Ovando, MT - September 17, 2004-The Blackfoot Challenge Drought and Water Conservation Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who participated in the Emergency Drought Response this year.  Drought conditions have persisted in the Blackfoot for more than five years.  Your sacrifice has undoubtedly lessened the impacts of drought on the health of the river and the entire watershed.

This year presented new challenges for all parties as conditions and water supply changed frequently.  Lack of snow pack and early runoff had most people saying this could be the worst year for drought in recent memory.  Higher than average precipitation in May and June greatly improved conditions but proved to only delay the inevitable.

Then, in late August, unusually heavy precipitation (147% to 338% of normal August precipitation depending on the area), unseasonably cool weather, and the collective drought management effort saved us all from what could have been the most critical and stressful conditions.  These conditions had a significant and unexpected impact that helped push Blackfoot River flows back above the 700 cfs mark (flows increased over 200 cfs in seven days from 529 cfs on August 18th to 764 cfs on August 25th).  Since August 29th, flows have remained below 700 cfs but within normal levels for this time of year (654 cfs at the time of this mailing).

While the rain has been a welcomed occurrence for everyone, unpredictable conditions in the coming weeks could quickly negate recent gains.  Typical fall conditions – cooler days and nights with increasing precipitation – should reduce stress on aquatic resources and build up soil moisture and ground water for next year.  However, the problems associated with an extended drought still exist.  At this time, the committee asks that you maintain use of your individual drought management plans until the end of this water year, October 1st, unless flows at Bonner again increase to above 700 cfs.

This fall, the committee will meet to discuss several issues including long-term water conservation projects and to conduct an evaluation of this year’s Emergency Drought Response effort.  One issue that has recently emerged is the committee’s ability to quickly contact plan participants with important information on flow conditions and to report on long-term projects like the Kleinschmidt Flat groundwater study.  We are considering the development of an email list specifically for drought plan participants.  Such a tool would facilitate faster and improved communications.  If you would like to be included on that list, or if your address and contact information have changed, please take the time to fill out and return the enclosed “Contact Information” card.  Filling out this card will help the committee to better serve and keep you informed.  Also, please include any comments or suggestions on how we can improve the current Drought and Water Conservation Program.

Thank you again for your support, participation, and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

Harry Poett, Chair