Park County commissioners on Sept. 10 approved Land and Water Trust Fund assistance to replace headgate and diversion infrastructure for the Terriel Fishing Retreat Ranch on Terriel Creek, approving a request for $225,495.
County staff and commissioners said the existing headgate structure was unusable and had effectively denied the landowner the ability to exercise a significant deeded water right. Testimony at the work session and during the meeting described downstream sedimentation and habitat impacts, in part tied to regional sediment loads following removal of an upstream dam in past years.
Supporters said repairing diversion infrastructure will restore monitoring and management of the water right, reduce downstream flooding and protect river health. Commissioners said the project aligns with the Land and Water Trust Fund’s priorities for water infrastructure and preserving usable rights. The motion carried 3–0.
County staff will work with the applicant to proceed with project procurement and implementation steps; commissioners did not set a specific completion date at the meeting.