Jefferson River Basin Increases Capacity, Thanks to JRWC and MTU

Watershed planning in the Jefferson River basin will have increased capacity thanks to the continued partnership between the Jefferson River Watershed Council (JRWC) and Montana Trout Unlimited (MTU). The United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) announced on July 2, 2024, that the partners received a $300,000 funding commitment over 3 years through the USBR’s Cooperative Watershed Management Program.

“This funding will usher in a new era of watershed planning in the Jefferson basin. It provides the Jefferson River Watershed Council and Montana Trout Unlimited the necessary capacity to complete a Watershed Restoration Plan and design water quantity, quality, and temperature projects at a critical time as impacts from prolonged drought continue to challenge wild trout survival,” said Chris Edgington, MTU’s Jefferson Watershed Project Manager. “With trout numbers near, or at historic lows across much of Southwest Montana, this is where we’ve been focusing our resources, we’re pleased to have this support from the Bureau of Reclamation.”

Located in southwest Montana, the Jefferson River is one of the three headwater rivers of the Missouri River, with a drainage area of 9,532 miles2. Jefferson River tributaries include the Beaverhead, Big Hole, Boulder, Red Rock, and Ruby Rivers, and their tributaries. The Jefferson regularly experiences low-flow and elevated water temperature conditions. For 25 years, the JRWC has met monthly, coordinated restoration projects, successfully implemented a Drought Management Plan, and enabled watershed management conversations between the public, state and federal agencies, county governments, and local non-profits, including MTU, which has been a steadfast partner to JRWC since its inception. By working together, the JRWC and MTU have made great strides - accomplishments that were once thought to be unreachable have become successful realities. The Cooperative Watershed Management Program proposal aims to leverage previous planning and prioritization efforts, such as a JRWC-sponsored groundwater study by the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, surface water monitoring, and the recently updated State of Montana Drought Management Plan, to move priority restoration goals towards project implementation.

“The Council has been working extremely hard on difficult issues for decades. This grant funding is an important opportunity to help benefit our community and the water we all depend on. It couldn’t come at a better time,” said Tom Harrington, Jefferson River Watershed Council’s Board Chair.

“It’s been a long time coming! This is a win-win situation for the farmer and rancher as well as the trout habitat,” said Dan Hagerty, Jefferson County Commissioner.

Funds will be used to:

1. Support MTU staff and the JRWC in completing a Watershed Restoration Plan (WRP) for the upper Jefferson River and key tributaries, highlighting stakeholder involvement, and project prioritization.

2. Contract technical assistance in identifying and developing low-tech, process-based restoration projects in discrete geographies that build rangeland resiliency, increase groundwater storage, and buoy base flow in key tributaries to the upper Jefferson River.

3. Utilize drone technology to complete a riparian habitat assessment. This data will inform project prioritization for the WRP with an emphasis on developing at least one water temperature improvement project.

“The successful Cooperative Watershed Management proposal is the culmination of more than two years’ worth of discussion, planning, and input from local stakeholders,” said Edgington.

Planning for the implementation of this grant funding will continue at JRWC’s monthly meetings. The partners anticipate that funding will be available in early 2025. These planning efforts must be completed by December 31, 2027. For more information on this project or to be added to communications from JRWC, contact the Jefferson River Watershed Council at jeffersonriverwc@gmail.com or Chris Edgington at chris@montanatu.org.

Founded in 1999, the Jefferson River Watershed Council strives to achieve better water quality and quantity while enhancing the area’s natural resources and wildlife along the Upper Jefferson River. Originally made up of irrigators who wanted to ensure that water was plentiful and safe for all uses, JRWC now consists of recreationalists, sportsmen’s groups, federal and state agencies, and other stakeholders. Ultimately, the council seeks to develop practical solutions to difficult problems that impact the Upper Jefferson River.

Founded in 1964, Montana Trout Unlimited is the only statewide grassroots organization dedicated solely to conserving, protecting, and restoring Montana’s coldwater fisheries. MTU is comprised of 13 chapters across the state and represents more than 5,000 Trout Unlimited members and supporters. Find out more at http://www.montanatu.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. High-quality stock photos are available upon request.