Yaak Valley Forest Council

Headwaters restoration partnership the headwaters restoration program protects and preserves habitat and riparian corridors for sensitive and threatened native-fish species through watershed monitoring and on-the-ground restoration projects. During the 2024 field season, yvfc's field crew conducted watershed monitoring at over 60 sites throughout the kootenai river watershed, continuing long-term water temperature monitoring, invasive species monitoring, and analyzing samples for water quality metrics (nitrogen, phosphate, suspended solids). We also expanded testing for selenium in response to growing concern from the community and tribal partners about its impact on fish reproduction. In addition to watershed monitoring, the headwaters program partnered with a private landowner to restore over 200 feet of eroded riverbank to improve water quality at the headwaters of the yaak river and restore high-quality riparian habitat.

Conservation education yvfc builds local grassroots support for responsible forest management that prioritizes carbon sequestration and habitat connectivity, educating the public about issues related to watershed health, and fostering a culture of coexistence with wildlife. In 2024 we expanded existing relationships with local schools, specifically with an emphasis on small rural schools where the small class sizes and remote locations limit access to extracurricular activities and worked with local landowners to protect important wildlife migration corridors in the yaak. Through our robust bear aware program, we provided bear-safe education throughout lincoln county and supported yaak valley residents with bear-safe garbage cans, electric fencing, and bear spray.