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Committees and Projects
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Committees and Projects
Executive Committee
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| Senator Burns visiting w/Executive Committee |
Keeping Solvent
Managing the present and planning for the future, this committee oversees finances and the day-to-day work of the Blackfoot Challenge guiding its mission using the Blackfoot Challenge Strategic Plan and financial management. Results: Operating within budget and generating program funds.
Education Committee
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| Adopt-A-Trout (Photo Courtesy Elaine Caton) |
Involving Communities in Conservation and Building Watershed-Wide Partnerships Through Education
Outdoor learning is the best classroom for teaching how to preserve the natural resources and rural lifestyle of the Blackfoot. The Challenge reaches students, teachers, local landowners and visitors through community tours and workshops, outdoor learning sites, teacher training, and youth field days. Results: Outreach to 2,579 households. 500 landowners participating in committees and projects. Over 160 partners involved in the Blackfoot Challenge.
Conservation Strategies Committee
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| Photo Courtesy: Teri Garrison |
Keeping Working Landscapes Intact. Coordinating Land Conservation and Stewardship
This forum of private landowners and land trusts coordinates conservation easements and cooperative conservation projects like the Blackfoot Community Project. Results: 90,000 acres of private lands in perpetual conservation easements. Community shaping its future through plan for resale of 88,000 acres of corporate timberlands.
Drought & Water Conservation Committee
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| Photo Courtesy: Bruce Andre |
Balancing water needs and availability through shared sacrifice and water conservation.
Severe drought and frustrations with Montana’s Drought Management Plan led to the formation of the Blackfoot Drought and Water Conservation Committee and the development of the Blackfoot Drought Response Plan in 2000. Through weekly meetings, the Drought Committee provides Blackfoot water users with the information necessary to prepare for and respond to drought and oversees implementation of the Drought Response Plan during low flow periods. The Drought Committee is comprised of representatives from state and federal agencies, conservation districts, and local conservation organizations as well as local landowners, irrigators, outfitters, and anglers. Results: Conserve an estimated 50 cfs during low flow periods; Reduce stress to fish during low flow periods; On average, 70 local irrigators, homeowners, businesses, and fishing outfitters participating in the Drought Response; 15 soil moisture monitors installed since 2002.
Habitat & Water Quality Restoration Committee
Working with partners to restore water quality and native fisheries.
Under the Clean Water Act, the State of Montana must develop water quality restoration plans for impaired streams. This is very much a "top-down" process and very different from the grass-roots approach that has made the Blackfoot watershed so unique. Recognizing that these plans would be more successful if landowners and stakeholders were involved in the process from the beginning, the Blackfoot Challenge formed the Habitat & Water Quality Restoration Committee in 2000 to provide technical assistance and guidance to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality as these plans are developed. Since forming in 2000, the Habitat and Water Quality Restoration Program has grown to include the implementation of water quality restoration projects, restoration effectiveness monitoring, and basin-wide water quality monitoring in addition to its planning efforts. Results: Completed water quality assessments on all impaired streams; Completed two water quality restoration plans in the Blackfoot Headwaters; Completed draft water quality restoration plans for the Middle Blackfoot & Nevada Creek; Completed the Blackfoot Watershed Restoration Action Plan; With partners, have implemented 9 water quality and fisheries restoration projects since 2003 with 1 additional project scheduled for implementation by 2009 and several others under development; Implemented a restoration effectiveness monitoring program on 10 completed projects; Completed two years of basin-wide water quality monitoring under the Status and Trends Program.
Weeds Committee
A Holistic Approach to Controlling Undesirable, Invasive, Noxious Weeds
Spotted knapweed, leafy spurge and other noxious weeds threaten the ecological and agricultural integrity of the landscape. This committee works on an integrated approach to managing weeds. Results: 474,727 acres in 12 Cooperative Weed Management Areas. More than 100 host specific insect releases for biological control. Multi-species grazing on 15,000 acres of spotted knapweed. 13 revegetation test plots. Integrated weed management by 380 private landowners.
Wildlife Committee
Reducing Human-Wildlife Conflicts Using Preventative and Proactive Conflict Abatement Strategies and Projects
The Blackfoot valley is rich with species like grizzly bears, wolves, and elk all requiring creative management. This committee works to minimize human-wildlife conflicts. Results: 45 ranchers participating in the program. 50% reduction in human-grizzly bear conflicts. 340 carcasses removed in 2005. 14,000 linear feet of bear fencing installed. 40 bear resistant dumpsters installed. 100 residents in bear-alert phone tree.
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