The Lake DeSmet Operating Department was created by the Johnson County Commissioners through Resolution #467 on January 8, 2013. The “Operating Department” is responsible for the operation and management of the Lake DeSmet Reservoir.
Johnson County is responsible for 68.27% of the annual operation and maintenance costs associated with the Lake DeSmet Reservoir. Sasol Synfuels International Pty Ltd, owner of the M&M Ranch, is responsible for the remaining 31.73%. The Lake DeSmet Operating Department and Sasol work cooperatively to develop sustainable operation and maintenance plans for Lake DeSmet.
Staff
Linda Greenough – County Commissioner
76 N Main St
Buffalo, WY 82834
(307) 684-7555
commissioners@nulljohnsoncowy.us
Cheryl Benner – Operations Manager
325 Butte St
Buffalo, WY 82834
(307) 684-2262
(307) 620-1924
lakedesmet@nulljohnsoncowy.us
Harvey Crowe – Operations Consultant
Buffalo, WY 82834
Ph: 307-684-2262
Cell: 307-620-1924
Fax: 307-684-7665
lakedesmet@nulljohnsoncowy.us
Applications & Forms
Regulations & Resolutions
The Lake DeSmet Reservoir & Shoreline Protection Regulations were approved on May 5, 2015 by the Johnson County Commissioners.
Lake DeSmet Reservoir Water Levels
The water level at Lake DeSmet Reservoir as of July 1, 2017 was 4612.54 ft. elevation.
View the full report:
News
The Johnson County Commissioners are reviewing a proposed “Operating Agreement for Lake DeSmet” between SaSol Synfuels International Pty Ltd (Owners of the M&M Ranch) and the Johnson County Commissioners. Click here for a draft copy of the proposed agreement. The Commissioners will accept public comments until April 26, 2013. Comments may be emailed to commissioners@nulljohnsoncowy.us. They can also be mailed to Johnson County Commissioners, 76 N Main Street, Buffalo, WY 82834
May 21, 2013
The Johnson County Commissioners appointed members of the Lake DeSmet Advisory Board.
March 27 – 28, 2014
The Wyoming Game & Fish Commission plans to discuss and hopefully sign the pending lease for water rights at Lake DeSmet Reservoir.
April 23, 2014
The Wyoming Game & Fish Commission voted to approve the 99 year water lease from Johnson County at their spring meeting in Casper,WY. This lease will guarantee a minimum level of water in Lake DeSmet for fishing and other recreational pursuits. The Game & Fish Department will make five annual payments to Johnson County beginning in July 2014.
July 8, 2014
The Wyoming Game & Fish Lease officially started today. The Lake DeSmet Operating Department will file the necessary paper work to add “recreational use” to the leased permits.
September 10, 2014
The Recreation Enlargements for the Game & Fish leased permits were approved by the Wyoming State Engineer’s Office. A copy of the letter of approval can be viewed here.
September 15, 2014
Johnson County received the first lease payment from the Game & Fish Department.
January 28, 2015
The annual report to the Board of Control was submitted on January 28, 2015 and the acceptance letter was received on February 11, 2015. Both can be viewed here.
Interesting Facts
- The Maximum Depth of Lake DeSmet is 120 feet.
- The Intake Tunnel is 8.5 feet in diameter and 8316 feet long.
- The Earliest Priority for storage of water in Lake DeSmet dates back to 1906.
- The Lake DeSmet Reservoir capacity is 234,987 acre feet.
Click below to see a schematic diagram of water rights pertaining to Lake DeSmet.
Schematic Diagram