Wyoming Watersheds Progress 2005

Big Horn River Watershed
Shoshone Conservation District
359 Nevada Avenue
Lovell, WY 82431
307-548-7422
shoshonecd@tctwest.net
 

Waters Addressed
Shoshone River
Sage Creek
Polecat Creek
Big Wash
Whistle Creek
Foster Gulch

Background
The Shoshone River, from the confluence with Bighorn Lake an undetermined distance upstream, was listed as impaired for fecal coliform in 2002 . Sage Creek, Polecat Creek, Big Wash and Whistle Creek were also listed in 2002 for fecal coliform. Foster Gulch was also listed in 2002 as threatened for fecal coliform based on a one time sample.

Monitoring Activities
The Shoshone Conservation District monitored 16 stations for fecal coliform and E.coli in the fall 2002 and the spring and summer of 2003.

Planning
The Shoshone Conservation District formed a Steering Commitee in 2001. The committee continues to meet and hold public meetings. The District conducted assessment activities from 2002 through 2004 and began developing a watershed plan in April 2005. The committee is targeting December 2006 to have a completed and approved watershed plan.

Implementation Activities
The District is implementing an AFO/CAFO program through which projects have been evaluated and are being implemented or have been completed. Two livestock operations have been moved away from impaired waters, with two more in the process. As well riparian area management practices such as obstruction removal, wells, pipeline, fencing and livestock watering facilities, dikes, well/spring development, tree and shrub establishment, pest management and nutrient management plans have been implemented . The District is also implementing a Septic Rehabilitation Program. Over 22 applications for cost-share have been approved. There are 10 completed systems at this time.

Participants
The Steering Committee consists of local landowners representatives of the Conservation District, County Commissioners, and the City of Lovell. The NRCS is assisting the steering committee

Funding
Amount                           Sources
Local $42,794.00             Shoshone CD
State $49,600.00              Wy. Dept. of Agriculture
Federal $279,450.00        Dept. of Environmental Quality/EPA
Private $ 71,585.00          Natural Resources Conservation Service
                                        Landowners/Homeowners
 

The Shoshone River east of Lovell

Foster Gulch at confluence with the Shoshone River west of Lovell