To  view the Greybull River Watershed Water Quality Management 

Plan click here (it is in a pdf format). 

 

If you have problems opening the pdf file please contact the MCD office (307) 868-2484 or mcd@tctwest.net

 

 

Minutes Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee Meeting

 

Time:  1:00 p.m.  Date:  September 16, 2009   Place:  Meeteetse Recreation District Building

Presiding Chairman: Steve Jones

Present:   Nephi Cole, Emily Ewart, Steve Jones, Tracy Smith, Wendy Thulander, and Clara Mae Yetter.

 

Steve Jones called the meeting to order at 1:10 p.m. The agenda for September 16, 2009 and the minutes for the August 12, 2009 meeting were approved by consensus.

 

It was stated on the agenda that all participants are encouraged to submit items for the Issues and Concerns catalogue.

 

Announcements

No announcements were made.

 

Continue Plan Development – Goals and Objectives.

Nephi has worked on finishing the Preliminary Draft Greybull River Watershed Plan. Steering Committee members should review the draft plan and submit comments to Nephi Cole or to the MCD by noon, September 30, 2009 in order for the plan to be edited prior to the next meeting (October 16, 2009). Nephi noticed that there isn’t much information on what the watershed looks like today in the preliminary draft plan.  Nephi added Park County Demographics table. The committee discussed whether or not census data for Park County is suitable for the plan or not since it isn’t specific to the watershed. The committee then went over maps and whether or not they should be included in the plan. Some of the maps discussed were:  forested, ecoregions, general soils, surface water (rivers, lakes, and gage stations), precipitation, transmission lines (pipeline, electrical), roads and trails, sage grouse leks with 3 mile buffer, crucial winter range, and fire maps. MCD will work on developing a milestone table and Emily will work on obtaining fire maps. MCD will ensure that everyone is contacted who attended any of the steering committee meetings and are made aware of the preliminary draft comment deadline of September 30, 2009.

 

Other Announcements

No other announcements were made.

 

With no further business, meeting adjourned at 1:59 p.m. The next meeting will be October 16th, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the Meeteetse Recreation Center .

 

Links

For general information:  DEQ-WQD http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/watershed

 

For general information:  Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Water Resources http://www.conservewy.com/wacd/water_resources/

 

Wyoming Water Development Commission:  http://wwdc.state.wy.us/

 

 

 

 

Minutes of the Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee Meeting

 

Time:  1:00 p.m.  Date:  August 12, 2009   Place:  Meeteetse Recreation District Building

Presiding Chairman: Steve Jones

Present:   Nephi Cole, Emily Ewart, Steve Jones, Tracy Smith, Wendy Thulander, and Clara Mae Yetter.

 

Steve Jones called the meeting to order at 1:03 p.m. The agenda for August 12, 2009 and the minutes for the July 8, 2009 meeting were approved by consensus.

 

It was stated on the agenda that all participants are encouraged to submit items for the Issues and Concerns catalogue.

 

Announcements

No announcements were made.

 

Continue Plan Development – Goals and Objectives.

Nephi told the committee that he wanted to finish going over the rest of the goals and objectives today. Then before the next meeting, Nephi will work on editing the draft plan so it will be ready for review as an electronic pdf file. There will be a 45 day public comment period for the draft plan.

 

The committee then went over the following tasks:

 

¨                       AG (agriculture)-GL (grazing lands)-WD (water development):  Off Site Water Development

¨                       IS (invasive species)-1:  Weed Management Area

¨                       IS-2:  Aquatic Invasive Species

¨                       AG-SED (sediment)-1:  Greybull River Systems Geomorphology/Rosgen Study

¨                       AG-NM (nutrient management)-1:  Nutrient Management Plans

¨                       AG-PM (pesticide management)-1:  Pesticide Management

¨                       AG-SED-1:  Irrigation Management Planning

¨                       AG-WD-1:  Level One Watershed Study, Storage, Conveyance

¨                       AG-WD-2:  Fish Friendly Irrigation Structures

¨                       AG-AW-1:  Animal Feeding Operations (AFO)

¨                       REC (recreation)-1:   Recreational Invasive Species Education

¨                       SA (small acreage)-1:  Small Acreage Workshop

¨                       SA-2):  Septic Systems

¨                       SA-3):  Subdivision Review

 

Other Announcements

No other announcements were made.

 

With no further business, meeting adjourned at 3:01 p.m. The next meeting will be September 16th, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the Meeteetse Recreation Center .

 

Links

For general information:  DEQ-WQD http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/watershed  

Minutes of the previous Steering Committee meeting:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/grwpsc.htm

 

For general information:  Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Water Resources http://www.conservewy.com/wacd/water_resources/

 

Wyoming Water Development Commission:  http://wwdc.state.wy.us/

 

 

 
Minutes Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee Meeting
Time:  1:00 p.m.  Date:  July 8, 2009   Place:  Meeteetse Recreation District Building 
Presiding Chairman: Steve Jones
Present:   Jason Burkhardt, Nephi Cole, Eric Decker, Emily Ewart, Sandra Frost, Steve Jones, and Tracy Smith. 
Steve Jones called the meeting to order at 1:20 p.m. The agenda for July 8, 2009 and the minutes for the June 10, 2009 meeting were approved by consensus. 
It was stated on the agenda that all participants are encouraged to submit items for the Issues and Concerns catalogue.
Announcements
No announcements were made.
Continue Plan Development - Goals and Objectives
Nephi briefly discussed where we are in developing the plan and what topics the committee covered at the last meeting, which was developing goals and objectives related to agriculture. Nephi asked if anyone has questions regarding this, which there was none. Then the committee discussed and worked on the following goals and objectives for the plan:
o	Agriculture (AG)>Grazing Land (GL)>Drought and Long Term Climate Change
o	AG>GL>Animal Waste
o	AG>GL>Water Distribution
o	AG>GL>Positive Irrigation Effects
o	AG>Loss of Agricultural Lands (LL) includes Public and Private Lands
o	IS>Invasive Species
o	IS>Aquatic Invasive Species
Other Announcements
Nephi would like the committee to go through the goals and objectives before the next meeting keeping in mind that we are looking for (SMART) specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time based goals and objectives. No other announcements were made.
With no further business, meeting adjourned at 3:01 p.m. The next meeting will be August 12th, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the Meeteetse Recreation Center.
Links
For general information:  DEQ-WQD http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/watershed
The Watershed Plan working copy at the Meeteetse Conservation District website:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/GRWSC-draft.htm
Minutes of the previous Steering Committee meeting:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/grwpsc.htm
For general information:  Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Water Resources http://www.conservewy.com/wacd/water_resources/
Wyoming Water Development Commission:  http://wwdc.state.wy.us/

 

 
Minutes Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Time:  1:00 p.m.  Date:  June 10, 2009   Place:  Meeteetse Recreation District Building - subsequently moved to MCD office due to unavailability of tables.
Presiding Chairman: Steve Jones
Present:  Katherine Thompson, Nephi Cole, Steve Jones, Tracy Smith, Jerry Jech, Jason Burkhardt, Eric Decker, and Clara Mae Yetter. 

Steve Jones called the meeting to order at 1:10 p.m. The agenda and the minutes for the May 13, 2009 meeting were approved by consensus. 

It was stated on the agenda that all participants are encouraged to submit items for the Issues and Concerns catalogue.

Announcements
None

Continue Plan Development - Goals and Objectives
Nephi briefly discussed where we are in developing the plan. The committee discussed and worked on goals and objectives regarding habitat maintenance and then moved on to agriculture.

With no further business, meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m. The next meeting will be July 8, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the Meeteetse Recreation Center.

