Rock Creek originates in the northern fringe of the Medicine Bow Mountains. The creek flows north to its confluence with the Medicine Bow River. In 2001, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) monitored Rock Creek, and concluded that portions of Rock Creek fully support aquatic life and cold water fishery uses. However, DEQ indicated that excess sediment loading may be degrading biological communities on the lower portion of Rock Creek. However, the quantitative data to make determinations were lacking. The Medicine Bow Conservation District and the University of Wyoming (UW) conducted monitoring and concluded the biological condition declined downstream from Interstate 80 due to the combined effects of sedimentation (in the form of large rock), flow alterations and drought. During the Medicine Bow River Watershed Study of 2015-16, members of the Rock Creek Water Users Association identified several areas of concern, the biggest being the viability of the facilities associated with the largest diversion structure that presently diverts water from Rock Creek into Dry Creek. Concerns include the recent geomorphic changes within Rock Creek and the impacts of these changes on the long-term sustainability of the irrigation diversion structures and impacts to the Town of Rock River water intake diversion.

This is a popular fishery with good public access. Rainbow trout dominate the stream along with some brown trout, and further upstream you will find brook trout. These fish were born and raised within Rock Creek and are managed as a wild fishery. There is a relative lack of big pools, and the water is very fast moving which prevents the fish from maturing. Adequate flows are needed to maintain the habitat

for fish populations and spawning. Rock Creek above the town of Arlington supports its cold water fish, aquatic life other than fish, drinking water, and fish consumption designated uses, but Rock Creek below Arlington does not support its cold water fish and aquatic life other than fish designated uses due to flow alterations. This diversion structure would help aid in creating aquatic habitat in Rock Creek below Arlington by reducing sedimentation, as well as by maintaining a healthy flow. Rock Creek Valley has been

identified as crucial range for both elk and mule deer herds. There is also a mule deer migration corridor leading directly to the irrigated meadows within the valley. Those meadows, along with trees and willows, would not be present without the current irrigation practices. The Rock Creek Project will help ensure that Rock Creek remains a stable stream and that current irrigation practices, practices vital to local big and small game populations, will be secure for several decades to come.

Project GoalsRehabilitate the diversion structure to:

• Prolong the life of the structure• Mitigate division structure bypass risks

• Improve sediment conveyance• Straighten the approach to the diversion

• Protect adjacent homestead• Reduce rock and sediment at the town of

Rock River’s water intake• Create conditions conducive to recovery of

trout fishery• Protect big game habitat

The Rock Creek Project

The Rock Creek Project

Stre

am Restoration

& Fishery Enhancem

ent

The Rock Creek Project

Stre

am Restoration

& Fishery Enhancem

ent

ProjectCost Estimate

Diversion:

Final Site Investigation, Surveying, and Design $24,000.00

Permitting & Construction $109,905.50

Total $133,905.50

Stream Restoration:

Final Site Investigation, Surveying, and Design $60,000.00

Permitting & Construction $286,837.60

Total $346,387.60

Grand Total $480,743.10

WYOMING NATURAL RESOURCE FOUNDATION

Pending Funding RequestsWyoming Wildlife and Nat-ural Resource Trust Fund $200,000.00

Wyoming Landscape Con-servation Initiative $65,000.00

Wyoming Department of Agriculture $40,000.00

Wyoming Water Develop-ment $70,000.00

Wyoming DEQ Section 319 $50,000.00

The Nature Conservancy $2,000.00

Total $427,000.00