Dusty rancher receives $33,861 for Alkali Creek project

Jana Mathia, Gazette Reporter | Apr 11, 20190

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Bryan Jones kneels to inspect the bank of Alkali Flat Creek with a planting from last year to build a riparian buffer in the foreground.

The Whitman Conservation District was awarded $33,861 by the Washington Department of Ecology to protect and improve water quality in Alkali Flat Creek. The funds cover the costs associated with fencing cattle from the creek and installing a riparian buffer.

"We try and get everything paid for," said Brian Bell, WCD manager.

This is the second round of funding for the district to help Dusty rancher Bryan Jones protect and improve Alkali Flat Creek.

Jones runs 30 head of cattle on four paddocks, averaging 23 acres each, that adjoin the creek. The cattle drink water from the creek, so part of th...