JACKSON, Wyo. — The Wyoming Water Development Commission (WWDC) has sponsored a Level One Watershed Study for the Hoback River watershed area. On August 16, 2021 the Sublette, Teton, and Star Valley Conservation District’s welcome the public to attend a project meeting at the Hoback Firehouse from 6:00-7:00 p.m. to learn more about how this study can support watershed health through on-the-ground projects.
Although, this study will not focus on drinking water (other WWDC programs do that), it presents great opportunities to assist in design, engineering, and implementation of almost all other types of water development projects. According to the Wyoming Water Development Office, “The objective of a Watershed Study is to evaluate an individual watershed’s existing conditions, and, through collaboration with landowners, stakeholders, and public outreach, develop a Watershed Management and Rehabilitation Plan and identify projects that are eligible for funding from WWDC and other sources that may improve or maintain watershed function and systems.”
To name a few project categories that can be supported from this Level 1 Watershed Study, project proponents should consider attending if they have project interests related to:
- irrigation systems (think control structures or headgates)
- stock water facilities
- fire suppression
- stream bank restoration
- projects that improve water quality
Robb Sgroi, Teton Conservation District’s Land Resources Specialist, explains that “projects that are included in this study will not only benefit from initial design engineering and cost estimates, but will also bring them that much closer to eligibility for Small Water Project Program grant funding. Getting project ideas included in the study helps elevate their priority for future grant funding.”
This is a rare opportunity to leverage state resources to get projects over the hump, and improve water use for yourself, the public, and the watershed. Please contact Mike Jackson from Rio Verde Engineering (mjackson@rioverdeengineering.com, 307-367-2826) or your local conservation district with questions or if you have project ideas.
