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.
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.
Connect With Us on Socials!
Make sure to follow us on social for the latest float reports, river recreation tips, and events!
