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41 | P a g e Minnechaduza Creek (Cherry County) Minnechaduza Creek runs through the city park in Valentine and the fish hatchery grounds providing public access locations for anglers seeking stream fishing opportunities. A first step would be the evaluation of year-around water temperatures to determine the capabilities of these areas to support trout. If these results are favorable for trout survival, enhancement of these areas for access and habitat would be beneficial. Project development will additionally depend on future plans for the Mill Pond Dam, which has been reclassified as a high-hazard dam and is filled with sediment. Goals: Habitat, Access, Evaluation Tasks: a. Evaluate year-around stream conditions with temperature logger to determine if this portion of the stream can maintain trout. b. Increase fish habitat with boulder veins, wood spur logs, etc. to increase velocity and depth to optimize trout survival during the summer months. c. Throughout the hatchery grounds, improve angler access to the creek while enhancing hatchery personnels access to the ponds. d. Improve kayaking launching facilities. Ownership: City of Valentine Potential Partners: City of Valentine, Middle Niobrara NRD, NGPC Planning and Programming Division. Ogallala Grassland Reservoirs (Agate, Boardgate, Rock Bass) (Dawes and Sioux County) These three grassland reservoirs are shallow and during drought years, and the lack of water depth could potentially lead to fish kills. Cattle grazing currently takes place on the grassland with the ponds providing the only water source. To improve aquatic habitat conditions, excavation is needed to increase depths and fencing installed to exclude cattle, reduce erosion and promote bank healing. Angler access improvements with a fishing pier and kayak launch would highlight this location as the premier grassland pond. Vegetation barriers and/or chemical control may be needed as cattail encroachment will likely increase without cattle. Goals: Habitat, Access Tasks: a. Improve aquatic habitat conditions by fencing out cattle and providing an alternative water source. b. Excavate select areas to improve lake depth and capability of supporting fish during low water levels. c. Improve dam infrastructure with riprap along dam and installation of outlet structure.