OUR APPROACH

Our Instream Flow Restoration Program focuses on streams historically used for spawning, rearing and migration by bull trout, westslope cutthroat trout, arctic grayling, and other species. We hope to restore Montana’s fisheries by delivering much-needed water to streams during times critical for native fish, many of which are listed as threatened or endangered. Working closely with state, national, and private entities to augment our own data collection, we prioritize projects on ecologically significant streams with a value to fisheries.

We concentrate on small tributaries where even a little water can make a significant difference for fish, and where our efforts will compliment the restoration work of other community organizations. The Montana Water Trust partners with a variety of local and regional groups, such as watershed councils, state and federal agencies, and conservation groups, and believes collaboration is essential for the success of all restoration in the West.

The MWT’s conservation efforts seek to build new alliances between previously un-allied (often even adversarial) parties by implementing new models for water use and policy in the West. By providing secure, alternative sources of income for Montana landowners, we assist Montana as a whole. Healthy streams benefit communities by enhancing native fisheries, increasing recreational opportunities, and protecting Montanans’ celebrated resources and way of life.

Following is an overview of the objectives used by the MWT to implement projects in our Instream Flow Restoration Program:

• Communicate and Collaborate: The Montana Water Trust schedules frequent meetings and presentations throughout the state and the West. We use our website, our brochure, our Instream Flow Enhancement Handbook (a copy is available by request) and an annual report to share the lessons and discoveries of our work with other organizations and with fellow citizens.
• Identify and prioritize: The Montana Water Trust uses science-based methods to identify streams where the acquisition of consumptive water rights for conversion to instream water rights will provide the greatest potential benefits for fish and water quality.
• Gather and Evaluate Data: For each potential acquisition, biologic, hydrologic, and water rights data is gathered. If the potential project shows ecologically significant benefits to fisheries and demonstrates economic feasibility, then the Montana Water Trust enters into further negotiations with water right holders.
• Negotiate Agreement and Apply for Transfer of the Water Right: For each acquisition opportunity, MWT staff negotiate agreement terms with willing water right holders, coordinate efforts with community organizations and government agencies, and apply to the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation for approval of water rights transfers. Transfer methods include: short and long-term leases, water rights purchases, dry year options, diversion reduction agreements, changes in points of diversion, development of alternative sources of irrigation water, and implementation of irrigation conservation methods.
• Measure and Monitor Instream Water Right: Once a transfer application is approved and an instream water right is in place, MWT implements a measuring, monitoring, and evaluation plan to ensure protection of its water rights and to help demonstrate the benefits of increased instream flows. We are currently pioneering fishery assessment methodologies in partnership with the University of Montana and other state agencies.
• Timetable: The Montana Water Trust’s work follows a seasonal cycle. In the fall, we work with landowners, organizations, and government agencies to identify and prioritize restoration opportunities. During the winter months, we negotiate agreements and file water rights transfer applications. Ideally, new instream water rights are in place by spring or early summer. The summer months are devoted to measuring and monitoring instream flows, especially during periods of low flows. We conduct public education and outreach on an ongoing basis.