Links
For general information:  DEQ-WQD http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/watershed

The Watershed Plan working copy at the Meeteetse Conservation District website:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/GRWSC-draft.htm

Minutes of the previous Steering Committee meeting:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/grwpsc.htm

For general information:  Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Water Resources http://www.conservewy.com/wacd/water_resources/

Wyoming Water Development Commission:  http://wwdc.state.wy.us/

 

 

Minutes Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Time:  1:00 p.m.  Date:  May 13, 2009   Place:  Meeteetse Recreation District Building 
Presiding Chairman: Steve Jones
Present:  Corey Beaugh, Nephi Cole, Emily Ewart, Steve Jones, Tracy Smith, Cathy Upton, and Clara Mae Yetter. 

Steve Jones called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. The agenda for May 13, 2009 and the minutes for the March 11, 2009 meeting were approved by consensus. 

It was stated on the agenda that all participants are encouraged to submit items for the Issues and Concerns catalogue.

Announcements
Steve introduced Corey Beaugh, who is a graduate student from the University of Wyoming who will be working with MCD on E. coli, sediment, and streambed processes. Tracy Smith gave Corey and the MCD permission to access the Greybull River to perform water sampling on Red Wall's land surrounding Sheets Flat.

Continue Plan Development - Goals and Objectives
Nephi briefly discussed where we are in developing the plan. The committee discussed and worked on the following goals and objectives for 
"	Wildlife Habitat 
o	Habitat Maintenance - Grazing Management Plans
o	Fires and Wildlife
o	Water Quality
o	Water Quantity
o	Pathogens
o	Water Temperature
o	Invasive Species
"	Agriculture 
o	Grazing Lands
o	Vegetative Cover

Other Announcements
No other announcements were made.

With no further business, meeting adjourned at 2:58 p.m. The next meeting will be June 10th, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the Meeteetse Recreation Center.

Links
For general information:  DEQ-WQD http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/watershed

The Watershed Plan working copy at the Meeteetse Conservation District website:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/GRWSC-draft.htm

Minutes of the previous Steering Committee meeting:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/grwpsc.htm

For general information:  Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Water Resources http://www.conservewy.com/wacd/water_resources/

Wyoming Water Development Commission:  http://wwdc.state.wy.us/

 

Minutes Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Time:  1:00 p.m.  Date:  March 11, 2009   Place:  Meeteetse Recreation District Building

Presiding Chairman: Steve Jones

Present:  Nephi Cole, Eric Decker, Emily Ewart, Steve Jones, Katherine Thompson, and Cathy Upton.

Steve Jones called the meeting to order at 1:09 p.m. The agenda for March 11, 2009 and the minutes for the February 11, 2009 meeting were approved by consensus.

It was stated on the agenda that all participants are encouraged to submit items for the Issues and Concerns catalogue.

Announcements

Eric announced that the next Resource Conservation & Development meeting will be on Monday March 16th at the senior center in Shoshoni. Everyone is welcome to attend.

 

Continue Plan Development – Goals and Objectives.

Nephi briefly discussed where we are in developing the plan. The committee discussed and worked on the following goals and objectives:

¨       Little Venus Burn Tour

¨       Sharing of Habitat Between Domestic Livestock and Wildlife

¨       Private Property Rights

¨       Habitat Maintenance

 

Eric suggested that the committee develop an executive summary for the plan in a brochure type format in order to summarize/condense the plan into a more readable format. The committee thought this was a good idea. The summary would include things like the goals and objectives and could be distributed readily.

 

Other Announcements

No other announcements were made.

With no further business, meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m. The next meeting will be April 8th, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the Meeteetse Recreation Center.  

Links

For general information:  DEQ-WQD http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/watershed

The Watershed Plan working copy at the Meeteetse Conservation District website:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/GRWSC-draft.htm

Minutes of the previous Steering Committee meeting:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/grwpsc.htm

For general information:  Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Water Resources http://www.conservewy.com/wacd/water_resources/

Wyoming Water Development Commission:  http://wwdc.state.wy.us/

 

 

 

 

Minutes Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee Meeting

 

Time:  1:00 p.m.  Date:  February 11, 2009   Place:  Meeteetse Recreation District Building

Presiding Chairman: Steve Jones

Present:  Bob Capron, Nephi Cole, Eric Decker, Emily Ewart, Craig Geving, Steve Jones, and Tracy Smith

Steve Jones called the meeting to order at 1:05 p.m. The agenda for February 11, 2009 and the minutes for the January 14, 2009 meeting were approved by consensus.

 

It was stated on the agenda that all participants are encouraged to submit items for the Issues and Concerns catalogue.

 

Announcements

No announcements were made at this time.

 

MCD Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA) Grant Greybull River E. coli Monitoring Project

Steve and Emily gave a presentation regarding MCD’s WDA Grant Greybull River E. coli Monitoring Project. The hydrograph, preliminary results, and the statistical analysis of the data were discussed. MCD will continue to analyze the data and keep the committee informed. A copy of the report can be obtained by contacting MCD.

 

Additional Agricultural Background Information

The committee reviewed Tracy’s additional agricultural background information. The committee approved the information and decided it should be included in the plan.

 

Continue Plan Development – Goals and Objectives.

Due to time constraints and Nephi not feeling well, the committee did not continue working on the plan at this meeting, but will resume work next meeting.

 

Other Announcements

Bob told the committee that Trout Unlimited will be assisting Stanley Flitner in completing a baseline biological inventory for their ranch, which will document animals, plants, bugs, and fish on the ranch.

 

With no further business, meeting adjourned at 2:47 p.m. The next meeting will be March 11th, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the Meeteetse Recreation Center.

 

Links

For general information:  DEQ-WQD http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/watershed

The Watershed Plan working copy at the Meeteetse Conservation District website:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/GRWSC-draft.htm

Minutes of the previous Steering Committee meeting:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/grwpsc.htm

For general information:  Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Water Resources http://www.conservewy.com/wacd/water_resources/

Wyoming Water Development Commission:  http://wwdc.state.wy.us/

 

 

Minutes Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee Meeting

 

Time:  1:00 p.m.  Date:  January 14, 2009   Place:  Meeteetse Recreation District Building

Presiding Chairman: Steve Jones

Present:  Jason Burckhardt, Bob Capron, Nephi Cole, Eric Decker, Emily Ewart, Steve Jones, and Tracy Smith

Steve Jones called the meeting to order at 1:06 p.m. The agenda for January 14, 2009 and the minutes for the December 10, 2008 meeting were approved by consensus.

It was stated on the agenda that all participants are encouraged to submit items for the Issues and Concerns catalogue.

 

Announcements

Steve said he would like to present some of MCD’s E. coli grant data at the next meeting February 11, 2009. The committee thought this would be a good idea. The committee also decided to discuss the Agricultural Background section that Tracy Smith submitted next meeting.

 

Continue Plan Development

Nephi explained to the committee that the Concerns and Issues section needs to be edited and made cleaner. Nephi will continue to work on this. The committee agreed to check the edits online and share input at the next meeting.

The committee then went over the Concerns and Issues sections for Mining and Oil and Gas. After completing this, the committee began to work on the Goals and Objectives section. The committee worked on Goals and Objectives for Plan Management and Wildlife Habitat Management. The committee identified tasks, the responsible party(s), and estimated cost for each task.  

With no further business, meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m. The next meeting will be on February 11th, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the Meeteetse Recreation Center .

Links

For general information:  DEQ-WQD http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/watershed

The Watershed Plan working copy at the Meeteetse Conservation District website:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/GRWSC-draft.htm

Minutes of the previous Steering Committee meeting:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/grwpsc.htm

For general information:  Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Water Resources http://www.conservewy.com/wacd/water_resources/

Wyoming Water Development Commission:  http://wwdc.state.wy.us/

 

 

Minutes Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Time: 1:00 p.m. Date: December 10, 2008 Place: Meeteetse Recreation District Building Presiding Chairman: Steve Jones Present: Jason Burckhardt, Eric Decker, Emily Ewart, Steve Jones, and Mary McKinney

Steve Jones called the meeting to order at 1:03 p.m. The agenda for December 10, 2008 and the minutes for the November 12, 2008 were approved by consensus.

