The current water control structures, which are over 50 years old, are starting to fail, allowing water to run under and around the culverts through rusted areas. The current bell risers help in managing water levels in the lower ponds on the Bridgeport unit. Without replacement, water levels won't be manageable in the lower pond. One of the culverts has also caved in.

Replace the existing bell risers with new concrete water control structures and new HDPE 36" diameter pipe.

If the lower pond can't be flooded, it opens up the once flooded area to invasive weeds, such as Russian knapweed, perennial pepperweed and Canada thistle. Once these weeds establish, it takes multiple years of intensive weed management to regain control. The majority of open water for waterfowl on the Bridgeport Unit will also be lost.

The Bridgeport unit is managed to provide habitat for translocated Canada geese, wintering mule deer, and waterfowl year round per the Browns Park Waterfowl Management Area Management Plan (expires 2030).

This project will help provide wetland community habitat, reducing risk of wildfire in the immediate area.

This project will help reduce erosion and run off from the flood irrigation used on the hay fields above the ponds. This lower pond can serve as a settling pond when needed to prevent run off from storms and irrigation from entering the Green River.

No ARCH clearance is required because the area has already been disturbed. No other surveys or NEPA are required because it is all on state owned land and is above high water flows along the river corridor.

The concrete water control structures will be built by a contractor. Pipe will be ordered by waterfowl area manager. Existing structures will be torn out by the waterfowl heavy equipment crew and equipment. They will also install the new structures.

The new water control structures will be monitored to ensure that they are working properly and that water isn't running around the structures and causing erosion underneath the road.

UDWR partners with BLM, NRCS, USFS, and sportsmans groups when applicable. Current lessee is supportive of the project.

Bridgeport will continue to be managed to benefit waterfowl and wintering mule deer.

This project will help improve available feed to migrating waterfowl by allowing the pond to be filled to a higher capacity than what it currently can be.