River Ambassadors - Clark Fork Coalition

What We Do

Missoula River Ambassador Program

The Clark Fork, Blackfoot, and Bitterroot Rivers offer myriad opportunities to float, fish, paddle, and enjoy nature, for both visitors and locals alike. As river use has increased, so have litter, habitat disturbance, erosion, and crowding. To address these challenges, the Missoula River Ambassador program was formed in 2021. The program deploys a seasonal team of trained Ambassadors dedicated to educating river users in friendly, approachable ways that encourage responsible recreation and stewardship. During peak river season from June to September, River Ambassadors:

Maintain a visible and welcoming presence at high-use river access points.
Provide information, supplies, and assistance to support safe and responsible river use.
Offer practical guidance on logistics such as parking and float times, helping visitors plan enjoyable outings while reducing congestion and confusion at busy sites.
Share tips for minimizing ecological impacts, encouraging habits that protect streambanks, water quality, and wildlife habitat.

The program spans twelve river access sites, from the Blackfoot-Clark Fork confluence in Bonner to the Kona Fishing Access Site west of Missoula. Across this broad reach, River Ambassadors serve as more than stewards—they are catalysts for a culture of care along Missoula’s rivers. Their consistent presence helps ensure that these waterways remain cleaner, safer, and more welcoming for everyone.

Become a Volunteer Missoula River Ambassador

Volunteer Ambassadors receive training in public interactions and communication, data collection, and stewardship efforts. Volunteers contribute about six hours per month as part of the River Ambassador team. Volunteer Ambassadors may complete their shifts from the water, at our access points, or at fun summertime events in our community. If you are interested in being a volunteer River Ambassador, please contact McKenna Flannigan at mckenna@clarkfork.org or sign up below.

Resources for River Recreation

Whether you’re planning an afternoon float, heading out to fish, or exploring one of Missoula’s rivers for the first time, a little preparation can go a long way. River conditions can change quickly throughout the season, and factors like streamflows, water temperatures, fishing restrictions, hazards, and access conditions can all affect your experience.

To help you make informed decisions before you head out, we’ve gathered some of the most useful river recreation resources in one place. Check current conditions, review safety information, plan your float, and stay up to date on seasonal restrictions and closures.

River Recreation Resources

Program Partners

The River Ambassador Program is a collaborative initiative between the Clark Fork Coalition (CFC), the City of Missoula, Missoula County, the Missoula Conservation District, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and ASUM Transportation. Together, the Missoula River Ambassadors and their partners work toward a shared community vision: a bright future for our rivers and streams, in which they remain healthy, resilient, and safeguarded for years to come.

2026 River Ambassador Team

McKenna Flannigan

River Ambassador Coordinator

After an inspiring season as a River Ambassador with CFC in 2025, McKenna has returned to the organization as the River Ambassador Program Coordinator. A lifetime spent in Western Montana has left her attuned to the importance of protecting and maintaining public lands and waters, and communicating an ethic of conservation to the public has been a tremendous personal and professional joy in her life. Originally hailing from the beautiful Flathead Valley in Montana, McKenna spent many seasons working as an outdoor educator in Glacier National Park, before earning her BA and MA degrees in Linguistics from the University of Montana. She now teaches several Linguistics classes each year at her alma mater. When she’s not spreading the good word about conservation or language, you can find her on the trail, volunteering with local organizations, and playing her clawhammer banjo.

Kit Fisher

River Ambassador

Kit has worked in outdoor education and conservation since 2021, guiding field excursions in Montana and promoting watershed stewardship in her home state of Maryland. A member of the 2025 River Ambassador team, Kit is thrilled to return for the 2026 season. She graduated with her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Montana this spring. With her experience in the social science dimensions of environmentalism, she works to grow sustainable outdoor recreation within the community. She is an avid outdoorswoman and loves to hike, raft, and float. Kit is passionate about protecting the watershed that allows these recreational opportunities to prosper, not only for herself, but also for the general public and future generations.

Vivian Redding

River Ambassador

Originally from North Idaho, Vivian has been rafting on the Clark Fork River and surrounding watersheds since she was in grade school. Led by a desire to protect and restore the environment, she pursued education in the field of conservation. A recent graduate, Vivian holds a B.S. in Environmental Science & Sustainability, as well as a Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems from the University of Montana. While enrolled, she completed a two-year internship with the PEAS Farm, where she honed her knowledge of hands-on sustainable agriculture work. Seeing the tangible impact of local farming reinforced her passion for sustainable food systems. As a River Ambassador, she aspires to connect with the community and expand public education on the link between land, water, and life. Off the clock, you can find her skating Downtown Missoula and cooking delicious meals for her friends.

Raina Woolworth

River Ambassador

Raina is returning to the River Ambassador program after her first season in 2023. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Science and Sustainability with a minor in Climate Change Studies from the University of Montana. In her studies, she focused on climate advocacy, climate action, environmental and social justice, and is passionate about equity in environmental conservation. Last year, Raina completed an internship with the Cottonwood Environmental Law Center, where she spearheaded the organization of a fundraising gala. Coming into this season on the river, she is returning from 5 months of Spanish language and cultural immersion in Ecuador, where she improved her Spanish fluency. When she is not working, Raina loves practicing Jiu Jitsu, reading, cycling, and playing the violin.