The Place:

Stember Creek, a tributary to Alpowa Creek, has intermittent flows and has not had any documented anadromous salmonids. Due to its low elevation and arid environment, ranchers use this area for late fall and early spring feeding and calving areas. Historically domestic animals had access to Stember Creek for water, but recent Environmental Quality Incentive Programs (EQIP) from the Natural Resource Conservation Service allowed for fencing and managed grazing practices is a section of Stember Creek, which is not eligible for CREP.

The Effort:

Working in concert with the Pomeroy Conservation District, the Department of Ecology and Sam, Sheree and Samee Lederwood (Dick Lederwood and Sons) we identified a project to help reduce direct animal pressure on Stember Creek. Riparian fencing, 3 watering troughs, 1 well and 4,300 feet of pipeline from well to watering troughs was identified. Having the ability to work in concert with the previous EQIP and the landowners understanding of the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and its benefits we identified strategic locations for the off-stream watering troughs. Two troughs were placed in a pen that is adjacent to Stember Creek and three other troughs were identified in larger pasture situations, resulting in the elimination of cattle needing to go to Stember Creek for water.

The Results:

Once the project began it was quickly identified that we could include the second phase of our project with the initial 4,300 feet of pipeline, 3 troughs and well to include the following; 6,000 feet of pipeline, 5 off-stream watering troughs and the well. Having the ability to complete more of the pipeline and associated off-stream watering troughs gave the landowner the ability to move the cattle out of sensitive riparian areas quicker and will also improve grazing rotations in pastures that drain to Stember Creek. Having better grazing utilization will eliminate cattle trampling and sediment in Stember Creek. Moving the cattle and having them in pastures with adequate water and new grass will get better grazing distribution within the pastures.

We applied to the Pomeroy Conservation District for the fencing funding needed for the riparian area, we received $3,750 for over 2,038 feet of riparian fence and the remaining funding was provided for through this grant.