Wildlife Protection Projects

Background

 City-owned properties in and out of town serve important functions for municipal water rights, and also contain habitat for fish and wildlife that reside in the Laramie Valley. The City of Laramie is currently working to promote ecosystem health and species conservation while maintaining access to important water rights. 


WYtoadpic


Wyoming Toad

The Wyoming Toad is a species unique to the Laramie valley- the entire global species population exists within 30 miles of Laramie. Once thought to be extinct, the toads’ rediscovery has led to conservation efforts throughout Albany County. The recovery program has included maintaining a captive population, reintroduction of toads into the wild, and fostering partnerships with local landowners and wildlife conservation agencies.

Fish Passage Project Dowlin Ditch

The current Dowlin Diversion dam is considered a complete barrier to fish passage through the watershed, meaning that fish cannot move upstream during most or all flows. Through the Dowlin Ditch Fish Passage Project, The City of Laramie is working with agencies such as the Wyoming Water Development Commission (WWDC) to assist with fish passage while maintaining the city’s primary objective of providing irrigation from the Dowlin Ditch.

Other Potential Project Partners:

  • Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Wyoming Game and Fish Department
  • Laramie Rivers Conservation District
  • Trout Unlimited
  • Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

Dowlin Diversion

Goforth Reservoir Project

The Goforth Reservoir is situated on the Monolith Ranch, which is owned by the City of Laramie. The City has partnered with Ducks Unlimited to restore the reservoir in order to improve habitat and foraging conditions for migratory waterfowl. The restoration project was completed in 2020, with continued monitoring by Ducks Unlimited, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Laramie Audubon Society.

Ducks, Fish, and Toads

Goforth Reservoir Conservation Plan

Resolutions 2016-19 & 2017-56: WWDC Small Water Project Grant for the Design and Construction of the Goforth Reservoir Project


Ducks Unlimited