It was stated on the agenda that all participants are encouraged to submit items for the Issues and Concerns catalogue.

Announcements Steve handed out Tracy Smith's agriculture section that she compiled for consideration as part of the Watershed plan. The committee was asked to review the material and it will be discussed at the next meeting.

Continue Plan Development - Concerns and Issues Land uses and specific concerns and issues with each landuse were discussed, including: AG>INVASIVE SPECIES (IS) AG>IS>WATER CONSUMPTION AG>IS>LOSS OF DESIRABLE SPECIES AG>IS>WATER QUALITY AG>IS>ECONOMICS AG>IS>POLLUTION POTENTIAL

Mary McKinney said she will work on the AG>Invasive Species section further.

AG>LOSS OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS (LL) INCLUDES PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LANDS AG>LL>CHANGES IN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AG>LL>INCREASED POPULATION DENSITY AG>LL>CHANGES IN WATER MANAGEMENT AG>LL>ECONOMICS AG>LL>AFFECTS LANDCOVER CHANGE

AG>CROP PRODUCTION (CP) AG>CP>SEDIMENTATION AG>CP>NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT AG>CP>PESTICIDE MANGEMENT AG>CP>ECONOMICS AG>CP>IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AG>WATER DEVELOPMENT (WD) AG>WD>STORAGE AG>WD>CONVEYANCE AG>WD>INSTREAM FLOWS AG>WD>FISH PASSAGE AG>WD>ECONOMICS AG>WD>IMPACTS ON LAND

AG>AFO/CAFO

With no further business, meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m. The next meeting will be on January 14th, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the Meeteetse Recreation Center.

Links For general information: DEQ-WQD http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/watershed

The Watershed Plan working copy at the Meeteetse Conservation District website: http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/GRWSC-draft.htm

Minutes of the previous Steering Committee meeting: http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/grwpsc.htm

For general information: Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Water Resources http://www.conservewy.com/wacd/water_resources/

Wyoming Water Development Commission: http://wwdc.state.wy.us/

 

 

Minutes Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Time: 1:00 p.m.      Date: November 12, 2008 

Place: Meeteetse Recreation District Building      Presiding Chairman: Steve Jones 

Present: Nephi Cole, Emily Ewart, Steve Jones, Tracy Smith, Jason Burckhardt

Steve Jones called the meeting to order at 1:10 p.m. The agenda for November 12, 2008 and the minutes for the May 14, 2008 were approved by consensus.

It was stated on the agenda that all participants are encouraged to submit items for the Issues and Concerns catalogue.

Announcements Steve talked about the Ecoregions of Wyoming map and said he would like to modify the plan to change the physical descriptions to match the Ecoregions map of Wyoming. The group agreed that this should be done.

Continue Plan Development - Concerns and Issues Steve suggested looking at land uses in terms of concerns and issues. He stated that the steering committee may have many concerns, but not all of them would be elevated to the status of being an issue. The committee agreed. Specific concerns and issues with various land uses were discussed, including:

Wildlife Habitat (WH) >PATHOGENS - It was decided to wait on this topic and find out if Steve Yekel had visited with biologists regarding this sub topic yet. WH>Water temperature Agriculture (AG) General statement - Steve and Tracy will work on this. AG>grazing lands (GL) Ag>GL>vegetative cover (VC) Ag>GL>Drought and long term climate change -The committee decided to change the heading to drought and long term climate change from the previous heading climate change. Ag>GL>animal waste Ag>GL>water distribution

With no further business, meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m. The next meeting will be on December 10th, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Meeteetse Recreation Center.

Links For general information: DEQ-WQD http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/watershed

The Watershed Plan working copy at the Meeteetse Conservation District website: http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/GRWSC-draft.htm

Minutes of the previous Steering Committee meeting: http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/grwpsc.htm

For general information: Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Water Resources http://www.conservewy.com/wacd/water_resources/

Wyoming Water Development Commission: http://wwdc.state.wy.us/

 

Minutes Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee Meeting

 

Time:  1:00 p.m.  Date:   May 14, 2008   Place:  Meeteetse Recreation District Building

Presiding Chairman: Steve Jones

Present:   Dave Crowther, Emily Ewart, Steve Jones, Tracy Smith, Ann Trosper (1:30 p.m.), and Lew Wiser.

Steve called the meeting to order at 1:12 p.m. The agenda for May 14, 2008 and the minutes of the prior meeting on April 9, 2008 were approved by consensus.

 

It was stated on the agenda that all participants are encouraged to submit items for the Issues and Concerns catalogue.

 

Announcements

Steve discussed what Meeteetse Conservation District is doing in terms of water sampling. He explained that the District is collecting samples for E. coli testing in the morning, mid-day, and late afternoon. He also told the committee the District is performing “5 and 30” E. coli sampling (collecting a minimum of 5 samples in distinct 24  hour period time frames within 30 days). Additionally, the District has 3 trolls deployed that collect water quality data (pH, turbidity, conductivity, and temperature) continuously. For more information, contact the MCD office.

Tracy Smith announced to the committee that Lonnie Malmberg, a goat herder who uses goats to holistically treat weeds, contacted her to see if there is any work in the area. Tracy said she would provide Lonnie Malmberg’s phone # if anyone or the District knew of anyone who could use her services.

Tracy Smith also informed the committee that she has gathered some useful agricultural literature. She also indicated that she would like to meet with Steve or Emily to work through the literature and come up with some prose for the watershed plan that would be later reviewed by the committee. Steve and Emily agreed to do this and will contact her.

 

Additions/Corrections to Prior Work

The committee went over the additional wording for wildlife habitat>didymo. The committee approved the addition.

 

The committee then discussed and wrote the following sections:

Agriculture (AG)>Invasive Species (IS)>Water Consumption

AG>IS>Loss of Desirable Species

AG>IS>Water Quality

AG>IS>Economics

AG>IS>Pollution Potential

AG>Loss of Agriculture Lands (LL)

AG>LL>Increase population density

AG>LL>changes in water management

 

It was discussed that perhaps the committee needs to take a break over the summer months when everyone is busy doing other things and start meeting again in September.  Steve asked the committee if they would like the District to continue working up language for the plan that could then be reviewed in September. The committee agreed by consensus to re-convene in September and that the District could continue developing language for the plan so there would be more substance to the document that could be edited in September.

 

It was agreed by consensus that the next meeting will be in September. With no further business, meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.

 

 

Links

For general information:  DEQ-WQD http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/watershed

The Watershed Plan working copy at the Meeteetse Conservation District website:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/GRWSC-draft.htm

Previous Steering Committee meeting minutes:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/grwpsc.htm

For general information:  Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Water Resources http://www.conservewy.com/wacd/water_resources/

Wyoming Water Development Commission:  http://wwdc.state.wy.us/

 

 

 

 

 

Minutes Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee Meeting

 

Time:  1:00 p.m.  Date:  April 9, 2008   Place:  Meeteetse Recreation District Building

Presiding Chairman: Steve Jones

Present:   Jason Burkhardt, Bob Capron, Eric Decker, Emily Ewart, Sandra Frost, Steve Jones, Tracy Smith, Ann Trosper, and Lew Wiser.

Steve called the meeting to order at 1:06 p.m. The agenda for April 9, 2008 and the minutes of the prior meeting on March 12, 2008 were approved by consensus.

 

Announcements

No announcements were made.

 

It was stated on the agenda that all participants are encouraged to submit items for the Issues and Concerns catalogue.

 

Additions/Corrections to Prior Work

The committee went over the revised general statement for the invasive species section. It was discussed that a list of invasive species should be included in the appendix. A definition of terms, such as “exotic” or “invasive” etc. should also be included.

