Trout require specific water temperatures, quality, and flow rates to successfully reproduce. Since 1986, the Ranch has installed trout habitat improvement structures on eight miles of streams. This work supports trout species throughout the watershed by increasing stream depth for holding water and gravel beds for spawning. Fish using these structures move throughout the watershed and to/from other public and private lands. These structures are one reason waters in the area are noted as healthy fisheries.
Working with Wyoming Game and Fish, Trout Unlimited, Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust, and other partners, the Ranch addressed a barrier to fish migration and spawning that had been caused by a previously installed irrigation diversion. The new structure added a fish migration ladder, holding pools for fish to rest along their migration, and created the ability for the Ranch to maintain a minimum flow for trout survival and movement during critical periods.
These projects positively impact fish populations on Ranch property as well as neighboring (and connected) public water.
Healthy springs create riparian areas, are a source of water for all species, and increase biodiversity of the landscape. They are also an indicator of healthy soil moisture. Without care, they can be damaged by livestock. Based on recommendations from NRCS and other partners, the Ranches fence cattle away from springs and construct remote access tanks for watering. This reduces impact on riparian zones, supports wildlife, and helps to better spread grazing.
The Ranch is an excellent location for water studies, as there are several significant watersheds on which it holds the only agricultural water rights. In 2025-2026, the Ranch partnered with the University of Wyoming to precisely track stream flows, irrigation removals and return flows, temperature, and other water quality data. Using this information, the Ranch is able to better understand how to manage water use and irrigation timing for the benefit of people, wildlife, and ecological resources.
A current collaborative effort is taking place in northern Colorado, near the town of Walden, in an area with a unique complex of sand dunes that are home to several endemic plant species. The dunes are managed by several agencies; are a recreation destination for off-highway-vehicle (OHV) users; and encompass a stream that is a source for agricultural water rights. Erosion related to increased OHV use in recent years has caused ecological damage and inhibited irrigation on agricultural land. In 2015, the creek was declared impaired for sediment by the Colorado Water Quality Control Division.
Given the diverse set of stakeholders, the Gates Family Ranches helped organize a working group led by the Center for Collaborative Conservation (CCC) at Colorado State University. The CCC brought together a broad stakeholder group, conducted listening sessions, and helped form a coalition to address erosion and sedimentation problems while considering all stakeholders. After 10 years of hard work, the coalition has instigated changes to recreation management, access areas, public education, and remediation. Grants have been secured to perform remediation efforts to restore the stream and downstream irrigation.
Well-managed grazing supports wildlife, livestock, soil health, soil moisture, biodiversity, and carbon retention. We use rotational grazing and cutting-edge mapping to help emulate grazing patterns of wildlife species past and present, manage grazing time on pastures, protect sensitive areas, and encourage plant diversity. At the same time, we have an active weed control program.
Goals: Protect and improve range land stability, connectivity, and ecological health while optimizing forage for livestock and wildlife.
Tilling soil degrades soil health. We keep soils intact by focusing on crops and grazing that do not require tilling. In areas where previous land managers tilled sage rangeland, we are experimenting with various ways to return soil health to pre-tilling conditions.
Mowing is one tool we employ. Rather than mowing an entire field, the Ranch uses mosaic patterns that leave taller sage for habitat and to retain its water-holding capabilities. Rather than cutting straight mowed lines, that create “raceways” that help predators catch prey, the rounded corners of mosaics retain cover for prey species.
Proactive control of invasive species and noxious weeds is a critical part of good land management. The Ranch works to quickly revegetate disturbed soils with non-invasive species to prevent erosion and the establishment of invasive species like cheat grass. When established stands of species like thistle, cheat grass, and leafy spurge are found, we actively control them with mechanical and chemical methods.
Cheat Grass Control
Cheat grass is has expanded throughout the western United States since its introduction in the mid-1800s. Native to Eurasia, this annual can produce up to 1,000 seeds per plant. After germination, the plant creates a shallow mat of roots that captures water near the surface and prevents water from reaching other plants. After a short growing season, the grass dies back and provides little soil shading or protection. Over time, cheat grass can take over entire hillsides and eliminate other species. Hillsides become dry monocultures that are prone to fire and provide little forage for grazing species.
In partnership with Carbon County and the NRCS, tens of thousands of acres of cheatgrass-infested lands have been treated to allow native species to recover. While cheat grass will remain in this landscape for the foreseeable future, efforts to limit its proliferation support rangeland health.