alter water cycles and natural vegetation patterns, including juniper, Russian olive, saltcedar, and other species. Lower Enos Creek is valuable habitat for a variety of species, including mule deer, elk, antelope, and a variety of songbirds and fish.
Sage Creek CRM
December 2009. Combination of projects removes invasive species, primarily Russian olive and saltcedar from wetland habitats and riparian areas in Big Horn County. Enhances habitats for upland game birds, waterfowl, deer and other species, while increasing water yield and improving water quality. Successful removal of invasive species also increases production of forage for agricultural operations. This is a large project, requiring legislative approval.
Greybull River Watershed
December 2009. Continuation of Big Horn Basin efforts to remove Russian olive and saltcedar on the lower portions of the Greybull River in Big Horn and Park counties. Successful eradication and maintained control of sprouting increases agricultural potential, and opens habitats for game birds, waterfowl, deer and songbirds, while increasing water yield and improving water quality. This project will require legislative approval.
Wardwell Ditch
December 2009. Water delivery system to numerous farms associated with the Yellowtail Habitat Area in near Lovell. This project will replace a highly erosive ditch system with piped water to conserve water, eliminate erosion, and increase agricultural production. The result is a healthier, more robust habitat base, primarily for waterfowl, pheasants, and wild turkeys.
Darrell Mumm Fish Passage
December 2009. Highly innovative fish ladder on Bitter Creek near Byron will allow fish to navigate a high dam that allows water canal to pass underneath the stream bed. Fish will be able to move up and downstream by negotiating a narrow, curving channel that ultimately leads to a raceway over the dam. This will expand spawning potential, and increase fishery quality in an area where fisheries are limited.
Shepperson Ranch Easement
December 2009. Conservation easement on nearly 14,000 acres in Park County. Easement will include riparian habitats and meadows along the Greybull River, and expansive sagebrush/grassland habitats on uplands. Some of the best Sage-grouse habitats in the Big Horn Basin are found on this ranch, and those will be permanently maintained. This easement allows a young ranching family to operate without excessive debt. Legislative approval is required.
Shoshone - Clarks Fork Watershed
December 2009. Russian olive and saltcedar removal on the Shoshone and Clarks Fork rivers in Park County. This project, like many others, includes dozens of landowners and partners, but also includes a partnership with Powell High School. Students study water yield, water quality, soils, vegetation and wildlife responses to habitat improvements. Landowners gain from increased production of desirable species. Wildlife species targeted include pheasants, turkeys, waterfowl, deer and songbirds. This project will require legislative approval.
Shepperson Fence
December 2009. Fencing project will provide seasonal use of forage along the Greybull River near Meeteetse, while maintaining habitats for songbirds, deer and elk. Primary purpose is to reduce erosion and discharge of nutrients into the river to enhance fisheries.
McCullough Peaks Water II
June 2009. This project involves developing reliable water on public lands for the benefit of wildlife and livestock. The area is habitat to mule deer, pronghorn, sage-grouse, bob cats and wild horses. A portion of this grant was made possible by a contribution from Black Hills Bentonite Company.
Diamond Creek Wetland
June 2009. Wetland development and enhancement on lands associated with Buffalo Bill Reservoir. This project creates nesting and seasonal habitat for waterfowl, shore birds, wading birds, and amphibians.
South Highway Pipeline
June 2009. Water source and allocation on several thousand acres in the Big Horn Basin to benefit wildlife through better livestock distribution and installation of water sources specifically for wildlife.
Renner WHMA Invasives
June 2009. Continued expansion of treatment of cheatgrass with herbicide, and re-seeding with a mixture of grasses and legumes. Habitats for Sage-grouse, mule deer, and grassland birds are the target of this project.
Franc's Fork Fish Passage
June 2009. This project will replace an old culvert crossing and re-distribute silt loads on Franc's Fork of the Greybull River near Meeteetse, allowing fish to use the full length of the stream for spawning and seasonal habitat.