The riffles, runs, and pools of Big Goose Creek just got a little clearer—and the future a whole lot brighter—thanks to a generous $15,000 grant from the Powder River Basin Trout Unlimited Chapter to the Sheridan Community Land Trust (SCLT). This inspiring gift will kickstart the next phase of stream habitat improvements at the SCLT Big Goose Natural Area, enhancing the creek’s health for fish, wildlife, and untapped opportunity to connect people to outdoor recreation opportunities close to home.

This funding supports the assessment phase of stream restoration work that will help unlock the full potential of the waterway. Crews will complete a detailed stream mapping survey along roughly 6,000 linear feet of Big Goose Creek. This includes cross-section and long profile surveys, photos, and a preliminary concept design. Together, these tools will create a powerful roadmap that helps prioritize which sections of the creek need the most attention.

“This support from Powder River Basin Trout Unlimited is a huge boost,” said Brad Bauer, Executive Director of SCLT. “It means we can take the critical first step toward restoring and enhancing the creek so it thrives for generations to come.”

Above: The Sheridan High School Outdoor Club visited the SCLT Big Goose Natural Area this spring. The group had a fun afternoon fishing a stretch of stream these grants from Powder River Basin Trout Unlimited will improve. While fishing, they caught brown trout and mountain whitefish. 

Why does this work matter? Healthy streams are the lifeblood of our landscape. By identifying degraded stream reaches and planning improvements, the project will strengthen the habitat for trout, aquatic invertebrates, birds, and countless other species that depend on clean, cool, connected water. And the benefits aren’t limited to wildlife.

“For our community, this means better fishing, better wildlife viewing, and a better natural space to enjoy,” Bauer added. “We’re not just restoring a stream—we’re restoring opportunity, resilience, and connection to nature.”

The SCLT Big Goose Natural Area has quickly become a community treasure, and thanks to partners like Powder River Basin Trout Unlimited, it continues to grow as a place where conservation, recreation, history, and community come together.

With this assessment phase underway, SCLT is one step closer to delivering a healthier, more vibrant Big Goose Creek—one that flows wild and free for the fish beneath its surface and the people casting lines above it.

The SCLT Big Goose Natural Area is located at 14 Lane Ln, just outside of Sheridan. It is open every day from dawn to dusk. Plan your visit at https://sheridanclt.org/sclt-big-goose-natural-area/.

Top photo: Recently, the Powder River Basin Chapter of Trout Unlimited awarded grants totaling $15,000 to Sheridan Community Land Trust for stream habitat improvements at the SCLT Big Goose Natural Area. Pictured (l-r): Paul Yochim and John Madia, Powder River Basin Trout Unlimited; Brad Bauer, SCLT Executive Director; and Jess Johnson, Powder River Basin Trout Unlimited.