Work is underway on a section of Sunlight Creek on the Sunlight Wildlife Habitat Management Area (WHMA) northwest of Cody.
Aquatic Habitat Biologist, Laura Burckhardt, said one mile of the creek is getting some much-needed improvements to ensure public access, address eroding banks and improve brook trout habitat. “Right now, contractors are digging out a new channel and constructing a floodplain to move Sunlight Creek away from high eroding banks and restore the stream to a functioning system”, Burckhardt said.
The area has experienced severe bank erosion for the last 40 years. In 2018, one of the stream banks eroded laterally 150 feet and contributed 1,855 dump truck loads of sediment to the stream.
Realignment and reconstruction of a stream channel with the proper slope, location and size will address sedimentation issues, ensure public access to Trail Creek and Painter Creek, and improve fish habitat.
Construction is expected to be completed in November. Footage provided by stream restoration engineer, WaterVation.