About Us

Get Water Rights Wyoming was established in 2013 by John Barnes, a Licensed Professional Engineer with over 41 years of experience in the water field.

John Barnes grew up on a farm near Powell, Wyoming, learning the value of hard work. He stacked hay, pulled weeds, and thinned sugar beets before being hired full-time during his junior year in High School. When his father went to work for the Irrigation District, John began to accompany him, learning more and more about water.

John attended one year of college before enlisting in the Army Security Agency, where he learned to repair transmitters and receivers. While he enlisted for four years, the Vietnam War was coming to an end, and he was honorably discharged after three. Determined to continue learning, he used his GI Bill to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering (specializing in Hydrology and Hydraulics) and his Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering. John later earned a Master’s in Public Administration.

With college behind him, he went to work for a consulting firm, then the Shoshone-Heart Mountain Irrigation Districts as the Watermaster, before moving to the city of Powell and becoming the City Engineer. Eventually, John moved to Cheyenne, where he spent 22 years in the State Engineer’s Office, serving as the Administrator of the Surface Water and Engineering Division. John was involved with implementing the E-Permitting Systems, giving him an intimate knowledge of its capabilities.

In 2013, John retired from State Government to start his consulting firm, and Get Water Rights Wyoming was born.

He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, The Association of State Dam Safety Officials, the Wyoming Engineering Society, and the Wyoming Water Association.

In his spare time, John is devoted to his community. He works with Kiwanis Club, volunteers with United Way, and is an active member (DTM), and leader in Toastmasters International. When he’s not working or volunteering, he’s enjoying photography, reading, and staying healthy with his beautiful wife, Dana.

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