Watershed study findings presented

On. Oct. 24, Lowham Walsh LLC conducted a meeting concerning the Owl Creek Watershed Study. The meeting was to discuss the Level I Watershed Study draft report. The Hot Springs Conservation District (HSCD) is the sponsor for the Level I study.

Marit Snow Sawyer, the senior scientist and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) coordinator for Lowham Walsh, explained the Wyoming Water Development Commission (WWDC) was approached about funding for a watershed study. She further noted the State of Wyoming has been attempting to cover the state with such studies, in order to get background information on items such as the soils and water, and what those resources are used for.

During these studies, a company gathers information on the soil and water conditions, and conducts interviews with people on the land to learn more about the water quality and usage. Sawyer said for the Owl Creek study, about 25 interviews were conducted. This includes on the ground site visits as well as interviews conducted over maps during two workshops in March.

Sawyer expressed appreciation to Ellen and Dillon Cotterman of Lowham Walsh for conducting field interviews.

When it comes to projects people present for a specific area, Sawyer said, healthy use of the resources is encouraged and the goal is to act in such a way as to improve habitats for fish, big game animals and non-game animals. For instance, someone might want to put in a stock water tank. That tank would provide water not only for stock but also big game animals. Another project might address erosion on a stream.

The most recent meeting was the final of several to present findings from the study. Sawyer said they met with the HSCD and members of the WWDC, and came up with a framework for the watershed study.

In the process, Sawyer said, there were about 90 projects identified from anything from improved irrigation systems to enhancing habitats on the land. Those ideas were taken, conceptual designs were drawn up and cost estimates were made. Descriptions of how projects would be possible are provided so people can apply for funding if necessary.

Sawyer noted when finding funding sources there always has to be some money or sweat equity put in.

Regarding the meeting, Sawyer said it was exciting to have everyone see the numerous ideas, and there was a lot of good energy. Though it could be seen as a challenge to bring some of the projects to fruition, especially when costs are realized, if people are creative and plan ahead they can make it happen.

The report presented is a preliminary plan, and some of the projects need to be developed further in order to request funding while others are “shovel ready.”

Sonja Becker was pleased with the turnout at the recent meeting, and there have been exciting turnouts at previous watershed meetings. Owl Creek is a very water-shot area, Becker said, and most of the projects are personal and deal with conveyance, such as lining ditches with irrigation pipe so people can actually get water from the creek to their fields.

Becker is hopeful the study will help people find some funding sources for their projects. It’s important to note, she said, that even if people have not been involved with the study it does not preclude them from getting on board and getting funding for projects.