Wyoming ranchers depend on water. They require water to produce hay to feed livestock. Most ranchers pay to enjoy what are called water rights, that is, the right to get water from some source. These are vitally important to the ranchers. These sources are usually managed by entities called Water Districts. The water in Wyoming is controlled by the state, who give authority to the Water Districts. So, when there is a large problem, it is the state that needs to step up and take care of the problem.
LaPrele Irrigation District gets its water from the reservoir behind LaPrele Dam. The Dam was constructed 115 years ago, it had an expected lifespan of 50 years. Now we are told that problems were noticed in 2019. That seems rather unlikely. They want you to believe that the Dam, well past its prime 50 years ago, has not shown any problems before that time? And now has a catastrophic crack that just appeared now?
I submit that this is the classic government operation. For decades, State legislators have kicked the can down the road, and now they have no more road to kick it down. This is the problem with most governments, unless it’s a crisis, they do not act. But by waiting for something to be a crisis, they increase the cost and the consequences to the people affected.
The ranchers involved are put in a very difficult position. They must now find other, more expensive, options for water, and it will cost the taxpayers more money to rebuild the Dam (close to $190 Million).
Who do you get mad at? Most of the people who prolonged this catastrophe are no longer around! Maybe the best we can hope for is that future Legislators take some time to examine the boring, but critical aspects of our Infrastructure as well as the effects it will have in the next year.
Past, present, and future: Ninety plus families presently have water rights for their patches of heaven. Their ancestors’ stories of hope for the promise land kept them going with LaPrele, built in 1910, becoming a resource of milk and honey. Before that, the frontier settlers embarked as pioneers in1887 with the blood and tears of pioneering the west, against all odds. The vision of livestock, township, a place of historical monument, legacy, wildlife, geography, and the resources could likely be forced into drought, and become a ghost town.
If there ever was a time of becoming an American legacy, it is now. It is making history in the greatest proportion with the Trump administration.
However, there is an appeal for the 13,759 residents of Converse County where LaPrele sits south of interstate 25 is calling for a miracle. Water rights could be abandoned within five years. The fear, with the breach of water is scheduled for April 2025 preventing families from getting the resources needed for their basic needs and building begins in 2026.
Government inaction caused this problem and now they need to do something quick.
Markcamhicks@gmail.com