LOCAL NEWS & HAPPENINGS
WORDS FROM YOUR WATERSHED
Ventenata Public Service Announcement JUST Released
JUNE 2021
Headgate Project Complete
JUNE 2020 - The Yanzick and Brey-Riddle irrigation efficiency improvement project is finally complete, hiccups and all…Any great project is not truly complete without it’s initial trials and tribulations. This irrigation project is no different. The ditch and headgate project, funded by two $125,000 Department of Natural Resource & Conservation (DNRC) Renewable Resource Grant/Loan Program Grants as well as monetary contributions from the Yanzick and Brey-Riddle ditch users, was completed May 27, 2020.
After the long awaited project was complete and only days, literally, after the celebratory site visit by engineers, contractors, agency folks, landowners and interested citizens, the early spring thaw in the Beartooths caused snow melt and subsequently record spring flows in the Stillwater River.
Although the soils were in place, after the late May stakeholder walk-through the Stillwater River discharge rate began to increase exponentially. The USGS Gage Station, located approximately 14 miles downstream of the project, recorded the peak discharge rate on May 31 at 5,500 cubic feet per second higher than the peak discharge measured on May 27.
The historic flood event, combined with the compaction of soils around the new headgate and secondary diversion structures only five days prior to the flood event, provided weak points around the structures that were susceptible to erosion. The high water level and stream energies from the Stillwater River saturated and scoured the recently compacted soils along the east headgate wingwall, ultimately flanking the headgate and allowing large volumes of water and debris to enter the Yanzick/Brey-Riddle ditch. Upon discovery of the issue, Pioneer Technical, the engineering firm tasked with the monumental project, and local contractor, Oltrogge Construction, Inc., were notified of the damage and Oltrogge immediately mobilized to the site to complete emergency repairs.
After the long awaited project was complete and only days, literally, after the celebratory site visit by engineers, contractors, agency folks, landowners and interested citizens, the early spring thaw in the Beartooths caused snow melt and subsequently record spring flows in the Stillwater River.
Although the soils were in place, after the late May stakeholder walk-through the Stillwater River discharge rate began to increase exponentially. The USGS Gage Station, located approximately 14 miles downstream of the project, recorded the peak discharge rate on May 31 at 5,500 cubic feet per second higher than the peak discharge measured on May 27.
The historic flood event, combined with the compaction of soils around the new headgate and secondary diversion structures only five days prior to the flood event, provided weak points around the structures that were susceptible to erosion. The high water level and stream energies from the Stillwater River saturated and scoured the recently compacted soils along the east headgate wingwall, ultimately flanking the headgate and allowing large volumes of water and debris to enter the Yanzick/Brey-Riddle ditch. Upon discovery of the issue, Pioneer Technical, the engineering firm tasked with the monumental project, and local contractor, Oltrogge Construction, Inc., were notified of the damage and Oltrogge immediately mobilized to the site to complete emergency repairs.
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MARCH 2020 - AFTER YEARS OF FUNDRAISING, MULTIPLE LEGISLATIVE HEARINGS AND PLANNING EFFORTS, the Stillwater Valley Watershed Council (SVWC), Stillwater Conservation District (SCD), Pioneer Technical, Inc and especially landowners and water users on the Yanzick and Brey-Riddle Ditches thought this time may never come! At a Stillwater Conservation District meeting in early December 2019, the SCD board approved Oltrogge Contruction to complete the monumental tasks of implementing the Yanzick/Brey-Riddle Irrigation Efficiency Improvement project.
This project involves combining the ditch two systems, removing the Yanzick Ditch and Brey-Riddle Ditch headgates and replacing them with a single headgate structure. The single, permanent structure will reduce in-stream maintenance and disturbance within the Stillwater River at the point of diversion, improving water flow and overall functionality.
Backstory: In 2014, the SVWC sponsored Upper Stillwater Assessment report ranked the Yanzick Ditch and Brey-Riddle Ditches as high priorities for the watershed with close proximity of the two headgates to one another and the interaction between the diversions (which cumulatively irrigate 750+ acres) it was a clear decision to address this project with the backing of landowners and ditch users.
Working with Chad Raisland of Pioneer Technical Services, Inc, a Department of Natural Resources Conservation (DNRC) Renewable Resource Grant & Loan (RRGL) funding was awarded in 2017 for $125,000 for Phase I of the project. Subsequently, Phase II funding (an additional $125,000) was approved in 2019 under House Bill 652. HB 652 enabled projects like this and others around the state to fund proposals that conserve, manage, develop and protect Montana’s renewable resources for future generations. This $250,000, in addition to match funds from the ditch users, will enable the completion of both Phases I and II.
