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PO Box 128
305 Third St.
Pavillion, WY 82523
Phone: 307.856.6359
Fax: 307.856.1824
EMAIL
As of:
12/11/2024
Water Allotment:
2.25 acre ft.
Delivery Restrictions/Notes:
We are asking that you leave your gates unlocked through the end of November. Tri-Hydro Engineering will be performing post season evaluations in conjunction with Midvale's new Master Plan. You may close your gates, just don't lock them yet. Feel free to call the office with any questions. 307-856-6359 Thank you.
On Date:
4/22/2024
Off Date:
9/27/2024
Bull Lake Content:
35600 acre ft.
Pilot Butte Content:
28527 acre ft.
Next Board Meeting:
12/12/2024, 1pm
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Midvale Irrigators Honored
Monday, April 16, 2007
CSP WORKING WELL FOR FREMONT COUNTY RANCHER
"I'm really proud of the efficiency of this irrigation system,"
said Jim Barger who has owned a haying operation about 20 miles west of
Riverton since 1997. Barger is an example of how Conservation Security
Program (CSP) contract holders are using CSP in their stewardship
efforts.
The Bargers converted from flood irrigation to a low-pressure
pivot and wheel lines three years ago. This change in water management
had a positive impact on the operation -- water consumption and labor
have decreased significantly.
"We've used less than a third of our water allotment with the
sprinklers," said Barger. "Under the flood system, I always used my
entire allotment. But now, even with the drought, I'm saving water and
getting three cuttings of hay instead of just two. Another big benefit
for me is that the pivot requires a lot less time and labor so I can
spend more time doing other work around the place."
CSP is a 2002 Farm Bill program that rewards farmers and
ranchers who are implementing conservation on America's working lands.
It is based on conservation accomplishments, recognizes the
contributions of the best land stewards and encourages them to do more.
The program is administered by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS).
The Lower Wind Watershed (most of which is located in Fremont
County) was authorized for funding through the CSP in 2006.
"My wife, Rose, and I had always done everything ourselves and
never participated in a Farm Bill program before," said Barger. "When
the CSP became available in our watershed, we decided to apply."
"Their application was approved and now they are being
recognized for past environmental improvements as they continue to apply
conservation on the ground," said Nick Biltoft, district conservationist
at the NRCS field office in Riverton.
To improve even more on the pivot system, Barger extended the
16-foot booms by 6 feet. Deflectors that he crafted from 1/4-inch
plastic, prevent the head from sprinkling water on the tires which
decreases the impact of tracks in his fields. "Jim built those
himself," said Rose Barger. "He saved us a lot of money as they are
very expensive to buy."
One component of the CSP is enhancements, which refers to
payments for exceptional conservation effort and additional conservation
practices or activities that provide increased resource benefits beyond
the sustainable level.
Soil management is an enhancement in Barger's conservation plan.
He is implementing conservation measures to improve soil conditioning
and reduce compaction. An integrated pest management enhancement
improves effectiveness of weed management on cropland, hayland and
pastureland on the operation. Still another focuses on nutrient
management by annual soil testing and following recommended
fertilization rates. Barger will use riparian buffers to trap sediment
and nutrients adjacent to live surface water.
"When I have a question I can either stop by the office or give
the staff a call, and I know I'll receive good information," said
Barger, as he spoke of NRCS technical assistance over the family's long
history of stewardship.
Rose Barger, who worked side-by-side with her husband and was
always involved in the decision making process for the ranch, passed
away in October 2006. "Rose's conviction to conservation and all that
they, as partners, have accomplished leaves a lasting legacy on the
landscape," said Biltoft.
Photo Below: Jim Barger (l) and the late Rose Barger display an NRCS partnership sign
presented by Nick Biltoft, district conservationist at the Riverton NRCS
field office. The Bargers received the sign in recognition of their
outstanding natural resource conservation accomplishments.
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