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Big Timber Creek - Swamp Creek Watershed Group
County: Sweet Grass
Sub-Major Basin: Upper Yellowstone
Affected Watershed: Yellowstone Headwaters
Watershed Description: Swamp Creek and Big Timber Creek originate high up in the east side of the Crazy Mountains. The two creeks total nearly 50 miles of stream that join together about six miles north of Big Timber and flow into the Yellowstone River just east of Big Timber.
The confluence site was made famous as the "Rivers Across" site where the Lewis & Clark exploration group camped during their trip. The two streams that make up this "Rivers Across" are the Boulder River on the East side of the Yellowstone and almost directly across is the Big Timber Creek coming into the Yellowstone on the West side.
The Big Timber Creek and Swamp Creek are smaller streams that serve agriculture and recreation.
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Why was a watershed effort begun? The Sweet Grass County Conservation District saw this as an opportunity to bring together all stakeholders in an effort to work together for the greater good and preservation of the streams.
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Group Accomplishments: Formation of a formal group, establishing operating guidelines and an agreement with the Conservation District, election of officers and appointing committees to serve Water and Weeds issues.
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Group Plans: A full stream assessment for both creek drainages that will focus on irrigation diversion structures, riparian area issues and problems, weeds and water quality.
Biggest Challenge: Engaging the residents of the watershed and showing them our vision and mission of this newly formed group.
Additional Comments: Big Timber and Swamp Creek Watershed Group
Operating Guidelines
*Adopted: May 11, 2009
*Amended: June 11, 2009
Mission Statement:
The purpose of the Big Timber and Swamp Creek Watershed Group is to seek an understanding of the watershed – how it functions and supports the human communities dependent on it – and to build agreement on watershed-related planning issues among stakeholders with diverse viewpoints.
Membership
All ranch/farm operators be they owners, leasers, renters, or tenants residing within the Big Timber/Swamp Creek Watershed, may be members. Other landowners or their representatives of the watershed who support the goals and mission statement of the watershed group may also be members. The membership also extends outside the Big Timber and Swamp Creek Watershed to individuals who hold Big Timber/Swamp Creek water rights (*A-1) . Federal, State, and County agencies are encouraged to participate in the watershed meetings, but will serve in an advisory capacity only. A map of the designated watershed area is attached to these Operating Guidelines.
There will be a ten dollar ($10.00) annual membership fee to help pay for the watershed group’s administrative costs and meeting expenses. By payment of fees, individuals acknowledge that they meet the aforementioned criteria for membership. Paid up members will receive a copy of all meeting notes and meeting agendas.
Fiscal Agent
The Sweet Grass County Conservation District will serve as the fiscal agent for the watershed group.
Executive Board and Election of Officers
The group shall elect a chair and vice-chair annually from the general membership. The Executive Board shall consist of the chair, vice chair, a representative from the Sweet Grass County Conservation District, and a representative from each of the committees. The Noxious Weeds Committee and Water Committee will be standing committees. Other committees will be formed and dissolved as determined by the membership.
The Executive Board shall meet as needed to coordinate work and set the direction for watershed group activities and issues to be presented to the general membership. The Executive Board shall review the watershed group’s watershed work plan and operating procedures at least annually and suggest changes as needed to the general membership.
Coordinator
As funding allows, a coordinator will be employed by the Sweet Grass County Conservation District to work closely with and receive direction from executive board. Duties include:
• the organization of monthly meetings – agenda, minutes, and schedule presenters;
• the organization of executive board meetings – agenda and meeting summary;
• mailing meeting notices to watershed members;
• provide an accounting of expenses to the general membership at least quarterly for review;
• writing grant applications and completing necessary contract administration tasks;
• organization of educational programs and tours;
• oversight of projects and resource assessments.
• Other duties as assigned
Meeting Procedures
The Big Timber and Swamp Creek Watershed Group shall hold regular meetings on the second Thursday every other month, unless otherwise decided by the Executive Board. All meetings shall be conducted by the chair, or designated person.
Agenda items shall be determined by the executive board prior to the meeting and circulated with the meeting notice. Agenda items can be requested by the general membership. Discussion will be limited to the items on the agenda. There will be an “open microphone” period at the end of each meeting. Meeting notices will be sent out two weeks ahead of the meeting. All meetings will be open to the public.
It is the intent of the Big Timber and Swamp Creek Watershed Group to make its decisions by group consensus. However, in the event a vote is necessary, the majority vote of members present at the time of voting shall determine the decision. Each distinct property tract will get one vote.
Amendments to Operating Guidelines
The organizational structure, designated area, membership rules, or any other part of these operating guidelines may be changed at any time by recommendation of the Executive Board and vote of the general membership.
*Amendment 1- and individual stockholders of the Big Timber Creek Canal Company.
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Contact Information:
Dan Rostad, Coordinator
Big Timber Creek - Swamp Creek Watershed Group
Post Office Box 749; Big Timber, MT 59011
Phone: 406-932-5160 Ext. 106
Email: dan.rostad@mt.nacdnet.net
Guelda Halverson, Administrator
Sweet Grass County Conservation District
Post Office Box 749; Big Timber, MT 59011
Phone: 406-932-5160 Ext. 3
Email: guelda.halverson@mt.nacdnet.net
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| This information was last updated on: 7/16/2009 6:13:36 PM |
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Montana is one of four headwater states in the Rocky Mountain region that provides drinking water for over 60 million US Citizens in 11 states.
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