Montana’s rugged history is full of wild stories about the lengths that people have gone to to protect their water rights and claims. In fact, if you were to compare any resource here in the Valley to liquid gold, it would be water! Water is a key part of every aspect of life in the…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
The virtual Irrigation in the Bitterroot Tour is available! This tour starts at Lake Como talking with Bitter Root Irrigation District about the Big Ditch and water storage. Daly Ditches tells us about their systems and FWP covers fish screens. The tour finishes on an irrigated property where a local rancher talks about using the…
In the Bitterroot Valley, water is ingrained with the way of life for many. Whether it’s through irrigation driving their livelihood or from the booming angling/outfitter industry. Water ties in for so many. These topics were the focus of a new educational opportunity for local high schoolers provided by the Bitterroot Water Partnership this fall….
Its time to put down the phone and grab your lucky fishing hat and learn the art of Flyfishing. * Registration is $100 and includes a catered lunch and prizes. * To register or for more information, contact Jenny West at 406-360-2644 or email gowestoutfitters@gmail.com. *Proceeds benefit The Teller and Bitter Root Water Forum. Topics…
On June 24, 2022 a collection of Bitterroot Guides donated their day’s tips to the Bitterroot Water Partnership, expressing their commitment to help the organization continue its efforts to restore and protect the Bitterroot’s tributaries – our fish factories. Guides participating in ‘Cash for Cutthroats’ understand the difference that clean, cool streams make for our…
This year roughly 100 volunteers joined forces to pull nearly 2,000 pounds of litter from the Bitterroot River, leaving it in a better state for both people and wildlife. You’re used to hearing from us, so we thought we would share some stories from the field… Ahoy! More Trash Ahead! By Becky L. Shelby (our…