Microsoft has made a $200,000 grant through its Corporate Water Stewardship program for the Crow Creek Revival (CCR) to launch the first phase of the restoration of this valued local waterway.
The grant funds revitalization of a 1.2-mile segment that runs from Happy Jack Road in western Cheyenne to Lincolnway. In addition to the recreational benefits, the project will enhance the natural functions of the creek that had been stressed by urban development. Crow Creek is a vital part of the greater Cheyenne area. The water source is the reason the military installation was established, as well as the County and City.
“This restoration is a real win-win for both people and nature. It will improve water quality, increase habitat and provide recreational opportunities for those who live in the area as well as folks who come to visit,” said Brent Lathrop, The Nature Conservancy’s Southeast Wyoming Program Director. It will also improve the visual appeal of the western portion of Cheyenne as the West Edge Development takes place.”
The CCR committee was formed in 2016 to promote, enhance, restore, and revitalize the ecological values and functions of Crow Creek. It’s primarily comprised of local and state agencies and non-governmental organizations who have many years of working experience with Crow Creek.
“We see this revival project as an investment in the health of a natural treasure like Crow Creek that benefits the quality of life for residents and the enjoyment of visitors who come to our region,” said Dennis Ellis, Microsoft TechSpark Manager for Wyoming. “Microsoft is a part of the Cheyenne community, we work and live here, and it’s an important part of our company’s DNA to invest in strengthening the communities that have given us so much.”
The goals for CCR are: access to streams for public enjoyment, boosting water quality, and creating habitat. The committee has developed a strategic plan that will revitalize more than 25 miles of waterways and include Crow Creek and its tributaries. Construction on this first phase of the is expected to begin in 2020.
Microsoft, which has a DataCenter on the west side of Cheyenne, announced in April a commitment to balance its water consumption in water stressed areas of the world where it operates by supporting projects that generate locally
relevant water and other community benefits. The partnership with The Nature Conservancy on Crow Creek represents one of the first projects Microsoft is supporting to meet this commitment.
The Nature Conservancy believes that by managing water for nature’s needs, we can also meet our own. To that end,
TNC is looking to nature for solutions that build greater global water security.
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