HomeMy WebLinkAboutI-Ag Water Memo 022420memo
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TO: 5659.005 File
FROM: Christine Pearcy, Environmental Scientist
RE: Agricultural Water User Review of the proposed Northwest Crossing
Subdivision in Gallatin County, October 2019
The purpose of this memo is to document agricultural water user facilities on the subject property.
The subject property is 160 acres in size and is legally described as Section 4, Township 2 South,
Range 5 East, Certificate of Survey 2552, Tract 5 NE ¼ in Gallatin County, Montana. A field visit
to the subject property was conducted on August 9, 2018.
Resources
Agricultural water user facilities on site include Baxter Creek, and un-named ditch off Baxter Creek
and an unnamed tributary of Baxter Creek (Baxter Ditch). All of these facilities transport irrigation
water through the subject property.
Impacts
A series of culverts will be installed within the un-named tributary of Baxter Creek (Baxter Ditch).
The culverts will allow roadways to be developed over top of this water resource without inhibiting
flow or water delivery to downstream users.
A series of options are currently be considered for Baxter Creek and the un-named ditch directly
off of the Creek towards the west side of the property. Baxter Creek has experienced heavy
trampling and over-grazing by cattle, and therefore, this reach of the Creek is compromised.
Options being considered are moving Baxter Creek nearer to the western fence line in order to
better utilize the property for development. If this is done, sinuosity will be restored and riparian
plantings will be established to enhance this resource.
All impacts will be permitted through appropriate federal, state, and local governments.
Ag Water User Coordination
A letter was sent to the Farmers Canal Company on June 20, 2019 to solicit comments on the
proposed development. No comments have been received as of October 2019. No interruption
to irrigation water delivery is anticipated to occur as a result of the proposed development of this
property.