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.