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An Irrigated Valley
Oct 19, 2016
Our September/October issue includes a feature on the Belle Fourche River valley. Butte County is a West River oasis, thanks to the Belle Fourche Irrigation District, a century-old project that can be traced back to 1885. Bernie Hunhoff took several photos in the area last summer while working on the story. Here are some that didn’t make the magazine.
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The Belle Fourche Reservoir provides recreation on a dry West River prairie.
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It was formed by the Orman Dam, constructed in 1911, and is a source of irrigation for 57,000 acres. The reservoir has 58 miles of shoreline.
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Lonnie Mahaffy serves as Belle Fourche Irrigation District watermaster.
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Only ditch riders (employees of the Belle Fourche Irrigation Project) and water masters are allowed to release water from canals and ditches.
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Dwight Kiskin (left) and his wife Gwen (right) raise purebred rams and ewes in Butte County.
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The irrigation district made it possible for small farms like theirs to survive.
Late autumn adds roadside character.
Autumn's splendor has arrived in the scenic valley.
The two seasons collide in the Black Hills.
Wildflowers are adding a splash of color to the granite and pines of the rugged Black Hills.
Fall has peaked at the Outdoor Campus in Rapid City. Photo by Zach Zweygardt
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