 

The committee then discussed and changed some of the language for the following sections:

Wildlife Habitat (WH)>Habitat Maintenance (HM)>Invasive Species

WH>HM>Human Encroachment

WH>HM>Herbivory

WH>HM>Fire

WH>Water Quality

 

It was discussed that perhaps we need a new section addressing water quantity as it relates to wildlife habitat. The committee then agreed to add WH>Water Quantity as a new section.

 

It was agreed by consensus that the next meeting will be on May 14, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Meeteetse Recreation Center. With no further business, meeting adjourned at 3:05 p.m.

 

 

Links

For general information:  DEQ-WQD http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/watershed

The Watershed Plan working copy at the Meeteetse Conservation District website:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/GRWSC-draft.htm

Previous Steering Committee meeting minutes:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/grwpsc.htm

For general information:  Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Water Resources http://www.conservewy.com/wacd/water_resources/

Wyoming Water Development Commission:  http://wwdc.state.wy.us/

 

 

 

 

Minutes Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee Meeting

 

Time:  1:00 p.m.  Date:  March 12, 2008  Place:  Meeteetse Recreation District Building

Presiding Chairman: Steve Jones

Present:   Bob Capron, Emily Ewart, Steve Jones, Mary McKinney, Tracy Smith, Ann Trosper, Lew Wiser, and Steve Yekel.

Steve called the meeting to order at 1:05 p.m. The agenda for March 12, 2008 and the minutes of the prior meeting on February 6, 2008 were approved by consensus.

 

Announcements

No announcements were made.

Additions/Corrections to Prior Work

The committee went over the revised vegetation section. It was reiterated that common plant names will be used in the document in order to make it more readable and that there will be an appendix of scientific plant names in the back of the document. Emily is working on the scientific plant name appendix and will check if it is appropriate to list green ash and birch spp. in the river bottom section.  It was suggested that potentilla be added to the Vegetation>Foothills section. Tracy suggested adding a photo appendix of the plants listed in the document. The committee felt this was a good idea and discussed also adding links to plant identification sites. The group also felt that it would be beneficial to list the plant species under specific categories:  tree, forb, grass, or shrub.

The committee then went over the aquatic species section under the heading Wildlife and Recreational Natural Resource History since Steve Yekel was present. Steve approved this section.

Next, the committee looked at invasive species text written by Mary McKinney that was added under several different Issues and Concerns headings:  1. Wildlife Habitat (WH)>Habitat Maintenance 2. WH>Water Quality (WQ)                  3. Agriculture (AG)>Invasive species (IS)     4. AG>IS>Water Consumption  5. Recreation

It was decided that the document needed an introduction paragraph defining weed terms, such as exotic or noxious. It was also decided that the section AG>IS>WATER CONSUMPTION is too technical and should be modified. Mary McKinney will also check into a study conducted regarding invasive species along the Wyoming/Nebraska border.

The committee decided instead of going into great descriptive detail under Issues and Concerns, it would be more beneficial to list issues and concerns in a bullet format and take the explanatory text and put it in the introduction/background information. By doing this, a reader would be able to see issues and concerns more readily, but still have the opportunity to read a more detailed description if they wanted to. Steve Jones asked the committee if they felt comfortable if he or Emily pulled out the detailed information from the Issues and Concerns section and put it in the introduction/background information part of the document? The committee thought this was appropriate. Additionally, the bullet formatting for the Issues and Concerns will be worked on and any changes made would be examined the next meeting. The committee felt that it was a good idea in order to save time.

Steve Yekel will discuss the section WH>Pathogens with biologists and inform the committee of any inputs they may have.

Issues and Concerns regarding the section WH>Water Temperature were discussed. It was also brought up that if anyone had the time to write down issues and concerns before the next meeting that their language would be inserted into the working draft plan and then the committee would go over them. Tracy offered to look at the Issues and Concerns section regarding agriculture.

It was agreed by consensus that the next meeting will be on April 9, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Meeteetse Recreation Center . With no further business, meeting adjourned at 3:05 p.m.

Links

For general information:  DEQ-WQD http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/watershed

The Watershed Plan working copy at the Meeteetse Conservation District website:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/GRWSC-draft.htm

Previous Steering Committee meeting minutes:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/grwpsc.htm

For general information:  Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Water Resources http://www.conservewy.com/wacd/water_resources/

Wyoming Water Development Commission:  http://wwdc.state.wy.us/

 

 

Minutes Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee Meeting

 

Time:  1:00 p.m.  Date:  February 6, 2008  Place:  Meeteetse Recreation District Building

Presiding Chairman: Steve Jones

Present:   Bob Capron, Emily Ewart, Linda Gillett, Gerald Jech, Steve Jones, Tracy Smith, and Ann Trosper.

Steve called the meeting to order at 1:03 p.m. The agenda for February 6, 2008 was approved by consensus. One of the names of attendees was corrected for the January 9, 2008 minutes. The January 9, 2008 minutes were approved by consensus as corrected.

 

Announcements

No announcements were made.

 

Additions/Corrections to Prior Work

None were noted.

 

Continue Plan Development - Issues and Concerns

Before going over issues and concerns, Steve reiterated to the committee that we are looking at issues and concerns by land use, in part because future total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) would refer to land use categories. Steve also stated that he felt that the committee needs to really address concerns in the plan under the Issues and Concerns section rather than just providing general information. Steve also told the group that he put in markers (abbreviations in capital letters denoting the section) in order for the committee to keep better track of where they are as the plan is being written. For example, (WH) denotes Wildlife Habitat and then could be used in the next subsection as a placeholder WH>habitat MAINTENANCE (HM).

 

The committee then revisited the Issues and Concerns from last meeting and inserted concerns for each topic. Topics covered included:

à        Wildlife Habitat

o       Herbivory

o       Wildlife Population Management

o       Fire

o       Water Quality

 

It was agreed by consensus that the next meeting will be on March 12, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Meeteetse Recreation Center . With no further business, meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.

 

 

Links

For general information:  DEQ-WQD http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/watershed

The Watershed Plan working copy at the Meeteetse Conservation District website:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/GRWSC-draft.htm

Previous Steering Committee meeting minutes:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/grwpsc.htm

For general information:  Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Water Resources http://www.conservewy.com/wacd/water_resources/

Wyoming Water Development Commission:  http://wwdc.state.wy.us/

 

 

 

Minutes Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee Meeting

 

1:00 p.m.  January 9, 2008, Meeteetse Recreation District Building

Presiding Chairman: Steve Jones

Present:  Ken Beer, Bob Capron, Karri Cary, Eric Decker, Emily Ewart, Gerald Jech, Hollis Jones, Steve Jones, Mary McKinney, Robin Moser, Tracy Smith, Ann Trosper, Lew Wiser, and Steve Yeckel.

Steve called the meeting to order at 1:03 p.m. The agenda for January 9, 2008 and the minutes for the December 12, 2007 meeting were approved by consensus, then everyone introduced themselves.

 

Announcements

Steve informed the committee that Nephi Cole has taken a temporary position as NRCS acting State Soil Scientist and will not be able to attend our meetings for the next three months. Ann Trosper, District Manager of Powell Clarks Fork Conservation District will be helping during Nephi’s absence.

 

Additions/Corrections to Prior Work - None were noted.

 

Issues and Concerns

Before going over issues and concerns, Steve explained to the committee that we are looking at issues and concerns by land use, in part because future TMDLs would refer to land use categories. Steve also read through the Issues and Concerns section in the draft plan that the committee has come up with so far.

 

The committee then began to over Issues and Concerns. Topics covered included:

à        Wildlife Habitat

o       Herbivory

o       Wildlife Population Management

o       Fire

o       Water Quality

 

Mary and Emily will work on inserting Invasive Species language in the draft plan in a different font color for Committee review.

 

With no further business, meeting adjourned at 3 p.m. It was agreed by consensus that the next meeting will be on February 6, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Meeteetse Recreation Center.