According to recent correspondence from Chad Raisland, lead project engineer from Pioneer Technical, the project is moving along as planned with the intent to have the project completed before the 2020 irrigation season.
The Yanzick/Brey-Riddle diversion project, the first ever for the SVWC, who teamed with the Stillwater Conservation District (SCD), landowners and water users on the two ditches to improve water use and overall functionality of the structures will be a long-term solution for sustaining the critical Stillwater River irrigation resource.
This project involves combining the ditch two systems, removing the Yanzick Ditch and Brey-Riddle Ditch headgates and replacing them with a single headgate structure. The single, permanent structure will reduce in-stream maintenance and disturbance within the Stillwater River at the point of diversion, improving water flow and overall functionality.
Backstory: In 2014, the SVWC sponsored Upper Stillwater Assessment report ranked the Yanzick Ditch and Brey-Riddle Ditches as high priorities for the watershed with close proximity of the two headgates to one another and the interaction between the diversions (which cumulatively irrigate 750+ acres) it was a clear decision to address this project with the backing of landowners and ditch users.
Working with Chad Raisland of Pioneer Technical Services, Inc, a Department of Natural Resources Conservation (DNRC) Renewable Resource Grant & Loan (RRGL) funding was awarded in 2017 for $125,000 for Phase I of the project. Subsequently, Phase II funding (an additional $125,000) was approved in 2019 under House Bill 652. HB 652 enabled projects like this and others around the state to fund proposals that conserve, manage, develop and protect Montana’s renewable resources for future generations. This $250,000, in addition to match funds from the ditch users, will enable the completion of both Phases I and II.
According to recent correspondence from Chad Raisland, lead project engineer from Pioneer Technical, the project is moving along as planned with the intent to have the project completed before the 2020 irrigation season.
The Yanzick/Brey-Riddle diversion project, the first ever for the SVWC, who teamed with the Stillwater Conservation District (SCD), landowners and water users on the two ditches to improve water use and overall functionality of the structures will be a long-term solution for sustaining the critical Stillwater River irrigation resource.
Know the NEW INVADER grass--Ventenata
Is Your Riparian Area Healthy?
JANUARY 2019 - Is your property adjacent to a river or stream? If the answer is yes, then you have a riparian area. Riparian areas are transitional areas between water and uplands. These valuable areas provide a filter for runoff, floodwater storage, wildlife habitat, groundwater recharge, forage and timber resources, and recreation to name a few.
Take this self-assessment to determine how your riparian area is doing. Check each box that applies to your property.
Technical assistance can be provided with the possibility of funding opportunities to help minimize impacts to the riparian ecosystem. Article courtesy of Cedar Magone and Garrett Larson, NRCS, Columbus
Take this self-assessment to determine how your riparian area is doing. Check each box that applies to your property.
- My livestock have unrestricted access to the streambank and water’s edge.
- My livestock have access to the streambank for more than 30 days.
- Streambanks are actively eroding and have steep vertical edges (see photo above).
- .Vegetation (including native shrubs and trees) are removed or replaced with lawn and/or are mowed to the bank edge.
- Rip-rap is present, or I am considering it to stabilize my streambank.
- I spray herbicides/pesticides on my lawn or pasture close to the water’s edge (within the high-water mark).
- I do NOT take regular soil samples (at least every 3 years) of my lawn/pasture near the water prior to fertilization.
- Noxious weeds such as spotted knapweed, leafy spurge, Canada thistle, hoary alyssum or others are present.
- Russian olive is present.
Technical assistance can be provided with the possibility of funding opportunities to help minimize impacts to the riparian ecosystem. Article courtesy of Cedar Magone and Garrett Larson, NRCS, Columbus
Great video from NRCS and Keogh Ranch!
Noel, you were an instrumental part of the formation of the SVWC, we are lucky to have you on our board and an advocate for natural resources in the Stillwater watershed!
Public Lands, Noxious Weeds and Recreation
Those of us that have been around agriculture tend to know about noxious weeds and the potential impacts they can have on the landscape. My parents managed a ranch growing up, so I spent many summer hours pulling spotted knapweed, chopping down houndstongue and burdock and in later years, spraying weeds. I also spent countless hours fishing, riding horseback and enjoying everything ranch life has to offer a kid. Now that I am older, I spend a lot of time enjoying the outdoors and recreating on public lands. Each year, it becomes more and more apparent to me that the general public lacks knowledge about noxious weeds, and frankly, most don’t care or understand the impacts they can have on our beautiful state.
