Bitterroot Water Partnership

Watershed Restoration: Continued implementing and maintaining targeted restoration projects that protect the lifeblood of the Bitterroot Valley: our rivers and streams. These projects tackled tough challenges like reducing sedimentation, lowering water temperatures, and rebuilding resilient riparian zones-work thats essential for keeping our waterways healthy in the face of draught and other climate pressures. Stream Restoration included 1,900 willows planted, 600 feet of streambank restored, 200 pounds of sediment pollution reduced annually, one native fish passageway restored, 2 miles of streamside road repaired and 310 pounds of non-native invasive weeds removed. These efforts resulted in stronger habitat for native fish, greater climate resiliance for our valley, and cleaner, healthier water for people and wildlife alike.

Project and Program Development: Strengthened strategic partnerships and secured new grant funding to expand conservation initiatives focused on water quality, and ecological resilience. This work includes laying the foundation for decades of restoration success. Careful planning, science-based prioritization and close collaboration with partners and landowners are ensuring that every project delivers lasting benefits for the watershed. This initiative will produce a Prioritized Restoration Action Plan, slated for completion in 2027, which will serve as a long-term roadmap for restortaion work across the Bitterroot Valley. The plan will guide where and how resources are invested, ensuring that each action-whether improving stream flows, enhancing fish habitat,or stabilizing eroding banks-yields the greatest possible benefit for water wildlife, and the community.