 

Handout

Ortmann, Roath, and Bartlett.  Glossary of Range Management Terms no 6.105

 

Links

For general information:  DEQ-WQD http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/watershed

The Watershed Plan working copy at the Meeteetse Conservation District website:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/GRWSC-draft.htm

Previous Steering Committee meeting minutes:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/grwpsc.htm

For general information:  Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Water Resources http://www.conservewy.com/wacd/water_resources/

Wyoming Water Development Commission:  http://wwdc.state.wy.us/

 

 

 

Minutes Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee Meeting

 

Place:   Meeteetse Recreation District Building   Date: December 12, 2007         

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Presiding Chairman: Steve Jones

Present:  Ken Beer, Jason Burckhardt, Bob Capron, Karri Cary, Eric Decker, Nephi Cole, Emily Ewart, Steve Jones, and Lew Wiser.

Steve Jones called the meeting to order at 1:07 p.m. The December 12, 2007 agenda and the minutes for the November 14, 2007 meeting were approved by consensus.  Steve then turned the meeting over to Nephi.

Issues and Concerns

The committee began to go over issues and concerns for the watershed plan.

Water Quality

The committee went over issues and concerns regarding water quality. Some of the issues/concerns discussed included:  pathogens (E. coli), water temperature, sediment, and physical/biological characteristics of water. One goal mentioned was to work towards water approaching pristine condition, pristine quality being location dependent. Another point made was that these parameters can be either numeric in nature, having quantitative limits and measures, or narrative.  It was also pointed out that many of these properties affect the uses of a waterbody and have the potential to affect human, wildlife (aquatic and terrestrial), and livestock health. 

Further discussion ensued regarding the significance of E. coli and why should someone care? The notion that E. coli is an indicator of other pathogens was brought up. Human health and the possible socioeconomic/regulatory impacts associated with having an impaired water body were also talked about.

Nephi then went over how the Greybull River became listed as an impaired water body.  It was also discussed how other water quality parameters are indicators of overall watershed health.        

Wildlife

It was discussed how resources, both aquatic and terrestrial, are important to the watershed. Also, how the presence and diversity of wildlife species are indicators of watershed health. Furthermore, how wildlife has a significant economic value within the watershed. The committee discussed how hunting, fishing, and non-consumptive wildlife uses all play an important role in the local, regional, and state economy. The intrinsic value of wildlife was also talked about.

The committee also went over habitat maintenance, invasive species, and human encroachment. Discussion occurred regarding how healthy wildlife populations are intimately tied to habitat. In addition, invasive species are generally detrimental to high quality habitat. Habitat fragmentation, degradation, loss of stewardship values, and a diminished quality of land and water management were all topics of discussion.

With no further business, meeting adjourned at 3 p.m. It was agreed by consensus that the next meeting will be on January 9, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Meeteetse Recreation Center.

Links

For general information:  DEQ-WQD http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/watershed

The Watershed Plan working copy at the Meeteetse Conservation District website:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/GRWSC-draft.htm

Minutes of the previous Steering Committee meeting:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/grwpsc.htm

For general information:  Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Water Resources http://www.conservewy.com/wacd/water_resources/

Wyoming Water Development Commission:  http://wwdc.state.wy.us/

 

 

 

 

Minutes Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Place:  Meeteetse Recreation District Building   Date: November 14, 2007      

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Presiding Chairman: Steve Jones

Present:  Ken Beer, Bob Capron, Eric Decker, Nephi Cole, Emily Ewart, Steve Jones, Mary McKinney, Don Newton, Colin Simpson, and Lew Wiser.

Introductions

Everyone in attendance introduced themselves. Steve Jones called the meeting to order at 1:09 p.m. The agenda for November 14, 2007 was approved by consensus.

 

Agenda, Minutes of Last Meeting, Next Meeting Date

Don Newton noted that on the minutes of the August 8, 2007 GRWPSC minutes in the 2nd paragraph, third sentence read incorrectly. It was then changed to read, “He also talked about how Farm Bill money usually isn’t available to small acreage owners, but Section 319 funding is.”  Minutes of the August 8, 2007 meeting were approved by consensus as amended. It was also agreed by consensus that the next meeting will be on December 12th at 1:00 p.m. at the Meeteetse Recreation building.

.

Issues & Concerns:

As always, Steve told everyone that all participants are encouraged to submit items for the Issues and Concerns catalogue. He then turned the meeting over to Nephi.                                

 

Background Information

Nephi asked the group if there were any comments or questions from the last meeting. He said that he thought morale and attendance have gone downhill since the last meeting so the committee should review background information quickly and then discuss the real reasons why we are here.

 

The committee went over the following background information:

      Vegetation – Mary will bring a list of species of other species that should be included in the descriptions, including grasses above the timberline. Emily will work on compiling footnotes of all the plant names and scientific names to be included as an appendix in the document. It was also discussed that we should look at an ecoregions map and include rangesite descriptions.

 

Issues and Concerns

Steve suggested looking at issues and concerns by land use, in part because future TMDLs would refer to land use categories.

The committee by consensus thought this was a good idea. Land uses and specific issues and concerns with each landuse were discussed, including:

(Landuse compartmentalized)       

Water quality                                        

Wildlife Habitat

habitat maintanence

invasive species

human encroachment

herbivory

population management

fire

 water quality

sedimentation

invasive species

nutrients

pathogens

temperature

dissolved oxygen

 Agriculture

grazing lands

vegetative cover

stocking rate and duration

climate change

animal waste

water distribution

pasture managment

 Invasive species

water consumption

loss of desirable species

water quality

economics

pollution potential

loss of agricultural lands

changes in resources management practices

increased population density

changes in water management

economics

affects landcover change

 crop production

sedimentation

nutrient management

pesticide mangement

economics

irrigation management practices

 water development

storage

conveyance

instream flows

fish passage

economics

impacts on land use

 AFO/CAFO-

 Forestry

 recreation

 mining

 oil and gas

 urban/rural development and landuse

 roads

Nephi then said we need a bigger turnout for next meeting. Also, that we really need to work with the people who pay the bills, i.e. landowners.

With no further business, meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m. The next meeting will be on December 12th, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at the Meeteetse Recreation Center .

 Links

For general information:  DEQ-WQD http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/watershed

The Watershed Plan working copy at the Meeteetse Conservation District website:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/GRWSC-draft.htm

 Minutes of the previous Steering Committee meeting:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/grwpsc.htm

 For general information:  Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Water Resources http://www.conservewy.com/wacd/water_resources/

  Wyoming Water Development Commission:  http://wwdc.state.wy.us/

 

 

 

 

  Minutes Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Place:  Meeteetse Recreation District Building   Date: August 8, 2007     Time: 1:00 p.m.

Presiding Chairman: Steve Jones

Present:   Brett Belden, Laura Bell, Nephi Cole,  Emily Ewart, Sandy Frost, Jim Kirsch, Carol Jones, Hollis Jones, Steve Jones, Janet Hallsted, Don Newton, Deloyd Quarberg, Colin Simpson, Jack Smith, Carla Thomas, Terry Wilson, David Waterstreet, Dlane Winter, and Steve Yeckel.

Introductions

Steve Jones called the meeting to order at 1:08 p.m. The agenda for August 8, 2007 and the minutes of the July 11, 2007 meeting were approved by consensus.

David Waterstreet, Supervisor for the WYDEQ Watershed Program, Don Newton, WYDEQ’s TMDL/Watershed Planner, and Jack Smith WYDEQ’s Non-point Source Coordinator/Planning and Grants Supervisor introduced themselves. Then everyone else in attendance introduced themselves.

 

Issues & Concerns:

Steve told the committee if anyone was interested in writing down and submitting any issues and/or concerns they may feel free to do so at anytime. Also, he is forming a library of all issues and concerns.

TMDLs (total maximum daily loads) Discussion with WYDEQ:

David Waterstreet told the group that they will shorten up the history portion of their presentation and that Don Newton will give an overview of TMDLs and where the Dept. is going.

