Ovando, MT - August 10, 2004 - As the flow of the Blackfoot River dropped to 700 cfs, the Blackfoot Challenge Drought and Water Conservation Committee implemented the Emergency Drought Response for the fourth time in five years. This plan was developed as a way to minimize the adverse impacts of drought while maintaining equitable distribution of water resources in the Blackfoot. It is a voluntary plan with the goal of restricting water use during drought years. Water users including irrigators, anglers, recreationists, and government agencies participate in this "shared sacrifice".
At this time, the Blackfoot Challenge is asking irrigators to implement their individual drought management plans. Drought management plans for irrigators focus on maintaining in-stream flows of streams known to be critical for fish survival. The Blackfoot Challenge has also asked outfitters in the Blackfoot to prepare for implementation of their drought plans which involve the use of angling tactics aimed at reducing stress to fish. Consistent with the Blackfoot drought plan, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks plans to implement voluntary angling restrictions on the Blackfoot River and critical bull trout tributaries when river flows fall below 600 cfs at the USGS Bonner gauge station.
The Drought and Water Conservation Committee is concentrating its efforts on the cumulative and universal impacts of drought. "Drought management during low flows and the health of the river is a watershed-wide issue that can only be addressed through a cooperative effort of the larger community," said Harry Poett, chairman of the Drought and Water Conservation Committee. "Drought Affects Everyone, You Can Help!" is the message that can be seen on signs posted throughout the Blackfoot this year.
As flows continue to drop and water temperatures rise, the Blackfoot Challenge is hopeful that visitors to the Blackfoot will follow the lead of others. "Without the participation of ranchers, outfitters, and anglers in the Blackfoot, the impacts of this persistent drought would be much more severe. It is critical that recreational users know that they can help and that there are others who are making big sacrifices for the health of the Blackfoot. By making small changes in how they use the river, they can make a difference," said Poett.
