A couple of topics have hit the Basin Beat radar screen recently that relate to irrigation, and they both impact fishermen.
First, there s the issue of Silt deposits near the Horseshoe Bend area continue to grow, making it tough for boaters (and fishermen) to use the area during times of low water.
During a recent meeting in Lovell on the matter, a lot was said about the impact of irrigation in contributing to the sediment issues.
To be sure, much of the problem lies in the lack of vegetation around the Bighorn Basin, which contributes to rapid, large-scale erosion.
But conservation districts have had success in working with farmers and ranchers to come up with management practices that help reduce siltation.
Second, I learned first-hand this past weekend how many fish make their way into irrigation ditches, only to become stranded there when water is cut off in the winter.
Folks from Trout Unlimited said their by the thousands from the canals back to the rivers are helpful, but the real impact comes from working with irrigators to install fish diversions to keep the fish out of the ditches in the first place.
Tackling both these issues costs money, not to mention a lot of time and aggravation. And both the Friends of Bighorn Lake and Trout Unlimited members say they want to partner with farmers and ranchers to help them whenever possible.
No one is pointing fingers or placing blame on irrigators, but rather looking to hear from those interested in working together. Conservation funds are available for both projects, group members say.
So if you are (or know) an irrigator who might be interested in participating in efforts to reduce silt and divert fish, get in touch with the and .
Every little bit helps. on Tuesday, October 24th, 2006 at 10:16 pm and is filed under . You can follow any responses to this entry through the feed.
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