According to Montana State University Extension, Montana’s Noxious Weeds publication, approximately 8.3 million acres or 9% of Montana is covered in noxious weeds. Noxious weeds are described as exotic plant species that can form dense infestations and may render land unfit for agriculture, forestry, livestock, wildlife or other beneficial uses or that harm native plant communities. These weeds are not just a farmer’s problem, they have the potential to invade not only cropland, but can also have detrimental impacts on rangelands and forestlands, and riparian areas. They can increase soil erosion, displace native plants, decrease biodiversity, degrade stream and riverbanks, and decrease available forage for livestock and wildlife. These factors reduce recreation value. Noxious weeds have the competitive advantage over most native plants because many have deep root systems which allows them to get started earlier in the spring and continue to grow later in the year. They also have no natural predators to keep them in check as they do in their native habitat. Generally, noxious weeds have the ability to produce thousands of seeds annually, which can remain viable in the soil for several years. Some plants, such as spotted knapweed, release chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants, which is believed to give it a competitive advantage. Weeds that invade streambanks and riparian areas, can decrease bank stability by replacing better suited native grasses, shrubs and trees. Lack of bank stability can speed up erosion, increase sediment deposits in the stream, and increase water temperatures by replacing tall stature, native plants. This can have a direct impact on something Montana is noted for, its clean water and blue-ribbon fisheries.
A 2011 article in Montana Outdoors magazine, featured a story called Open Space Invaders. The story mentioned a study in the 1990’s by Mike Thompson (MT Fish, Wildlife and Parks), who found that dense stands of spotted knapweed in native bunchgrass sites reduced available winter forage for elk. “Weed infestations definitely make a difference in elk distribution. If you have more weeds on public lands, elk could move to property where there are fewer weeds.”
Everyone can make a difference in the war against noxious weeds. Many trailheads and fishing access sites have educational signs about noxious weeds. Take a look before heading off on your next hike or float, and keep an eye out for the weeds that are listed. Contact responsible public agencies if you find an infestation. Or if the infestation is small, take a minute or two and hand pull a few. Many weeds can be controlled by hand pulling (gloves are recommended) to ensure the plants don’t go to seed, carry a small bag and pack them out with you. If you find weed seeds, such as houndstongue, on your clothes, gear or your dog, properly dispose of the seeds instead of throwing them on the ground.
Rafting and fishing guides are on the water almost daily, and can be instrumental in fighting the spread of noxious weeds. Guides, and those of us that enjoy recreating on Montana’s waters can make an impact by reporting new infestations or pulling a few weeds when they stop for lunch and educating clients/friends/family about the effects noxious weeds can have on native landscapes.
Prevention is one of the best and most cost-effective methods to fight this growing problem. Here are some final thoughts to consider:
If you plan to travel with pack animals on public lands, it is a good idea to feed the animals Noxious Weed Seed Free Forage (NWSFF) for 3 days prior to taking them on public lands. It is required that you feed certified weed seed-free forage (hay, pellets, etc.) while animals are on public lands.
Thoroughly clean vehicles, including ATV and UTV’s, so seeds are not dispersed to other areas. A Montana State University study showed that seeds can travel 160 miles in dry conditions on a vehicle before falling off. If possible, don’t drive recreational vehicles through weed patches, and stay on designated trails.
Get involved with local county weed districts, or nonprofit conservation groups such as local watershed or weed management groups and volunteer! Check out our local watershed group, Stillwater Valley Watershed Council at http://www.stillwatervalleywatershed.com/.
Some great additional resources are:
- Montana NRCS. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/mt/technical/ecoscience/invasive/
- Play, Clean, Go- Stop Invasive Species in Your Tracks. http://playcleango.org/
- For information on aquatic invasive species go to Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks: Clean. Drain. Dry. http://cleandraindry.mt.gov/What-You-Can-Do
- Montana Noxious Weed Education Campaign (MNWEC). https://weedawareness.org/
Sources: *Montana Outdoors, July-August 2011. Open Space Invaders by David Stalling. *Montana’s Noxious Weeds, April 2018 (EB0159) by Monica Pokorny and Jane Mangold. * Washing Vehicles Prevents Weed Spread. MT NRCS fact sheet. August 2017.
