Water Quality Restoration/TMDL Planning in the Blackfoot
The Blackfoot watershed is divided into four TMDL planning areas, including the Blackfoot Headwaters (Lincoln), the Middle Blackfoot (Ovando & Seeley Lake), Nevada Creek (Helmville), and the Lower Blackfoot (Greenough, Potomac, & Bonner). To date, two water quality restoration plans/TMDLs for the Blackfoot Headwaters have been completed and approved, and have moved into the implementation phase. TMDL development for the Middle Blackfoot and Nevada Creek Planning Areas is underway and expected to be complete by June 2006. Planning for the lower Blackfoot will begin in early 2006. Planning efforts in the Lower Blackfoot began in 2006 and are scheduled for completion by the end of 2008. Anyone living in the Blackfoot interested in participating in this process should contact info@blackfootchallenge.org or (406) 793-3900.
TMDL/Planning Area Map
Blackfoot Headwaters TMDL Plans
Metals
Sediments
Middle Blackfoot & Nevada Creek (in process)
Draft Middle Blackfoot & Nevada Creek TMDLs and Water Quality Restoration Plan
Restoration Projects
While the Blackfoot Challenge is not an organization that conducts on-the-ground restoration, we’ve worked with three key partners on projects in the Blackfoot: the Big Blackfoot Chapter of Trout Unlimited, MT Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Together, we’ve accomplished restoration on 39 tributaries including 38 miles of instream restoration and 62 miles of riparian restoration; 2,600 acres of wetland restoration; 2,300 acres of grassland restoration; over 460 miles of fish passage barrier removal; and, 13 self-cleaning fish screens installed on irrigation ditches. Our partners are also working with landowners on water leasing, off-site water projects, grazing management and conservation easements to help preserve the Blackfoot’s health from ridge to ridge.
Restoration Location Map and Streams by Activity
A Basin-Wide Restoration Action Plan
Restoration has been going on in the Blackfoot for over 15 years. As programs have grown, so has the need to coordinate. In partnership with the Big Blackfoot Chapter of Trout Unlimited, MT FWP, and others, we’ve developed a basin-wide action plan for the Blackfoot River drainage which integrates differing priorities and areas of concern and defines a restoration strategy for impaired streams in the watershed. Partners have compiled data on fish populations, stream flow, water quality, TMDL status, and geomorphic/habitat conditions. Out of this data a list of streams in need of restoration has been developed and prioritized based on biological/resource benefits, social and financial considerations. The plan identifies opportunities to collaborate on restoration activities, pooling funding sources, and facilitating information sharing on restoration across the watershed.
Stakeholder Action Plan (File Size - 2.16 Mb PDF)
Appendices (File Size - 1.86 Mb PDF)
- Appendix A - Completed Restoration Projects
- Appendix B - TMDL Potential Project List
- Appendix C - Priority TMDL Projects
- Appendix D - Summary of 108 Priority Streams
- Appendix E - Scorecard 2
- Appendix F - Monitoring Protocol
- Appendix G - Guidance Documents
Monitoring
It helps determine project success, gives insight into expected results from restoration practices, and can sometimes show what not to do in certain situations. Monitoring is critical, both before and after a restoration project takes place. Monitoring helps determine project success, gives insight into expected results from restoration practices, and can sometimes show what not to do in certain situations. As part of the Restoration Action Plan, the Restoration Effectiveness Monitoring Protocol was developed to assist and guide partners in restoration monitoring activities. The protocol can be used to determine appropriate monitoring activities needed for evaluating restoration project effectiveness and outcomes.
In 2004, the Habitat Water Quality and Restoration Committee and our partners implemented a 12-station water quality monitoring network in the Blackfoot. This monitoring program will develop baseline water quality conditions data and over time, show water quality trends. As monitoring continues at this level, we anticipate a better understanding of the cumulative effects of restoration in the Blackfoot in addition to larger studies of the Clark Fork Basin.
In addition to the Basin-Wide Water Quality Monitoring Network, a Restoration Effectiveness Monitoring Protocol was developed as part of the Restoration Action Plan to assist and guide partners in monitoring activities as projects develop. The protocol can be used to determine appropriate monitoring activities needed for evaluating restoration project effectiveness and outcomes.
Restoration Monitoring Protocol
