WSP06290

• File Number: 8277.600.10
• Description: Big Sandy River Unit - Colorado River Salinity Control Program
• State: WY
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 5/1/1986
• Title: U.S.D.A. Selected Plan - Big Sandy River
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Definite Plan Report

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During the initial study from 1977 through 1979, Bone Draw waterflows
were monitored. Under normal water years, Bone Draw could be expected
to have flows near .5 cfs in the spring of the year to near 1.5 cfs in
the fall. The channel flow widths vary from less than 1 foot in the
seep area to about 1,5 feet at the outlet into the Big Sandy River. In
1977, a water-short year, the flow in Bone Draw decreased to
approximately .25 cfs. In the severe water-short years of 1960 and
1961, the saline seeps in Bone Draw essentially dried up with no water
getting to the outlet of the draw.

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In 1980, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) asked and received
from the Soil Conservation Service flow records from Bone Draw. The BLM
was informed at that time that Bone Draw could be expected to dry up if
water-short years were encountered or if a salinity project was
implemented in the Eden Project area.

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In a cooperative effort between the Sweetwater County Wildlife
Association and BLM, improvements were made on the lower section of Bone
Draw. Fish pool areas were developed by placing log water drops in the
channel, and fencing was done to exclude livestock from the seep area.
In addition, fish eggs were placed in some of the pool areas. These
improvements were installed after 1980. Reports indicate that fish have
returned to spawn in Bone Draw since the original placement.

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Two major reservoirs exist within the project withdrawal area.
They are the Eden Reservoir and the Big Sandy Reservoir and both provide
game fisheries habitat. The Eden and Big Sandy Reservoirs are major
irrigation water storage reservoirs for the Eden Irrigation Project.
The former is a relatively shallow reservoir (15 feet) which may
winterkill. Fish common to both the Big and Little Sandy Rivers are
present in the reservoirs. The Big Sandy Reservoir maintains a
population of brown trout and contains a small number of cutthroat
trout. Rainbow trout occur incidentally in the reservoir.

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The wildlife in the watershed is primarily a composite of native
terrestrial animal communities that depend upon specific vegetative
types or other animals in the community for food. Some of these animals
are closely tied to a particular plant community or vegetative type
while others range throughout the study area and adjacent areas. Many
animal species may be found in the study area throughout the year, while
some migrate into the study area for certain seasons of the year.

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Pronghorn antelope, mule deer, elk, and moose are the major big
game species found in the watershed. The Wyoming Game and Fish
Department currently manages the population of these species on a hunt
area-herd unit basis. Antelope and mule deer are common sights in and
near the irrigated lands.

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The sage grouse is the predominant and most important game bird
inhabiting the watershed. Actual numbers of sage grouse are not known.
The sagebrush-grass vegetation is characteristically occupied by sage
grouse. This type of vegetation covers much of the study area that is
not irrigated. Sage grouse use the irrigated lands extensively for
brood rearing.

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