 

Don Newton then discussed what a TMDL is and how it is mandated by the 1972 Clean Water Act to write TMDLs for impaired water bodies (water bodies that are on the 303d list). Currently, there are no TMDLs written for non-point sources in Wyoming , There are 26,000 written in the U.S. with Idaho having over 11,000 written, Montana has written 500, Colorado has written 960, and Kansas has written 2,500.

 

He also talked about how ten years ago there were a lot of lawsuits against EPA for not writing TMDLs. However, the judge in Wyoming dismissed the lawsuit since   Wyoming was on the watershed plan writing tract with the idea that TMDLs would be written at a later date. TMDLs look at the loads/contributions to streams. Watershed plan is the implementation phase. Wyoming is doing a lot of BMPs already. He discussed how TMDLs are tools to guide the implementation of a watershed plan. Also, that it is a process that helps you focus on what you are putting on the ground.

 

It was discussed that anyone could write a TMDL, but WYDEQ has to adopt it and then present it to EPA. There is a strong public input process associated with writing TMDLs. Another option is for steering committees to “upgrade” their watershed plans to meet the requirements of being a watershed based plan. Watershed based plans have load allocations and are reviewed by EPA every 2 years. Don said there is no finger pointing, but with TMDLs or watershed based plans groups of land management practices are evaluated and approximately how much each group is contributing to the load.

 

Waste Load Allocations include the following:

 

  1. point sources (out of the pipe)
  2. Non – point sources in natural background
  3. Margin of safety (usually around 10%)

 

Third-party TMDL Development Tool Kit booklets published by the Water Environment Federation were handed out. Don told everyone that on page 13 the requirements for a TMDL were spelled out. He also gave Steve a handout explaining the difference between a watershed based plan and a TMDL. WYDEQ and MCD will post this on their websites.

 

WYDEQ stated that whoever writes a TMDL needs to use local information and make a real conscious effort to utilize all information. Following all procedures is important. Jack Smith talked about cumulative impacts. He also talked about how Farm Bill money usually isn’t available to small acreage owners, but 319 funding is. It was also discussed that TMDLs are not enforced, but voluntary and that TMDLs are living documents. It was then questioned as to writing TMDLs are just an exercise in futility since it is voluntary.

 

Then the committee members began to ask questions. A concern was how can do load allocations based on incomplete or even false information? WYDEQ said that you have to use the best information that you have. It was then asked how do you modify a TMDL if you find it was written incorrectly or changes have occurred? WYDEQ stated that you use “adaptive management” and every 2 years there is effectiveness monitoring to see if  BMPs are working. It was then asked if TMDLs have to incorporate accepted NRCS or DEQ BMPs or if new BMPs can be created? Jack Smith said that groups could come up with their own BMPs.

 

An audience member then asked if we use other states’ TMDLs that have similar situations as a boiler plate to write our own TMDLS so we aren’t starting from scratch. WYDEQ said yes that would be a good idea. Then the history of how water bodies in Wyoming were listed. WYDEQ sent out questionnaires to all entities that had information on what waters they thought were impaired and why. In 1997, WYDEQ wrote a TMDL work plan that was submitted to EPA. In 1998, WYDEQ re-evaluated to 400 listed water bodies and took water bodies off the list that did not have credible data. A “needs monitoring” list was developed with the idea that credible data would be collected for these water bodies within the next 5 years. This data then would be examined and see if the water body needs to go back on the 303d list.

 

The question was brought up what happens when TMDLs aren’t done. WYDEQ said that writing TMDLs is a process mandated by federal law (Clean Water Act) and that the EPA has the primary authority that TMDLs get written. If WYDEQ does not write TMDLs then is likely WYDEQ would lose their funding from EPA and that the EPA would then write TMDLs.

 

It was further discussed how 319 funding is tied to writing TMDLs. Also, how base funding there is a smaller pot of money available and more competition than obtaining incremental funding. Use Attainability Analysis Studies can be used to change a water body’s designation from primary contact recreation to secondary contact recreation. These studies can also be used to change a water body from being a cold water fishery to a warm water fishery.

 

The committee then took a short break and resumed discussion at 3:30 p.m. A more detailed discussion ensued regarding 319 grant funding. Jack Smith also talked about how WYDEQ has been getting their budget numbers for 319 grant funding late in the year (around April) so it has been difficult for them to determine how much money they will have to distribute. In addition, he anticipates that in 2008 the determination may be even later. Also, it was brought up that in order to qualify for 319 incremental funding, a TMDL has to be in place. Thus, there probably won’t be any application for incremental funding for a year since there has not been any non point source TMDLs written in Wyoming yet.

   

Links

a.       For general information:  DEQ-WQD http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/watershed

b.      Meeteetse Conservation District will set up a blind page with the Draft Greybull River Watershed Plan in progress and a link to the Owl Creek Watershed Plan at:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/GRWSC-draft.htm

c.       For general information:  Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Water Resources http://www.conservewy.com/wacd/water_resources/

d.      Wyoming Water Development Commission:  http://wwdc.state.wy.us/

 

 

With no further business, meeting adjourned at 4:00p.m.The next meeting will be on September 12th, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at the Meeteetse Recreation Center .

 

 

 

 

 

Minutes Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Place:   Meeteetse Recreation District Building    Date: July 11, 2007          Time: 1:00 p.m.

Presiding Chairman: Steve Jones

Present:  Jason Burckhardt, Bob Capron, Nephi Cole, Eric Decker, Emily Ewart, Steve Jones, Robin Moser, and Greg Veregin.

Steve Jones called the meeting to order at 1:03 p.m. The agenda for July 11, 2007 and the minutes of the June 13, 2007 meeting were amended and then approved by consensus.

TMDLs (total maximum daily loads)

Steve told the committee that no one from DEQ could make it to this meeting, but they plan on coming to the next meeting August 8th to discuss TMDLs with the committee. Representatives of DEQ will also attend the Shoshone River Watershed Steering Committee meeting, Powell Clarks Fork Conservation District Board meeting, the Meeteetse Conservation District board meeting, and the Park County Commissioners Hearing in August.

Nephi talked about how it is likely that 3rd parties will be writing TMDLs for Wyoming since WYDEQ doesn’t have enough staff to handle the workload involved. Whoever develops TMDLs will be known as “quasi-regulatory.” Nephi also told the committee that the lower section of the Greybull River in Big Horn Basin county was listed as impaired roughly 10-11 years ago so DEQ will probably looking at writing TMDLs for the entire Greybull watershed shortly (possibly in 2008). He also talked about 319 grant money in relation to TMDLs.

Building GIS and Watershed Assessment Capacity in the Big Horn Basin :  Greg Veregin, a g graduate research assistant with the Department of Renewable Resources, UW talked to the committee about the project Dr. Ginger Paige and Dr. Scott Miller are working on GIS and watershed assessment tools. They are trying to figure out what needs people have and what level of training would need to be provided in order for people to use this technology.

 Continue Plan Development

The committee went over Surface Water, Ground Water, Vegetation, and Wildlife and Recreational Natural Resource History. Jason showed the committee a ground water map created by the Big Horn Advisory Group that the committee thought would be good to include, with permission. Steve will check the ecoregion classifications and compare them to our current vegetation section. Eric Decker suggested that the committee consider putting in a water management section.

Issues & Concerns:

Steve told the committee if anyone was interested in writing down and submitting any issues and/or concerns they may feel free to do so at anytime.

Links

a.       For general information:  DEQ-WQD http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/watershed

b.       Meeteetse Conservation District will set up a blind page with the Draft Greybull River Watershed Plan in progress and a link to the Owl Creek Watershed Plan at:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/GRWSC-draft.htm

c.       For general information:  Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Water Resources http://www.conservewy.com/wacd/water_resources/

d.       Wyoming Water Development Commission:  http://wwdc.state.wy.us/

e.        

