Reconciling reservoir recreation with operational requirements
Glendo Reservoir Full Utilization Study
In conjunction with a proposed rule change for water level management in Wyoming’s Glendo Reservoir, Logan Simpson conducted an inventory and analysis of impacts of fluctuating water levels on reservoir-based recreation facilities in surrounding Glendo State Park. The analysis focused on determining the impact the new management regime would have on the accessibility and quality of experience at camping and boating facilities throughout the year. The study documented location and condition of facilities across park and predicted future impacts based on facility character and type, location and access, and projected water levels under new management rules. Under current operations, many of the recreational facilities are inundated every 5 or 6 years, but only for short periods as flood water is quickly released. Logan Simpson was responsible for quantifying the additional impacts associated with a slower release, which would result in longer periods of inundation, as well as identifying potential mitigation strategies including relocating campsites, elevating access roads, and replacing easily saturated materials with faster drying alternatives.