Garrigus Ditch Efficiency Improvement Project Deemed a Success!
JUNE 2013 - The Garrigus Ditch Efficiency Improvement Project was a success due in large part to a $2772 grant the SVWC and Garrigus Ditch users received through the Stillwater Conservation District and DNRC. Additionally, the SVWC board voted to donate another $4000 to help offset additional project costs not covered under the grant.
The efficiency of irrigation water flow was significantly increased along 3700’ of the Garrigus Ditch which is located south of Absarokee. Previous water losses measured in September 2012 were between two and 10 cubic feet per second (cfs), causing former pasture and cropland to be inundated with substantial amounts of water, resulting in severe ponding and flooding. According to the Stillwater NRCS, in one particular location where a culvert was replaced and the ditch was lined as part of the efficiency improvement project, water flow measurements taken in June 2013 measured nearly 27 cfs, compared to only 18 cfs the previous fall.
By reducing the excessive ponding and flooding caused by structural issues on the Garrigus Ditch, the 360 acres of inundated land was reclaimed and produced quality hay and pasture during the summer of 2013 (the first time in years). Additionally, another 400 acres was able to be properly irrigated, maximizing its productive capability as well.
After only one season, according to several of the ditch users, the impacts of the project were evident. Hay was harvested throughout the summer in areas that have not seen a swather in nearly 35 years. Pastures and hayfields, previously so inundated with water that irrigation was not necessary, were being irrigated efficiently and producing quality grasses in 2013. Although not a conservation benefit, one water user was quoted as saying, “The thing I really appreciate is that everybody came together as ditch owners and pitched in to help get the ditch fixed properly.” This may provide more long-term benefits for the Garrigus Ditch’s preservation than any excavator ever could.
The efficiency of irrigation water flow was significantly increased along 3700’ of the Garrigus Ditch which is located south of Absarokee. Previous water losses measured in September 2012 were between two and 10 cubic feet per second (cfs), causing former pasture and cropland to be inundated with substantial amounts of water, resulting in severe ponding and flooding. According to the Stillwater NRCS, in one particular location where a culvert was replaced and the ditch was lined as part of the efficiency improvement project, water flow measurements taken in June 2013 measured nearly 27 cfs, compared to only 18 cfs the previous fall.
By reducing the excessive ponding and flooding caused by structural issues on the Garrigus Ditch, the 360 acres of inundated land was reclaimed and produced quality hay and pasture during the summer of 2013 (the first time in years). Additionally, another 400 acres was able to be properly irrigated, maximizing its productive capability as well.
After only one season, according to several of the ditch users, the impacts of the project were evident. Hay was harvested throughout the summer in areas that have not seen a swather in nearly 35 years. Pastures and hayfields, previously so inundated with water that irrigation was not necessary, were being irrigated efficiently and producing quality grasses in 2013. Although not a conservation benefit, one water user was quoted as saying, “The thing I really appreciate is that everybody came together as ditch owners and pitched in to help get the ditch fixed properly.” This may provide more long-term benefits for the Garrigus Ditch’s preservation than any excavator ever could.