With no further business, meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m.The next meeting will be on August 8th, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at the Meeteetse Recreation Center .

 

Minutes of the Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee Meeting 

Place: Meeteetse Recreation District Building Date: June 13, 2007 

Time: 1:00 p.m. 

Presiding Chairman: Steve Jones 

Present: Laura Bell, Jason Burckhardt, Karri Cary, Nephi Cole, Emily Ewart, Steve Jones, Dave Sweet, and Tracy Renner.

Steve Jones called the meeting to order at 1:09 p.m. The agenda for June 13, 2007 and the minutes of the May 9, 2007 meeting were approved by consensus.

TMDL Update:  Nephi then went over the latest news regarding TMDLs (total maximum daily loads) for Wyoming. He said EPA and Wyoming DEQ have indicated that TMDLs will be required for all listed water bodies 10 years after the day the water body was listed. The Greybull River was listed in 2002 for exceeding fecal coliform standards set by the Wyoming DEQ. Nephi and the committee then talked about the possibility of watershed steering committees, Wyoming DEQ, a third party, or a newly formed special district writing TMDLs. The Greybull River Watershed Steering Committee came to the consensus that it was not appropriate for the committee to write TMDLs and that the steering committee does not want regulatory authority. The committee also discussed use attainability analysis (determining primary versus secondary contact recreation use). Steve will work on scheduling a speaker from DEQ to address the steering committee regarding TMDLs at the next committee meeting.

Continue Plan Development Due to the discussion regarding TMDLs, there was no new plan development.

Issues & Concerns: Steve told the committee if anyone was interested in writing down and submitting any issues and/or concerns they may feel free to do so at anytime.

Links 

a. For general information: DEQ-WQD http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/watershed b. Meeteetse Conservation District will set up a blind page with the Draft Greybull River Watershed Plan in progress and a link to the Owl Creek Watershed Plan at: http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/GRWSC-draft.htm c. For general information: Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Water Resources http://www.conservewy.com/wacd/water_resources/ d. Wyoming Water Development Commission: http://wwdc.state.wy.us/

With no further business, meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.

The next meeting will be on July 11, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at the Meeteetse Recreation Center.

 

 

Minutes of the Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee Meeting

 

Place:  Meeteetse Recreation District Building        Date:  May 9, 2007             Time:  1:00 p.m.

 

Presiding Chairman: Steve Jones

 

Present:  Karri Cary, Nephi Cole, Emily Ewart, Steve Jones, Mary McKinney, Wayne Reaves, Susan Reaves, Jason Burckhardt, and Robin Moser.

 

Steve Jones called the meeting to order at 1:18 p.m. The agenda for May 9, 2007 and the minutes of the April 11, 2007 meeting were approved by consensus.

 

Issues & Concerns:

Steve told the committee that if anyone wanted to submit any issues and/or concerns to be added to the list being developed, they could do so at any time.

 

Old  Business

The committee worked on additions/corrections of prior work on the Greybull River Watershed Plan, including climate, precipitation data, Snotel data for Timber Creek and Kirwin, and hydrographs.

 

New Business

The steering committee also collaboratively worked on writing the following background information: hydrology, and surface water. Next meeting the committee will revisit “high temperatures are generally carried by tropical air masses from the south” and develop two more paragraphs on hydrology , including:

            Changes in peak flows due to reservoirs etc.

            Changes in riparian area.          

            Base flow changes.

            Stream classification from upper to lower portions of the watershed (DEQ).

            Surface vs. Groundwater return flows.

 

The committee also discussed trying to keep each section around 2-3 pages long.

 

Links

a.       For general information:  DEQ-WQD http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/watershed

b.      Meeteetse Conservation District will set up a blind page with the Draft Greybull River Watershed Plan in progress and a link to the Owl Creek Watershed Plan at:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/GRWSC-draft.htm

c.       For general information:  Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Water Resources http://www.conservewy.com/wacd/water_resources/

d. Wyoming Water Development Commission:  http://wwdc.state.wy.us/

 

With no further business, meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m.

 

The next meeting will be on June 13, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at the Meeteetse Recreation Center .

 

 

Minutes of the Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Place:  Meeteetse Recreation District Building         Date:  April 11, 2007           Time:  1:00 p.m.

Presiding Chairman: Steve Jones

Present:  Jason Burckhardt, Karri Cary, Nephi Cole, Eric Decker, Emily Ewart, Craig Geving, Steve Jones, Wayne Reaves, Susan Reaves, Steve Yeckel, and Clara Mae Yetter

 

Steve Jones called the meeting to order at 1:07 p.m. The agenda for April 11, 2007 and the minutes of the March 14, 2007 meeting were approved by consensus.

 

Issues & Concerns:

The committee was invited to write down and submit for future consideration any issues and/or concerns they may have.

 

Old  Business

The committee worked on additions/corrections of prior work on the Greybull River Watershed Plan.

 

New Business

The steering committee also collaboratively worked on writing the following background information: geologic zones, climate, soils, surface water resources, and hydrology. Next meeting the committee will try to revisit climate, precipitation, hydrographs, and hydrology. The committee will also work on incorporating Snotel information from Timber Creek into the plan.

 

Links

a.       For general information:  DEQ-WQD http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/watershed

b.      Meeteetse Conservation District will set up a blind page with the Draft Greybull River Watershed Plan in progress and a link to the Owl Creek Watershed Plan at:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/GRWSC-Feb07.htm

c.       For general information:  Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Water Resources http://www.conservewy.com/wacd/water_resources/

d.  Wyoming Water Development Commission:  http://wwdc.state.wy.us/

With no further business, meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.

 

The next meeting will be on May 9th, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at the Meeteetse Recreation Center .

 

 

Minutes of the Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Place:  Meeteetse Recreation District Building         Date:  March 14, 2007        Time:  1:00 p.m.

Presiding Chairman: Steve Jones

Present:  Lee Allen, Ken Beer, Bruce Brinkman, Jason Burckhardt, Karri Cary, Nephi Cole, Emily Ewart, Steve Jones, Wayne Reaves, Susan Reaves, Ron Vore, Steve Yeckel.

 

Steve Jones called the meeting to order at 1:06 p.m. The agenda for March 14, 2007 and the minutes of the February 14, 2007 meeting were approved by consensus.

 

Wyoming Water Development Commission:  Bruce Brinkman and Ron Vore gave presentations regarding the role and functions of the Wyoming Water Development Commission. In particular, they discussed project planning and development and their levels (I, II or III).

 

Issues & Concerns:

The committee was invited to write down and submit for future consideration in the Issues and Concerns section any issues and/or concerns that might come to mind during the course of the meeting.

 

Old Business

The committee worked on additions/corrections of prior work on the Greybull River Watershed Plan, including the mission and purpose statement. The steering committee also collaboratively worked on writing the following background information: wildlife, recreation, natural resource history, and agricultural history sections of the watershed plan. The committee and Steve Yeckel went over the sections related to fisheries that were highlighted from the last planning meeting.

 

New Business

Next meeting the committee will work on the following sections:

Ø      Geology

Ø      Fishery questions

Ø      Climate/soils

Ø      Background

Ø      Surface Water Resources

Ø      Groundwater

Ø      Vegetation

Ø      Economics

Ø      % Land Ownership

 

Links

a.       For general information:  DEQ-WQD http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/watershed

b.      Meeteetse Conservation District will set up a blind page with the Draft Greybull River Watershed Plan in progress and a link to the Owl Creek Watershed Plan at:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/GRWSC-Feb07.htm

c.       For general information:  Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Water Resources http://www.conservewy.com/wacd/water_resources/

d.  Wyoming Water Development Commission:  http://wwdc.state.wy.us/

With no further business, meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.

 

The next meeting will be on April 11th, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at the Meeteetse Recreation Center.

