The German Gulch project began with a site visit in June of 2007 to evaluate the potential to use a Farmers Screen. In October of 2008, a modular Farmers Screen was installed on the diversion. This screen was installed in the fall, when stream flows were relatively low. Therefore, there wasn’t enough water in the stream to fully test the screen at the maximum flow until the spring. However, even at lower flows, problems with water surface elevations at the point of diversion were apparent. Other issues were realized in the spring when the screen was taking maximum flow. In 2011, FCA and Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks welcomed support from Trout Unlimited, and together the three entities were able to create the needed solutions to the problems encountered at the site, including:
FCA is happy to report that through the collaborative process the issues at this site have been successfully addressed. The German Gulch Farmers Screen is now working as intended and is considered to be a success.