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Show THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Volume XII Issue I April 15, 2005 NRCS cont. from page 1 by poor channel condition, unstable banks, and minimal riparian zones. The stream channel is actively widening where it has not been channelized or levied. The diversion dam and irrigation er areas of the river had fair stream health and channel condition but were severely affected by water withdrawals. While some areas were characterized by good channel condition, stable banks, and good channel movement. Also, been severely reduced to reach, or area, is dry much gation withdrawals. Even though, this reach would amount of streambank reconstruction, would likely provide good aquatic and riparian habitat with permanent stream flows and a minimal amount of streambank protection, é vegetation planting, and EP nt. Large stands of native cottonwoods are being health compromised along the branches of the South Fork River due to de-watering of the tributary. and channel conditions were found to be in fairly good the diversion during the irrigation season. condition above the diversion dam and However, groundwater does resurface about a Photos courtesy of Shanna Francis/OGDEN VALLEY 'S in the lower parts of the North and quarter mile upstream from Pineview Reservoir The South Fork, Middle Fork, and Middle Fork of South Branches of the river; although, to provide year round flows. the Ogden River provide much of the culinary and a few residential developments have ile some areas of the river provi ide excelirrigation water for Ogden Valle: n built close to the river limiting lent support for aquatic and riparian habitat, withdrawals severely alter the hydrologic regime _ floodplain access in some spots. In addition, other areas could be greatly improved if the and serve as barriers to fish movement. Even _ there are areas that could be enhanced with betdiversion were removed and year round with year round water, these reaches would ter grazing management and riparian buffer proinstream flows were provided. Visual inspection require a significant amount of streambank protection. Further hydrologic research is needed to shows that a large section of the stream shows tection and channel reconstruction to recover determine the source of base flow for different conditions to be poor with unstable banks and riparian and aquatic habitat value. areas to determine if base flows are supplied by groundwater return from excessive irrigation in the Valley. If so, a more efficient irrigation system would likely have a nepative effect on the health of these reaches. Summary of Conditions Found on the Middle Fork of the Ogden er The Middle Fork Ogden River is the second largest source of surface r in Ogden Valley. Water is diverted for irrigation from a manmade structure from about April 15 to October 15. This water diversion feeds the Mountain Valley Canal and tr een deteriorationnied terosion create2 unstable and widened channels. View of South Fork River. withdrawals leave the river dry below e Li _ and saan planting to nese riparian and aquatic In other areas, stream health and channel conditions were good. Again, further hydrologic research is needed to determine the source of base flow for different areas of the river to determine if base flows are supplied by groundwater return from excessive irrigation in the Valley. If so, a more efficient irrigation system would likely have a negative effect on the health of these. Summary of Conditions Found on the North Fork Ogden River The North Fork is the third largest source of surface water in Ogden Valley. Water in the North Fork is highly regulated for irrigation and culinary purposes. Seasonal stream flows are controlled at Utaba Reservoir, which is situated near the headwaters of the river. Instream flows are intermittent because of water withdrawals and the river is usually dry during the irrigation season below the irrigation diversion. Visual observations of the lower portions of the North Fork indicate that it has extremely poor stream health and channel conditions. Banks are eroding and been armored with large rocks ir many places. The riparian zone has been severely diminished and several residential developments have encroached on the riparian area. Water diversions serve as fish barriers and disrupt the hydrologic regime. It is important to note that Bonneville cutthroat trout currently use much of the North Fork and its tributaries when it has water. Aquatic habitat for cutthroat trout could be improved for many miles of stream if these aiveiaiond were removed or retrofitted to allow fis! Concrete and large boulders are being ee to weabilize lp in the watershed, streambanks where natural riparian cover has been stream conditions are improved. compromised. REAL 114 lame ler the riparian buffer has absent in places. This of the year due to irriwith permanent flow, require a significant protection, channel ESTATE Considering selling your property, contact Ogden Valley Specialist Ken Turner fe a= HSS Se ee or UNDER CONTRACT UNDER CONTRACT oes SOLD on SOLD yh SOLD For more area information and property listings log on to: SATE Eee SOLD com |