Ward Irrigation District History

• Construction began in 1903 with Ward Ditch
• Ward Irrigation District formed in 1938
• Primary purpose: Irrigation
• Acres Irrigated: 1000 (approx.)
• Number of users: 100 (approx.)
• Primary Diversion Points: Bitterroot River & Lost Horse Creek

Project History

The Ward Canal crossing of Lost Horse Creek has been a significant issue for decades. Every year, a gravel push up dam was installed by the District to allow Ward Ditch to cross Lost Horse Creek. This creates a significant disconnect from Lost Horse Creek to the Bitterroot River. Additionally, water between the canal and the creek would mix, creating issues with fish entrainment into the ditch, of which, one study reported approximately 7000 fish per year from Lost Horse Creek were entrained into Ward Canal. Other considerable issues related to the crossing included sedimentation and fish passage. After numerous preliminary alternatives were explored, it was determined that the most effective solution for the site was the installation of a siphon creating a low impact and effective crossing of Lost Horse Creek. This project improved irrigation efficiency, separated canal water from Lost Horse Creek, enhanced upstream fish passage and reduced fish entrainment into the ditch system.

Work Breakdown

• Construction of a new HDPE siphon
• New railway undercrossing
• Concrete inlet and outlet siphon structures
• Canal improvements
• Monitoring wells

Project Funding

The total cost of the project was $313,500. To finance the project, the WID used numerous funding agencies. The WID and the engineering consultant secured the RRGL Grant. The other funding mechanisms were largely secured with assistance from the Clark Fork Coalition.

• MT DEQ 319 Contract: $106,000
  • Provides funding assistance for projects who are impacted by non-point source pollution, which in this project, was from the high turbidity from the push up dam.
• MT DNRC RRGL Grant: $100,000
• Montana FWP Future Fisheries: $93,500
  • Future Fisheries participated in the project because it would eliminate the presence of a seasonal migration barrier, reduce fish entrainment and increase return flows to the Bitterroot River
• Western Native Trout Initiative Grant: $10,000
  • Provided funding because the project assisted Westslope Cutthroat and Bull Trout by increasing connectivity of the watershed, restoring habitat and removing the existing barrier and providing upstream passage
• Clark Fork Coalition (CFC) In-Kind: $4,000
  • Included writing grants, construction oversight

Project Status & Results

• Project successfully completed in 2014
• Low project bid was higher than available funding. CFC secured additional funding.

Project Partners

 Owner: Ward Irrigation District

 Engineer: Morrison-Maierle

 Contractor: Specialty Excavating

 Construction Oversight: Morrison-Maierle, CFC