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Grade Creek reconstruction for Bonneville Cutthroat Trout

State(s):
Managing Agency/Organization:
Type of Organization: Federal Government
Project Status: Completed
Project type: WNTI Project
Project action(s):
Trout species benefitted:

This project will re-establish access to historical spawning habitat in Grade Creek for fluvial Bear River Bonneville cutthroat trout. Establish and maintain a year-round minimum streamflow in Grade Creek to improve habitat for native aquatic species.

For more than 50 years the lower 2 miles of Grade Creek has been completely dewatered from irrigation withdrawal and transbasin flow effectively preventing aquatic species movement from the Bear and Smiths Fork Rivers.

Convert flood irrigation to sprinkler irrigation and pipe irrigation delivery system to save water. Landowner has agreed to provide surplus water for maintaining instream flow year round. 2 miles of instream work (natural channel design) will be needed to narrow historic channel to accommodate new flow and install arched culvert under Co. Hwy.

Objectives:
  • The objective is to re-establish access to historical spawning habitat in Grade Creek for fluvial Bear River Bonneville cutthroat trout. Establish and maintain a year-round minimum streamflow in Grade Creek to improve habitat for native aquatic species.
Partners:
  • Natural Resources Conservation Service
  • Private Landowner
  • Trout Unlimited
  • USFWS-Partners for Wildlife Program
  • Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust Fund
Project cost: $40,000.00
Start Date: 01/01/2007 Completion Date: 04/01/2008

Project contact

Warren Colyer
Trout Unlimited
Arlington, Virginia
Phone: 435-753-3132
Submitted on: Aug 18, 2008