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Powder/Tongue River Basin Advisory Group
Meeting Record
Sheridan, WY
November 20, 2002
Welcome
Facilitator Sherri Gregory-Schreiner welcomed the group and the meeting was
called to order at 6:02 p.m. All attendees introduced themselves, followed by a
review of the overall meeting agenda. A sign-in sheet was passed around to
record attendance. The next meeting is scheduled for April 2 in Buffalo.
Water Development Commission Report
Barry Lawrence updated the BAG on the status of the plans for the other basins.
The BAGs for the Wind/Bighorn and the Snake/Salt Basins will be meeting
December 17 in Powell and December 18 in Jackson whereas the BAG for the
Northeast Wyoming Basin will be meeting November 21 in Moorcroft. The Bear
and Green River BAGs met November 18 in Kemmerer and November 19 in
Green River. Barry discussed the status of all basin studies, including the Platte
River Basin, and schedule for future meetings.
Sheridan Research and Extension Center Activities
Roger Hybner, Director of the UW Sheridan Research and Extension Center,
indicated the research performed at the center focuses on dryland and irrigated
forage production as well as weed science, plant pathology and horticulture.
Additional information about the Sheridan Research Center may be found at:
http://www.uwyo.edu/agexpstn/exphome.htm
Aquaculture in Wyoming
Jim Bennage, Sheridan College, discussed the economic potential of fish
production in Wyoming. He pointed out that the prime factors needed for
successful fish production is water and temperature. The successful catfish
industry in Mississippi and trout industry in Idaho were highlighted. Potential
sources of water, including coalbed methane and saline/brackish water, as well
as marketing opportunities from Wyoming, such as live haul, were discussed.
Belle Fourche and Powder River Drainages Water Quality Assessment
Project
Michelle Cook, Campbell County Conservation District, indicated the assessment
project was funded on April 10, 2002 by way of a DEQ 319 grant. Project goals
include:
- Comprehensive watershed assessment to identify impaired segments of Little
Powder River, Stonepile and Donkey Creeks and to assess baseline
information for Dead Horse, Wild Hose, Spotted Horse, LX Bar, SA, Bitter
Creeks, and Powder River.
- Provide information/education to the affected interests and general public to
encourage public involvement in future planning.
Land ownership is a mix of federal, private and state acreage.
Project benefits include:
- An evaluation of impaired waterbodies to scope the sources of concern,
- an identification of human health concerns,
- an assessment of baseline monitoring of waterbody health, classification
status, stream bank stability, and vegetation for future determinations and
uses, and
- local commitment from landowners and local entities.
Cooperating team members include the NRCS, city of Gillette, Campbell County
Commissioners, Crook County Natural Resource District, and Campbell County
Cooperative Extension Service. The project timeline and current status was
discussed. Coordinating projects include the Belle Fourche River Watershed
Assessment, Planning and Implementation 319 Grant and the Donkey Creek and
Gillette Fishing Lake I&E 319 Grant.
Assessment and Planning on Goose Creek and Upper Tongue River
Watersheds
Carrie Rogaczewski, Sheridan County Conservation District (SCCD), discussed
the assessment, planning and implementation plans for the Upper Tongue River
Watershed. The partners involved in the effort include the TRWP Steering
Committee, NRCS, DEQ, Game and Fish, town of Ranchester and landowners.
Carrie indicated the assessment included physical, chemical, biological, and
habitat parameters along with a historical data review. 12 sample sites, including
5 tributaries, were sampled April-October for the years 1996 –1999. The 2002
impairment listings were based on fecal coliform and temperature.
The Upper Tongue River Watershed Plan was developed by local residents in
2000 and identifies, categorizes and prioritizes concerns. The plan also outlines
objectives and action items. The various concerns and resultant
implementations were outlined. Four demonstration projects, including a septic
system replacement, streambank protection, stream channel restoration and an
animal feeding operations improvements were discussed.
The Goose Creek Watershed Assessment is funded by the EPA through section
319 of the Clean Water Act and project sponsors. An advisory group is in place,
and the members represent the SCCD, Sheridan County Commissioners, the city
of Sheridan, and a technical advisory committee. Carrie indicated the
assessment included physical, chemical, biological, and habitat parameters with
a historical data review on 46 sample sites, which were sampled April-October
for the years 2001 - 2002. The 1998 and 2000 impairment listings were based
on fecal coliform levels. The deadline for the local watershed plan development is
2004.
Carried concluded the presentation by stating that through the assessments on
the Goose Creek and Upper Tongue River watersheds, the SCCD has defined
watershed planning as a locally led, voluntary, and dynamic process driven by
the expectations of the stakeholders and developed through active, public
participation.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
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