CLIMAX MOLYBDENUM COMPANY
SKYLARK RANCH IRRIGATION SYSTEM
IMPROVEMENTS AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
The Climax Molybdenum Company acquired the Skylark Ranch in the 1970's, including both the land and water rights, as part of the development of the Henderson Mill. The Skylark Ranch was an operating cattle ranch consisting of over 700 acres of irrigated hay meadows and pastureland. Approximately 30 direct flow and storage water rights were used to irrigate the ranch lands and provide stock water. Associated with the water rights were numerous irrigation ditches and small storage reservoirs. Diversions were made from four small tributaries to the Williams Fork River, as well as from the Williams Fork River.
In recent years, the Skylark Ranch has been divided into four parcels and leased to ranchers who continue to irrigate the land for hay production. Wheeler prepared an operating plan in 1990 that set forth guidelines for use of the water rights for the purpose of assuring that the complex system of water rights on the ranch were used in conformance with Colorado water law. This operating plan was prepared in cooperation with the local Water Commissioner, Climax land managers, and the leaseholders.
Wheeler performed an extensive evaluation of the condition of the many ditches and storage reservoirs located on the ranch in the late 1980's. This involved of field inspection of the various structures, as well as hydraulic and hydrologic analysis. Several structures associated with the ranch had fallen into disrepair since the ranch was acquired. Wheeler recommended the replacement of several diversion structures, cleaning and repair of several of the ditches, repair of one of the reservoirs; and subsequently performed the design of the necessary replacement structures. Wheeler also evaluated changes suggested by the local Water Commissioner regarding the location and configuration of several measuring flumes needed to record streamflow diversions.
Wheeler worked closely with Climax personnel, the Water Commissioner, and the leaseholders in an ongoing effort to evaluate and maximize the use and benefits of the Skylark Ranch irrigation facilities.
