WATER MANAGEMENT 



With the purchase of the WMA, FWP acquired 22 water rights, consisting of one stock watering 

 right and 21 irrigation rights. The sources for the irrigation rights are Ledford, Robb and Warm 

 Springs creeks and a tributary spring to the W. F. Ruby Creek. During the first stage of the 

 ongoing statewide water adjudication, objections to 15 of FWP's claimed rights were filed in 

 1991 . One objection (by the BLM) has been resolved. Fourteen objections, which were filed by 

 a former owner of property adjacent to the WMA, are now the jurisdiction of the DNRC. Issues 

 raised in the objections have not been completely resolved as yet. 



WMA MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 



STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: 



Robb/Ledford Wildlife Management Area (WMA) (Figure 1 ) was purchased in 1988, primarily 

 to provide winter range for elk. Additionally, the WMA was purchased to provide habitat for 

 other plant and wildlife species that are products of the local soils and climate. 



Purchase Price: $ 1 .82 million 



Total Cost: $1.99 million 



Percent Federal Aid (PR): 0% 



Percent State License (HB526): 100% 



GOAL 



The goal for the WMA is to maximize the productivity of the soil, vegetation, and watershed and 

 the game and nongame wildlife that are products of that environment. A secondary goal will be 

 to provide public access to these and adjacent public properties (BLM, DNRC and USPS) for 

 sport hunting and other recreational pursuits. Management emphasis is to attain stated 

 Management Objectives (below) which includes maximizing soil/vegetation interrelationships 

 that will result in a productive environment for all wildlife species. Secondary management 

 emphasis will be to meet Region Three objectives for big game species, upland game bird and 

 nongame species management plans. Livestock grazing will be used as a tool to help achieve 

 wildlife and vegetative objectives. 



PROBLEMS 



1. Several miles of sheep tight fence exists that is a major deterrent to movements of antelope, 

 one of the primary inhabitants of the WMA yearlong. 



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