Who Benefits From Recharge?
Farmers |
Fish and Fishermen |
Wetlands |
Farmers can be paid to run water through their canals when water is abundant in early spring and before they are using that water for irrigation. This delays the timing of when the water enters the river, making it available for irrigation during the late-summer when flow is usually low and farmers need the water most. With enough participation, this will allow them to avoid having to buy expensive water from a nearby reservoir.
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Fish need cold, clean water to survive. When streamflow is low in the late-summer, water temperatures increase, threatening the ability of fish to be able to survive and reproduce. Increased streamflow from recharge will decrease water temperature, allowing more fish to survive. This will benefit the local economy, as an improved fishery is likely to attract more fisherman.
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Teton Basin’s wetlands, fed by the local aquifer, are key habitat for various migrating and wintering populations that utilize Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park for summer ranges. Recharge will reduce variability, allowing for a reliable source of water to the wetlands throughout the summer. This will help maintain the habitat, as well valuable ecosystem services.
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