Wyoming Watersheds Progress 2005
Big Horn
River Watershed
South Big Horn
Conservation Districts
408 Greybull Avenue
Greybull, WY 82426
307-765-2483
janet.hallsted@wy.nacdnet.net
www.conservewy.com/sbhcd
Greybull River
Shell Creek
Granite Creek
Dry Creek
Paintrock Creek
Beaver Creek
Background
In 2000, the Big Horn River from the Greybull River upstream to Nowood River was listed as impaired based on data collected by DEQ indicating elevated fecal coliform levels. In addition, Shell Creek from the confluence with the Big Horn River an undetermined distance upstream, Granite Creek from the confluence with Shell Creek upstream approximately 4 miles near Antelope Butte Ski area, and the Greybull River from the confluence with the Big Horn River upstream an undetermined distance were all listed in 2002.
Beaver Creek, Paintrock Creek and Dry Creek were listed as threatened in 2002 based on one time fecal coliform samples indicating elevated levels of fecal coliform.
In 2001, the SBHCD held local community meetings and formed a steering committee to guide watershed assessment and planning efforts. These meetings were repeated again in the fall of 2003.
Monitoring Activities
The South Big Horn CD is monitoring a total of 20 sites on the Lower Greybull River, Dry Creek, Shell Creek, Big Horn River-Elk Creek, Nowood River-Sand Creek and Paintrock Creek.
One of the district’s Big Horn River monitoring sites, down stream from the Town of Greybull, consistently met standards and was eliminated as a monitoring site. However, one other site on the Big Horn has been maintained.
Planning
The South Big Horn CD and Water Quality Steering Committee are currently working on a Watershed Plan, to be completed by January 2006.
Implementation Activities
The South Big Horn CD Steering Committee is working to relocate existing feedlots, correct faulty septic systems and install septic systems where needed. The district has approximately 10 animal feeding operation projects in various stages of contracting and implementation. In addition, the district is offering cost-share for septic system remediation with five projects approved. The district will be holding community meetings again in the winter of 2006 to update constituents on the status of watershed efforts and provide instruction on how to apply for funds for project implementation. A report has been sent to citizens in the county and a septic brochure was printed and distributed at county fair in summer 2005.
Participants
The SBHCD Steering Committee members include NRCS, County Planning, landowners, ranchers, farmers, business owners and local government representatives.
Funding
Amount
Sources
Local $ 51,759.00
South Big Horn CD
State $ 70,000.00
Wy. Dept. of Agriculture
Federal $754,052.00 Dept. of
Environmental Quality/EPA
Private $236,041.00 Natural
Resources Conservation Service
Landowners/Homeowners
Monitoring location on Shell Creek
Monitoring location on Dry Creek in Emblem