GOOSE CREEK WATERSHED LEVEL I STUDY SCOPING MEETING Performed for the Wyoming Water Development Commission Jodee Pring, Project Manager Project Sponsor: Sheridan Co. Conservation District (SCCD) Susan Holmes, SCCD Secretary/Treasurer Carrie Rogaczewski, SCCD Manager

Project Consultants: EnTech, Inc. Professional Engineers, Sheridan Dave Engels, Project Manager Anderson Consulting Engineers, Inc. SWCA Environmental Consultants, Sheridan Fort Collins, CO Jake Powell Jay Schug

Study Tasks Task 1. Review of Background Information Task 2. Scoping and Project Meetings Task 3. Watershed Inventory and Characterization Task 4. Discretionary Task Task 5. Watershed Management and Rehabilitation Plan Task 6. Permits Task 7. Cost Estimates Task 8. Economic Analysis and Project Financing Task 9. Creation of a Geographic Information System Task 10. Report Presentations Task 11. Reports

Proposed Schedule

TASK 3: WATERSHED INVENTORY AND CHARACTERIZATION Ø  Land use and riparian zone mapping Ø  Geology, aquifers, soils, and climatological zone descriptions and mapping Ø  Wetland mapping and boundary assessment Ø  Water quality data gathering and mapping Ø  Ecological site mapping Ø  Cultural resources description and mapping Ø  Fish and wildlife resources description and mapping Ø  Geomorphology of streams in watershed TASK 3: WATERSHED INVENTORY AND CHARACTERIZATION

TASK 3: WATERSHED INVENTORY AND CHARACTERIZATION

TASK 3: WATERSHED INVENTORY AND CHARACTERIZATION Evaluate existing irrigation infrastructure (including water supply) Identify and evaluate any surface water storage opportunities available within the watershed Identify any upland water development opportunities (e.g., rangeland stock reservoirs) TASK 3: WATERSHED INVENTORY AND CHARACTERIZATION

TASK 5: WATERSHED MANAGEMENT AND REHABILITATION PLAN GOAL: Develop and evaluate practical and economical alternatives Components of the Plan: Water Storage Upland Livestock/Wildlife Channel Stability Irrigation TASK 5: WATERSHED MANAGEMENT AND REHABILITATION PLAN Evaluate, Describe and Prioritize Project Plans, Maps, Designs, and Costs Preparation for funding agency applications

TASK 5: WATERSHED MANAGEMENT AND REHABILITATION PLAN Plan Component A: Water Storage Components / Flooding Reservoir Storage Opportunities Irrigation storage needs and locations Flood control opportunities Level II, Phase I study recommendations Stock Reservoir Locations and Needs Rehabilitation of existing structures New structures TASK 5: WATERSHED MANAGEMENT AND REHABILITATION PLAN Completed project component: Little Snake River Watershed Plan

TASK 5: WATERSHED MANAGEMENT AND REHABILITATION PLAN Plan Component B: Upland Management Alternatives Development of Alternative Water Sources Ground water wells Solar Platforms Conventional Windmills Guzzler Construction Spring Development Stock water tank construction Stock pond construction Water pipeline construction TASK 5: WATERSHED MANAGEMENT AND REHABILITATION PLAN Some Pipeline Design Considerations: Multiple use pipeline projects Benefits to riparian systems Would a larger system serving more than one user be cost-effective? Determination of upland water supply needs

TASK 5: WATERSHED MANAGEMENT AND REHABILITATION PLAN Plan Component C: Channel Stability and Rehabilitation Components Channel Bed / Bank Protection Alternatives Structural Bank Protection Bioengineered Protection Integration of both structural / bioengineered Land Management Identify / develop alternatives that enhance/maintain aquatic habitat / Barriers to fisheries TASK 5: WATERSHED MANAGEMENT AND REHABILITATION PLAN Diversion Structure Alternatives Channel Gradient Restoration Alternatives Barriers to Fish Passage

TASK 5: WATERSHED MANAGEMENT AND REHABILITATION PLAN Plan Component D: Irrigation Rehabilitation Components Recommendations for Level II studies for larger projects Typical Improvements to ditches Pipeline replacement Geomembrane lining Concrete lining Improvement to diversion structures, headgates and measurement flumes Rehabilitation of poor or failing structures TASK 5: WATERSHED MANAGEMENT AND REHABILITATION PLAN

TASK 8: ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND PROJECT FINANCING SMALL WATER PROJECTS TASK 8: ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND PROJECT FINANCING SMALL WATER PROJECTS WWDC SMALL WATER PROJECTS PROGRAM NRCS’ EQIP PROGRAM N.B. Held Ditch west of Sheridan Possible Project – Wild Rose I&S District Diversion Dam

TASK 8: ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND PROJECT FINANCING WWDC SMALL WATER PROJECTS PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA 1. Small reservoirs and stock watering ponds (up to 20 feet high and 20 acre‐feet capacity) 2. Wells 3. Pipelines and conveyance facilities 4. Spring developments 5. Windmills 6. Wetland developments 7. Solar platforms 8. Irrigation infrastructure

WWDC SMALL WATER PROJECTS PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Total project cost must be less than $135,000. Maximum WWDC participation = $35,000. Examples: Total Project Cost = $70,000. WWDC-eligible % = $35,000/$70,000 = 50%. Total Project Cost = $135,000. WWDC-eligible % = $35,000/$135,000 = 26%. Monies are provided from the WWDC to the SCCD for funding of eligible projects.

TASK 8: ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND PROJECT FINANCING NRCS’ ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM (EQIP) 1. Voluntary federal program for farmers and ranchers. 2. Designed to promote agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals. 3. Up to 75% in grants provided via cost-share program to private owners. 4. Eligible recipients must have an Adjusted Gross Income less than $900,000. 5. Maximum EQIP payment to one individual cannot exceed $450,000.

TASK 8: ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND PROJECT FINANCING (cont’d) LARGE WATER PROJECTS WWDC LEVELS II AND III PROGRAMS NRCS’ EQIP PROGRAM WDEQ’s 319 WATER QUALITY FUNDING RURAL DEVELOPMENT STATE LOAN AND INVESTMENT BOARD WDEQ’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund wdeq’s clean water state revolving fund WYOMING GAME & FISH DEPARTMENT TROUT UNLIMITED WILDLIFE AND NATURAL RESOURCE TRUST FUND

HOW YOU CAN HELP (remember that this is a strictly voluntary program) FILL OUT AND RETURN SURVEY. HELP US IDENTIFY NEEDS. TELL OTHERS WHO MAY HAVE AN INTEREST. STAY INFORMED. www.sccdwy.org HOW YOU CAN HELP (remember that this is a strictly voluntary program)

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