The State of Wyoming and the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation have reached an agreement on water management operations for the Upper Snake River Basin that will avoid impacts to fisheries below Jackson Lake Dam.
The state will supplement flows in an effort to protect the ecosystem and maintain releases at a minimum of 280 cubic feet per second (cfs). Wyoming is committed to using its water storage allocation, up to a maximum of 33,000-acre feet. If necessary, Reclamation has committed to covering any shortfalls should they occur.
Reclamation has pledged to work with Wyoming on a path toward long-term solutions that address the state’s concerns regarding maintaining adequate flows throughout the year and assessing how operations of Jackson Lake impact Reclamation operations system-wide, according to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
The minimum flow required to maintain the fishery below the dam and keep water within the Oxbow Bend is 280 cfs. The 4.5-mile-long stretch of river below the dam is critical habitat for Snake River cutthroat trout, shore birds, wildlife and the bluehead sucker — a species of greatest conservation need. Any reduction of water flow below the prescribed operation in this area could harm the ecosystem and negatively affect angler opportunities.
“This stretch of river is iconic and a national treasure. I appreciate the Bureau of Reclamation’s efforts to work with us to find solutions to address our concerns” Wyoming Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik said. “We look forward to working together to examine water operations and ensure water flows are maintained year-long.”
