Dam! That’s Impressive. The HOW and WHY of Tolan Creek Beaver Dam Analogues
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Dam! That’s Impressive. The HOW and WHY of Tolan Creek Beaver Dam Analogues

This July the Bitterroot Water Partnership worked with the Bitterroot National Forest and Two Wolf Foundation to install over 30 ‘beaver dam analogues’ at our 150-acre Tolan Creek Headwaters restoration site. Here’s more on the how and why of all these dam analogues. Extreme fire and unusual floods destroyed hundreds of acres of wetland habitat. This headwaters was left suffocated in rock debris and…

Community Perspective: Investing in the Future of Our Bitterroot Waters

Community Perspective: Investing in the Future of Our Bitterroot Waters

A conversation with Dan Kerslake, Owner and Operator of Kerslake Ranch in Stevensville, MT; Father and Husband; Supervisor with the Bitterroot Conservation District; Friend of the Bitterroot Water Partnership. Photos taken by students from MAPS Media Institute. Alex: How has water shaped your life and experiences in the Bitterroot? Dan: Everything we do, our lifeblood…

Schoolyard Lessons: Growing the Next Generation of Stewards for Darby 
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Schoolyard Lessons: Growing the Next Generation of Stewards for Darby 

Schoolyard Lessons: Growing the Next Generation of Stewards for Darby  By: Ellie Ross The leaves are changing, the days are getting cooler, school is back in session and in Darby a new and exciting project has taken root and is growing.  Behind Darby School students now find over 350 square feet of garden beds with…

The Dirty Truth – Sediment Pollution in the Bitterroot 
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The Dirty Truth – Sediment Pollution in the Bitterroot 

It’s real, it’s dirty, and it’s a problem! We’re talking about sediment, those small particles of rock and soil that flow from land to water. Despite the small size of these particles, they contribute to a big problem in the Bitterroot. In fact, sediment pollution is one of the most common challenges faced by priority…

We’ve Got Something Special-The Importance and Value of the Bitterroot 
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We’ve Got Something Special-The Importance and Value of the Bitterroot 

By Ellie Ross For the folks who live here, the value and importance of the Bitterroot may seem obvious. Look around the valley and you can gaze upon the jagged Bitterroot Mountains to the west, the gentler Sapphire Mountains to the east, the over 1.2 million acres of public land surrounding us, the River that…

Sheep Creek Mine: You Bet We’re Ready to Take Care of What’s Ours.
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Sheep Creek Mine: You Bet We’re Ready to Take Care of What’s Ours.

For three decades, the Bitterroot Water Partnership has worked for clean, abundant water and healthy habitats in the Bitterroot Valley. Through active restoration and engaging watershed stewards, our work helps ensure enough cold water and thriving habitats for the people and wildlife in our Valley now, and into the future.    Right now, the news of…

The Time to Conserve Water is Now – Painted Rocks Water Supply Approaches Low Levels, Encouraging Extra Local Cooperation

The Time to Conserve Water is Now – Painted Rocks Water Supply Approaches Low Levels, Encouraging Extra Local Cooperation

Water Trends and This Year’s Low Projections Each year our local irrigators, water managers, and Fish and Wildlife biologists work together to strategically release water from Painted Rocks Reservoir into the Bitterroot River to maintain flows that provide enough water for important irrigation operations while sustaining healthy levels for fish and other wildlife. Bell Crossing,…