Cedar Magone
Soil Conservationist
USDA/NRCS Columbus Field Office
According to Montana State University Extension, Montana’s Noxious Weeds publication, approximately 8.3 million acres or 9% of Montana is covered in noxious weeds. Noxious weeds are described as exotic plant species that can form dense infestations and may render land unfit for agriculture, forestry, livestock, wildlife or other beneficial uses or that harm native plant communities. These weeds are not just a farmer’s problem, they have the potential to invade not only cropland, but can also have detrimental impacts on rangelands and forestlands, and riparian areas. They can increase soil erosion, displace native plants, decrease biodiversity, degrade stream and riverbanks, and decrease available forage for livestock and wildlife. These factors reduce recreation value. Noxious weeds have the competitive advantage over most native plants because many have deep root systems which allows them to get started earlier in the spring and continue to grow later in the year. They also have no natural predators to keep them in check as they do in their native habitat. Generally, noxious weeds have the ability to produce thousands of seeds annually, which can remain viable in the soil for several years. Some plants, such as spotted knapweed, release chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants, which is believed to give it a competitive advantage. Weeds that invade streambanks and riparian areas, can decrease bank stability by replacing better suited native grasses, shrubs and trees. Lack of bank stability can speed up erosion, increase sediment deposits in the stream, and increase water temperatures by replacing tall stature, native plants. This can have a direct impact on something Montana is noted for, its clean water and blue-ribbon fisheries.
A 2011 article in Montana Outdoors magazine, featured a story called Open Space Invaders. The story mentioned a study in the 1990’s by Mike Thompson (MT Fish, Wildlife and Parks), who found that dense stands of spotted knapweed in native bunchgrass sites reduced available winter forage for elk. “Weed infestations definitely make a difference in elk distribution. If you have more weeds on public lands, elk could move to property where there are fewer weeds.”
Everyone can make a difference in the war against noxious weeds. Many trailheads and fishing access sites have educational signs about noxious weeds. Take a look before heading off on your next hike or float, and keep an eye out for the weeds that are listed. Contact responsible public agencies if you find an infestation. Or if the infestation is small, take a minute or two and hand pull a few. Many weeds can be controlled by hand pulling (gloves are recommended) to ensure the plants don’t go to seed, carry a small bag and pack them out with you. If you find weed seeds, such as houndstongue, on your clothes, gear or your dog, properly dispose of the seeds instead of throwing them on the ground.
Rafting and fishing guides are on the water almost daily, and can be instrumental in fighting the spread of noxious weeds. Guides, and those of us that enjoy recreating on Montana’s waters can make an impact by reporting new infestations or pulling a few weeds when they stop for lunch and educating clients/friends/family about the effects noxious weeds can have on native landscapes.
Prevention is one of the best and most cost-effective methods to fight this growing problem. Here are some final thoughts to consider:
If you plan to travel with pack animals on public lands, it is a good idea to feed the animals Noxious Weed Seed Free Forage (NWSFF) for 3 days prior to taking them on public lands. It is required that you feed certified weed seed-free forage (hay, pellets, etc.) while animals are on public lands.
Thoroughly clean vehicles, including ATV and UTV’s, so seeds are not dispersed to other areas. A Montana State University study showed that seeds can travel 160 miles in dry conditions on a vehicle before falling off. If possible, don’t drive recreational vehicles through weed patches, and stay on designated trails.
Get involved with local county weed districts, or nonprofit conservation groups such as local watershed or weed management groups and volunteer! Check out our local watershed group, Stillwater Valley Watershed Council at http://www.stillwatervalleywatershed.com/.
Some great additional resources are:
- Montana NRCS. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/mt/technical/ecoscience/invasive/
- Play, Clean, Go- Stop Invasive Species in Your Tracks. http://playcleango.org/
- For information on aquatic invasive species go to Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks: Clean. Drain. Dry. http://cleandraindry.mt.gov/What-You-Can-Do
- Montana Noxious Weed Education Campaign (MNWEC). https://weedawareness.org/
Sources: *Montana Outdoors, July-August 2011. Open Space Invaders by David Stalling. *Montana’s Noxious Weeds, April 2018 (EB0159) by Monica Pokorny and Jane Mangold. * Washing Vehicles Prevents Weed Spread. MT NRCS fact sheet. August 2017.
Cedar Magone
Soil Conservationist
USDA/NRCS Columbus Field Office