Welcome to the Clark Fork Coalition

As a member of Clark Fork Coalition, you know western Montana is pretty special. A place where stunning scenery and abundant wildlife are the norm, and elk, eagles, trout, and non-stop views are part of everyday life. What’s the secret to all this beauty?  

 Water.

annlReport_2ndFrom the cool of the cottonwoods to shimmering rivers and streams, it’s Montana’s most precious resource. You are now a part of ensuring it will be cared for and clean for generations to come.

We invite you to learn more about the Clark Fork Coalition and what your membership means. For over 30 years we’ve partnered with members like you to protect clean water, restore vital rivers, revitalize fisheries, and help people care for our waterways. We’re one of Montana’s most effective and respected nonprofit organizations, and we’re thrilled you’re along for the ride. Read on to learn more, and look for a welcome packet from us in the coming weeks. Welcome aboard!


What your membership means

fly fishermanA new beginning for a hard-working river: In Butte, you’ll find the remnants of one of the most productive copper mines in the world. Since the 1860s it was the epicenter of Montana’s vast mining industry and the key to the state’s growth. But it also had a big impact on our rivers and streams.

Over the past decades, the Clark Fork Coalition has played a major role in cleaning up and restoring those waterways. As a result, you can now witness one of the largest river restoration projects in the country unfolding in the Deer Lodge Valley.

This is a big job, but it’s not the first one we’ve tackled. And based on our experience, we expect nothing less than incredible results. You see, despite taking some extremely hard hits, the upper Clark Fork River has all the natural ingredients to be one of Montana’s most outstanding fisheries. It just needs some help getting there. We’ve made a start – and you may have already enjoyed some great days on its waters. But it’s going to get even better. In fact, some experts call the Clark Fork a “sleeping giant of a fishery” – and we have every intention of waking it up.

river rocks Smart strategies, big results: Your membership with the Clark Fork Coalition helps implement two science-based, results-oriented recovery strategies for the Clark Fork River: 1) removing toxic mining waste and remediating the floodplain; and 2) restoring the tributaries that provide clean water, critical habitat, and those gorgeous native trout we all dream about. It’s a strategic, straightforward approach that promises big results.

This is an exciting time in the history of this valley and its rivers, and we think you’ll love being a part of writing the next chapter. Check out the links below to learn more about the Clark Fork Coalition and our work to make our rivers clean, healthy, and whole. And don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions. We look forward to meeting you!

Learn More: