Public input wanted on rangeland stockwater needs in Nowood Watershed

WORLAND – Washakie County Conservation District (WCCD) has received a grant from the Wyoming Department of Agriculture to identify stockwater development projects on both private and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands in Washakie County which lie within the Nowood watershed.

According to a press release, the WCCD believes there are opportunities to implement livestock water management practices to benefit water quality in the Nowood watershed. In 2002, the Nowood River, from the confluence with the Big Horn River to a point 13.4 miles upstream was listed as impaired for not supporting its recreational designated use due to fecal coliform levels. Best management practices implemented upstream from the listed stream reach can have positive impacts on water quality.

WCCD would like help in identifying potential sites where additional stock water structures could be installed to increase flexibility in grazing management; improve grazing distribution; catch sediment; and improve rangeland condition and soil health. Expected water development opportunities include spring development and protection, reservoir cleaning and repair, new reservoir sites, and well/pipeline/tank systems.

WCCD would also like to hear from ag producers who have interest in off-stream water development. Off-stream water developments remove livestock access to surface water by installing systems which provide stock water away from streams.

WCCD would like to view installed systems and hear from producers who would like to install systems.

“Our purpose in this effort is to help facilitate the process for land owners or BLM permittees who have a need for additional stockwater development to get those projects implemented on the ground. WCCD has cost share opportunities, and we can help identify other sources of funding for the right kind of projects,” said Karen Fenton, Program Assistant with WCCD. “We can use these grant funds to identify and help with planning projects that can help improve the water quality of the Nowood watershed.”

“We would like to hear from Washakie County livestock producers on this topic. Either those who already have projects in mind, or those who are interested in learning more about off-stream water development,” she added.

Producers can call the Washakie County Conservation District at 307-347-2456 Extension 121, or stop by the office at 208 Shiloh Rd, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

The WCCD will be looking at sites this summer so they are asking producers to call this winter.