Location of the ram-pump in the old irrigation diversion.
|
An alternative cattle watering source was developed outside the riparian
corridor. An electric pump was not an option due to the distance to transmission
lines and the high cost of solar powered equipment.
The solution was a
hydraulic ram that utilizes the power in water flowing through a pipe installed in the old
irrigation diversion. The ram-pump transfers the power in water falling 13 feet to
lift water to a stock tank located over 100 feet higher than the creek and over 500 feet
away from the riparian corridor. |
Close-up view of the ram-pump. |
An
unused irrigation diversion captured the entire flow of Shineberger Creek in southwestern
Montana. Diminished flows and sedimentation reduced the creek's value to native
cutthroat trout and other wildlife. In 1995, Partners for Fish and Wildlife, the Rocky
Mountain Elk Foundation, and the Snowline Grazing Association closed off and gated the old
irrigation diversion, restored 0.5 miles of instream habitat, and fenced the riparian
corridor. Native trout immediately moved upstream into the restored habitat.