Adequate Flow

During Montana’s dry months, the demand for water exceeds the amount available in our waterways. In the Clark Fork basin, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks has listed over 900 miles of streams as “chronically or periodically dewatered.” Most years, there’s not enough water in certain reaches to support fish. Many streams become disconnected from the mainstem river as they dry up. Less water also means hotter water, which increases algae blooms and lowers dissolved oxygen — a lethal combination for our native trout. Drought certainly plays a role. So do irrigation withdrawals. Even residential use can lower stream flow, especially when hundreds of wells slurp up groundwater before it can replenish streams.

To have adequate flow–enough water for streams and rivers to provide ecological services–we work together on more efficient water use and innovative strategies for water storage to help keep water in streams. Our solutions are community-based and science-driven. 

Where are we addressing adequate flow?

• 

  Cottonwood-Baggs Fish Passage

  • Stream Restoration
  • Water Management
  • Wildlife Coexistence
  • Adequate Flow
  • Ecosystem Health
  • Vulnerable Wildlife
  • Upper Clark Fork
• 

  Valiton Ditch Split Season Lease

  • Water Management
  • Water Monitoring
  • Adequate Flow
  • Flood and Drought
  • Climate Change
  • Ecosystem Health
  • Vulnerable Wildlife
  • Upper Clark Fork
• 

  Broken Circle Diversion Upgrade

  • Stream Restoration
  • Water Management
  • Adequate Flow
  • Climate Change
  • Ecosystem Health
  • Vulnerable Wildlife
  • Recreation
  • Upper Clark Fork
• 

  Helen-Johnson Ditch Project

  • Stream Restoration
  • Water Management
  • Adequate Flow
  • Ecosystem Health
  • Upper Clark Fork