March 6, 2024 |
Photo – Medicine Bow Conservation District logo – Courtesy Medicine Bow Conservation District
The Medicine Bow Conservation District has been recognized by the state for its soil erosion prevention efforts.
At the most recent Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust meeting, the Medicine Bow Conservation District was named the 2023 Partner of the Year. Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, or WWNRT, is a state agency responsible for funding conservation efforts that enhance wildlife habitats, restore ecosystems, and promote sustainable natural resource management. Medicine Bow Conservation District Chairman Owen Williams explained why his agency was selected to receive the award.
The Medicine Bow Conservation District was formed in 1954 and is one of 34 conservation districts in the state of Wyoming. The Medicine Bow Conservation District oversees over 1.5 million acres of rural land around Hanna, Medicine Bow, Elk Mountain, Arlington, McFadden, Leo, and the Shirley Basin.
Natural Resources Conservation Service District Conservationist Mark Shirley said the local conservation districts were formed in the 1930’s to handle the unique challenges of soil erosion in the different parts of the state.
In the past, the area covered by the Medicine Bow Conservation District was home to many mines. When the mines shut down, the federal and state governments instituted programs to take care of erosion projects on their land. When it comes to projects on private land, Medicine Bow Conservation District Board Member Ralph Brokaw said the local office steps in to help.
Chairman Williams explained how the Medicine Bow Conservation District is assisting with an erosion project on the Little Medicine Bow River. Williams said his district is working on behalf of the property owners to ensure the project is handled properly and smoothly.
Williams said much of the Little Medicine Bow River project involves replacing 70-year-old valves that control the flow of irrigation water. The project must be done with minimal impact on local fish and wildlife.
In a statement about the 2023 Partner of the Year award, Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust Board Chair Steve Meadows said the Medicine Bow Conservation District’s selection was, “especially noteworthy because this is not a district that has a great deal of financial resources at their disposal. These folks get a lot done with a little, and they do that by being effective and enthusiastic partners with a lot of other agencies and landowners.”
The Medicine Bow Conservation District was awarded with a plaque by the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust.
