News Detail
Toohey Drain sale
2/4/2010 10:58:09 AM
By Sandra Hansen, The Scottsbluff Star-Herald
Farmers Irrigation District water users are being asked to approve a land sale that includes the North Platte Natural Resources District and Platte River Basin Environments, Inc. The proposal would transfer 12.4 acres to the NPNRD, but the spill water would still be available to irrigators during the growing season, and the FID would continue to maintain the structure. PRBE would build another structure to divert the spill water onto the wetlands where it would spread out across the property before eventually making its way to the river by way of Dry Spotted Tail Creek.
In a letter to FID water users, the environmental entity said it acquires land along the North Platte River and in the Wildcat Hills to develop wildlife and public use. The non-profit group already owns 1,100 acres south of U.S. Highway 26, the Spotted Tail property. The Toohey Spill is located about three miles west and one mile south of Mitchell. It is bounded on the north by County Road D, with County Road 11 along the western boundary, along which it currently drains into the North Platte River.
The purchase price of $38,000 was agreed upon by the NPNRD and the PRBE after several months of discussions among the three entities.
According to the letter, the transaction will return the tract to valuable wetland habitat, provide recreational opportunities for the general public, allow Farmers Irrigation to serve its members, and enhance grasslands that will be managed with livestock. PRBE will continue to pay all water rights and real estate taxes associated with the property, and will control noxious weeds on it.
In addition to benefiting wildlife and hunting, the environmental group claims the restoration project will also improve water recharge to the North Platte River. Restored wetlands on Spotted Tail will percolate water through the sans, making its way to the river much like a slow release system, providing return flow at a time when most irrigation return flow is diminishing.
The FID board of directors, the PRBE, and the NPNRD agree that the transaction is a "win-win" opportunity for everyone.
Roger Nichols, chairman of the FID board of directors, said the sale is based on an appraisal of the narrow strip of land. "We're getting fair value for the property," Nichols said Thursday afternoon. "We'll still be able to use the spill like we've always done, so I don't see a downside."
Nichols said he doesn't know if there is much opposition in the district, but the election of two board positions is on the ballot Tuesday, Feb., 2, the re-election of the two incumbent, un-opposed board members might be an indication of feelings among the water users.
Incumbents are Rodney Schanaman in Division I, or Mitchell, while Bill Reuter is the incumbent in Division II, or Minatare.
The sale of Toohey Spill and the election of Division I and Division II board members will be on the ballot on Tuesday, Feb. 2, the regular election day for all three divisions, the other being Division III, Bayard.
If unsure about being a qualified voter, contact the FID office, (308) 632-4921.
