This is the first of a three-stage approach for improving habitat and flow conditions for ESA-listed aquatic species in Catherine Creek. Stage 1 will improve instream flow quantity by converting flood irrigation to a high efficiency, pressurized system servicing 65.1 acres of property. Flood irrigation has proven to be inefficient water use, resulting in water quality degradation due to sediment and chemical laden water returning to the main channel. NRCS staff suggest that irrigation upgrades will result in more efficient water distribution, and will reduce water consumption by 40-60%. The landowner has agreed to sign a Cooperative Conservation Agreement that will allow the District to complete the second two stages of a floodplain restoration effort.

Stage 2 will improve physical riverine processes and aquatic habitat, coordinated across multiple ownerships. The majority landowner has agreed to allow the District access to 9 acres of historic floodplain property. The District will assist the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) to design more natural channel geomorphology and sinuous alignment, increase floodplain connectivity, and improve aquatic habitat complexity. Stage two construction is planned for two phases, with an anticipated start in 2020.

Stage 3 of the project will establish a conservation easement to protect the newly established floodplain and riparian plants from livestock and agricultural impacts. The landowner has agreed to defer the transfer of water rights for the 9-acre project area for the first three years following construction, to irrigate new plantings. The District will assist the landowner in pursuing a CREP agreement.

Project Objectives for Stage 1
1) Reduce water withdrawal and usage by 40 to 60% through the construction of a more efficient irrigation delivery system (measured at the site).

2) Improve water quality by the elimination of tailwater returns to Catherine Creek from flood irrigation by the reduction of sediment, bacteria, nutrient loading, and water temperature from direct solar radiation.

3) Gain landowner support and cooperation for restoration and conservation actions in Catherine Creek and the associated floodplain by 2021 through a signed Cooperative Conservation Agreement between the landowner and the District.