 

 

Minutes of the Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee Meeting

 

Place:  Meeteetse Recreation District Building

Date:  February 14, 2007    Time:  1:00 p.m.

Presiding Chairman: Steve Jones

Present:  Lee Allen, Bob Capron, Karri Cary, Nephi Cole, Emily Ewart, Jim Gould, Gerald Jech, Bettie Johnson, Steve Jones, Tracy Renner, Tracy Smith, and Dave Sweet.

 

Steve Jones called the meeting to order. The agenda for the meeting was approved by consensus.

 

Issues & Concerns:

The committee was invited to write down and submit for future consideration in the Issues and Concerns section any issues and/or concerns that might come to mind during the course of the meeting.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Steve told the committee about the following links that were included on the agenda for the meeting:

 

1)               Links

a.       For general information:  DEQ-WQD http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/watershed

b.      Meeteetse Conservation District will set up a blind page with the Draft Greybull River Watershed Plan in progress and a link to the Owl Creek Watershed Plan at:  http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/GRWSC-Feb07.htm

c.       For general information:  Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Water Resources http://www.conservewy.com/wacd/water_resources/

 

Nephi  Cole, NRCS Watershed Coordinator, stressed that everyone’s input is important.

 

NEW BUSINESS

The steering committee collaboratively worked on writing the following background information: wildlife, recreation, natural resource history, and agricultural history sections of the watershed plan. Certain sections related to fisheries were highlighted for review by Steve Yeckel. Some of items the committee would like to include in the plan were as follows:

Ø      Influences beavers have had on the Greybull watershed.

Ø      Information regarding horses used by Native Americans as it pertains to the Greybull watershed.

Ø      A simplified geology map.

Ø      Economic information regarding fishing and hunting in the Big Horn Basin .

Ø      Herd estimates of animal species hunted, locally.

Ø      History of federal government grazing regulations.

 

OTHER OLD BUSINESS

Minutes of the Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering committee meeting on January 10, 2007 were handed out, reviewed, and approved by consensus.

 

With no further business, meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.

 

The next meeting will be on March 14, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at the Meeteetse Recreation Center.

 

 

Minutes of the Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee

 

Name: Meeteetse Conservation District             Type of Meeting: Watershed Steering Committee

Place:   Meeteetse Recreation District                Date:  January 10, 2007              Time:  1:00 p.m.

Presiding Chairman: Steve Jones

Present:  Ken Beer, Jason Burckhardt, Karri Cary, Nephi Cole, Mark Dallon, Eric Decker, Emily Ewart, Jim Gould, Ray Gullion, Joe Hicks,  Gerald Jech, Steve Jones,  Don Newton, Susan Reaves, Wayne Reaves, Albert Renner, Tracy Renner, Dave Sweet, Steve Yekel, and Clara Mae Yetter.

Steve Jones, Resource Management Coordinator for the Meeteetse Conservation District, called the meeting to order. The agenda for the meeting was approved by consensus. Minutes of the Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering committee meeting on December 12, 2006 were handed out, reviewed, and approved by consensus. Steve was then elected chairman by consensus and no committee chairs were selected at this time.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Background Information

®       DEQ-WQD http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd.watershed

®       Meeteetse Conservation District http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov/

®       Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts Water Resources http://www.conservewy.com/wacd/water_resources/

 

Issues and Concerns

A few minutes were spent during which time everyone was invited to state a few of their issues and/or concerns. In addition, forms were provided for people to submit issues and/or concerns for later review.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Watershed History

Nephi Cole, NRCS Watershed Coordinator, then asked the following groups if they could summarize history and pertinent historical activities and email this information to Steve before the next meeting:

®       Forest Service

®       Game and Fish

®       BLM

®       Trout Unlimited

Nephi also suggested that if anyone else had any historical information to share that they should pass it along to Steve. It was then discussed that we need to obtain historical information regarding mining, trapping, mountain men, and geology. It was also suggested that we should interview local residents regarding historical data.

 

Mission Statement and Objectives

The committee collaboratively worked on writing a mission statement and purpose statements for the watershed plan.

Next Greybull Watershed Steering Committee Meeting will be on Wed. Feb. 14th, 2007 at the Meeteetse Recreation Center.

With no further business, meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.

 

HANDOUTS

Watershed Strategic Plan, WACD, Revised November 16, 2000.

Wyoming Nonpoint Source Management Update, WDEQ-WQD, March 2000.

Table A:  2006 3039d) Waters with Water Quality Impairments, page 87.  

 

Minutes of the Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee

Name: Greybull River Watershed Plan Steering Committee   

Type of Meeting: Watershed Planning

Place:  Meeteetse Recreation District        Date:  December 13, 2006   Time:  1:00 p.m.

Presiding Chairman: not appointed

Present:  Greg Bevenger, Jason Burckhardt, Karri Cary, Nephi Cole, Eric Decker, Emily Ewart, Craig Geving, Jim Gould, Joe Hicks, Arlie Jensen, Steve Jones, Jim Lawler, Tracy Renner, and Clara Mae Yetter.

 

Steve Jones, Resource Management Coordinator for the Meeteetse Conservation District, welcomed everyone and gave a brief explanation on how conservation districts are facilitating planning efforts that are locally led and in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts (WACD) to strategically address water impairments throughout the state. He then introduced Nephi Cole, NRCS Watershed Coordinator.

Nephi Cole began his presentation by asking why are we here? Are we here for the following reasons?

Ø      Protect water?

Ø      Is it just about water?

Ø      Quality of the resource?

Ø      Economics?

Ø      Wildlife interests?

Ø      Forest interests?  

Nephi then explained that the Greybull River is impaired due to fecal coliform. E. coli, is a subset of fecal coliform and can be an indicator of other pathogens in the water. However, there is a huge amount of variability in E. coli #s on a single day.

Ground rules were discussed, including:  everyone is free to make suggestions/comments; everyone needs to be respectful of others in the meeting; no shouting, and removal of any person from the meeting if they become too argumentative, or verbally abusive.

During a meeting, the committee will work by consensus rather than by a vote. However, if the committee cannot reach a consensus then we can go to a roll call.

Nephi then gave a presentation. Some of the topics discussed were as follows:

Ø      Clean Water Act.

Ø      Wyoming State Water Quality Standards, Chapter 1.

Ø      Watershed Planning.

Ø      Local Involvement and Commitment.

Ø      What do you want in a watershed plan?

o       Executive Summary

o       Background Information

o       Issues and Concerns

o       Goals and Objectives

o       Action Items – addressing the objectives

o       Table Tracking Action Items

o       Submit Final Copy for Public Comment  

Nephi then asked the committee whether or not they think there is an opportunity for improving the Greybull watershed? Discussion followed, addressing topics such as:  yes there are things we can do; there are things we can control and things we can’t control; and the importance of baseline data.

Nephi then explained that once a watershed plan is in place then it becomes easier to obtain grant money. For example, grant money for installing septic systems. He also talked about how the watershed plan is a living document that changes over time.

Then it was discussed how the steering committee will continue on after the watershed plan is done, but it turns more into “housekeeping”. The steering committee will control funding for certain projects.

The committee felt that we should meet once a month during the winter and maybe take a break during the summer months. With respect to Wyoming DEQ considerations, the committee has 4 years to finalize the plan,so the committee is not under a real time crunch.

There was some discussion regarding the certification and use of BMPs (best management practices). Nephi explained that the State has a list of state certified BMPs. Steve told the committee that Ginger Paige from the University of Wyoming is interested in using GIS modeling as a tool for evaluating BMPs.

Next Greybull Watershed Steering Committee Meeting will be on Wed. Jan. 10th, 2007 at the Meeteetse Recreation Center . The committee needs to begin working on obtaining background information for the Greybull watershed. Steve said he would put a reference library together for people to look at and watershed steering information will be available on MCD’s website http://www.meeteetsecd-wy.gov in the near future.

With no further business, meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m.

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