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Big Hole Watershed Committee
County: Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Madison, Silver Bow
Sub-Major Basin: Upper Missouri
Affected Watershed: Big Hole
Watershed Description: From its dramatic beginnings at the Continental Divide, the Big Hole River flows over 150 miles to its confluence at the Jefferson. The Big Hole River is the headwaters to the mighty Missouri. The Big Hole basin encompasses nearly 2-million acres but is home to fewer than 2,000 permanent residents. Public lands represent 87% of the land base and family ranches make up most of the private land in the basin. World class trout fishing attracts thousands of anglers from around the world each year. Fluvial Arctic grayling are by far the most rare and beautiful species in the basin. Once common throughout the upper Missouri, the last native population of fluvial Arctic grayling in the lower states is found in the Big Hole River.
In recent years, summer flows in the Big Hole River have averaged below normal. Some of the causes of water shortages are: gradual climate shifts to drier winters and warmer springs, persistent drought, and aging, inefficient irrigation infrastructure. Impacts of low streamflow include: a decline in fish populations as well as conflicts among different water-user group: recreationists, conservationists, outfitters, and ranchers. The BHWC drought plan has been successful in improving streamflows compared to years prior to the drought plan. Nevertheless, escalating drought conditions continue to exacerbate summer flow conditions.
The Big Hole watershed sustains a spectacular array and abundance of wildlife. This area is integral to the needs of wildlife traversing to and from the Greater Yellowstone Region, the Bitterroot-Selway Wilderness, the Glacier ecosystem, and others. The abundant and diverse wildlife brings special challenges for management.
Residents of the Big Hole are proud of their spectacular and scenic open spaces and are aware of other watershed communities where ecological and aesthetic values have been compromised by poorly managed development. Cooperative land use planning among the four counties that make up the Big Hole watershed is an issue of considerable concern.
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Why was a watershed effort begun? The BHWC was established in 1995. At that time, local ranchers requested assistance from the State of Montana in order to develop a coordinated effort to address the resource issues of critical concern to the residents and stakeholders of the Big Hole watershed.
Specific issues facing the community at the time were: drought conditions, conflict around the use of water for irrigation, instream flow, and a declining fluvial Arctic grayling population.
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Group Accomplishments: Drought Management: One of the group’s first accomplishments was the development of a pioneering Drought Management Plan (DMP). The BHWC DMP relies on shared sacrifices among all stakeholders including ranching, agriculture, recreation, and angling. Use of the DMP has been successful in improving stream flow conditions compared to prior years. Success is measured by stream flows and water temperature thresholds. The BHWC DMP was the first of its kind in Montana and is a model used by other watersheds in the state. In 1999, the BHWC was recognized with the State of Montana "Watershed Stewardship Award" for its innovative and successful approach to drought management.
Land Use Planning: The BHWC shepherded a land use planning effort that resulted in a flood-plain inundation map for the Big Hole River and an ordinance that precludes development within 150-feet of the normal high water mark.
Studies: The BHWC has underwritten scientific studies by which the group can make informed, science-based decisions. Some of these include: water budget studies, groundwater-surface water studies, water management prioritization surveys, irrigation efficiency studies, and habitat restoration prioritizations.
Projects: The BHWC has implemented a wide variety of projects that address water management including: installation of flow gauges, construction of headgates, reconfiguration of diversions to protect stream channel morphology and fish passage, and drilling stock water wells. In addition the BHWC provides community and financial support toward fluvial Arctic grayling recovery efforts.
Community Involvement: Residents of the Big Hole watershed are involved in working groups to address issues of importance which include: invasive and noxious weeds, wildlife management, land use planning, and drought management as well as short term groups to address issues in specific segments of the watershed. Residents are joined by representatives of government agencies such as USFS, Montana FWS, and BLM, as well as private consultants and engineering firms for a diverse and informed group.
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Group Plans: In addition to continued support of necessary existing programs, we are developing a Watershed Restoration Plan that meets EPA standards and will continue to expand the number of on-the-ground projects for water management and habitat enhancement.
Biggest Challenge: Capacity to accomplish our initiatives and long-term financial sustainability of our operations.
Additional Comments:
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Web Site: http://www.bhwc.org/
Contact Information:
Kevin Brown, Executive Director
Big Hole Watershed Committee
PO Box 21, Divide MT, 59727-0021
Phone: (406) 370-7230
Email: info@bhwc.org
Randy Smith , Chairman
Big Hole Watershed Committee
PO Box 21, Divide MT, 59727-0021
Phone:
Email: rsmith@bhwc.org
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| This information was last updated on: 6/2/2010 3:56:48 PM |
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DID YOU KNOW:
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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