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WYOMING
Wyoming uses a local, voluntary approach to identify water quality problems
in priority watersheds. The state relies on local entities--particularly
conservation districts--to develop projects to address problems. It also looks
to localities to provide strong information and education on nonpoint source
pollution problems.
Rehabilitation in Squaw and Baldwin Creeks a Local Effort
Varied and abundant vegetation once lined the streambanks and overflow
channels of Squaw and Baldwin Creeks. But years of cattle and horse grazing,
burning and clearing for agriculture, and urban subdivision sprawl have
stripped vegetation from a 14-mile stretch of Squaw Creek and a 17-mile section
of Baldwin Creek.
This area, located in central Wyoming around the town of Lander, contains
most of the surface water from the upper reaches to the confluence with Middle
Fork of the Popo Agie River. But the Baldwin and Squaw Creeks tributaries are
the worst contributors of silt and contaminants to the Popo Agie River. This
situation has occurred over many years as large grazing areas were subdivided
into many small ranchettes. Squaw Creek's badly eroded banks were further
damaged by an open irrigation ditch that continually ruptured under pressure.
In the spring, water from heavy thundershowers and melting snow flush the
unstable channel with high, fast stream flows. The rushing water carries
tremendous amounts of sediment to the Popo Agie River and eventually to the
Boysen Reservoir, which irrigates over 15,000 acres. In 23 years, sediment has
filled 17,000 acre feet of permanent reservoir storage capacity.
The Squaw Creek/Baldwin Creek Watershed Rehabilitation project, begun in
September 1990, aims to protect the streambank, restore riparian habitat,
correct poor grazing practices, and improve irrigation. Section 319 funds
provided $243,717 of the $406,195 total for the first phase.
An important part of the project was to replace a leaky, inefficient
irrigation ditch adjacent to Squaw Creek with a new irrigation pipeline. In
addition to delivering water, the system is more efficient, reduces runoff, and
promotes deep percolation. Reduced runoff has decreased the amount of
pesticides and fertilizers entering both surface and groundwater. Rock
structures were used to stabilize eroding banks, revegetate the streambank, and
reduce sediment. Rock riprap also protects the course of the meandering river,
balances streamflow, and reduces sediment. Landowners were encouraged to erect
fences to keep livestock out of the rivers, thus reducing nutrient loading in
the streams. Squaw Creek's course through the grounds of Lander Valley High
School presented a perfect opportunity. Working with a science teacher,
students stabilized streambanks with rock riprap and special matting to hold
back the stream until new plants are established. Students also planted
riparian vegetation, built windbreaks, and established native species.
Overall, the project is successfully protecting the stream and streambank,
maintaining a good flow in the remaining flood plain, establishing vegetation
that can withstand spring floods, and providing a chance to reestablish a good
riparian community.
Local initiative and teamwork are also at work. The state provided
monitoring to measure water quality improvements for fisheries; SCS designed
the best management practices; U.S. Geological Survey collected water samples;
and local landowners and interested students gained invaluable insight through
their involvement.
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