BLM Requesting Input on Big Horn Basin Projects
Written by Andrew-Rossi on September 4, 2018
The Bureau of Land Management is requesting public input on two projects in the Big Horn Basin.
The Cody Field Office is open for comments over the next 45 days on the analysis of a proposed reservoir expansion near Shell. The Wyoming Water Development Commission proposes to expand Leavitt Reservoir to provide for late season irrigation, reduce flooding in the area of Shell and increase recreation opportunities for visitors.
Leavitt Reservoir currently has a surface area of approximately 36 acres and a capacity of just 643 acre-feet of water. The proposed project would expand the reservoir to 194 acres with a capacity of over 6,600 acre-feet. To provide an opportunity to discuss the project, the BLM will host a public meeting from 5:30–8:00 p.m. on September 19 at the Shell Community Hall.
Additionally, The BLM has released its initial environmental analysis of the Alkali Creek Reservoir Project near Hyattville. A public meeting on the proposal to construct a 294 acre reservoir on Alkali Creek will be held on September 20th at the Hyattville Community Center, from 5:30 to 8:00. 
The Wyoming Water Development Office proposes to construct a 294-acre reservoir on Alkali Creek, which would provide late-season irrigation water for portions of the Nowood River Watershed. Officials say the reservoir is also intended to provide recreation opportunities, improve fisheries, enhance wildlife and riparian habitat, provide flood attenuation, improve downstream water quality, and provide both direct and indirect economic benefits to the local community and state.
The draft Environmental Impact Statements for both these projects are available on the BLM’s website.
