June 2022 Newsletter
Flooding and Water Management Updates
Heavy rain and snowmelt increased the flows in at least five of the state’s rivers to record levels this month, causing flooding in Carbon, Park, and Stillwater counties. Infrastructure and homes were destroyed in Gardiner, Laurel, Livingston, Red Lodge, and Yellowstone National Park. The White House declared a state of major disaster in Montana in response to the flooding. Additional reports regarding the flooding are available.
If you wish to assist with relief and recovery efforts, long term restoration and recovery is being organized by several conservation partners in Montana. Immediate relief is also being organized by the Gallatin Watershed Council.
While water levels increased on the Madison in mid-June, the river did not cause damage to infrastructure or homes. Inflows to Hebgen Lake peaked on June 13th at 5400 cfs, creating the need for increased outflows. NorthWestern Energy (NWE) had boots on the ground monitoring tributaries and the Kirby gage as they increased water releases from the Hebgen Dam.
Following this increased flow management, the inflows have now decreased by more than 10% daily, and NWE has acquired approval from agencies to decrease flows by 30% daily on June 25-26. These reductions lead to conservation of water in Hebgen Reservoir to support recreation and to have water available to reduce stress to fish in the Madison River during the heat of the summer. Water levels and temperatures on the Madison can be monitored here.
Despite the flooding there are still efforts to mitigate drought conditions for the state. NWE has created a new taskforce, the Madison River Drought Management Stakeholder Engagement Team, comprised of business owners, ranchers, conservation groups, and agency partners. This team will hold discussions regarding stakeholder aspirations, questions, and needs. They will also discuss and consider NWE projects, objectives, timelines, rules, and processes as they relate to the Madison River Watershed and Dam operations.
Additionally, NWE has reported that repairs and upgrades to the release gate at the Hebgen Dam will be complete by mid-September. This is in response to a parts failure in November 2021. They will also be hosting a public meeting on Tuesday, July 12th from 7-9pm at the West Yellowstone Holiday Inn Conference Center. The meeting will cover Hebgen Reservoir levels, fisheries updates, toxic algae, Madison River Basin stakeholder engagement, and the recreation projects sponsored by NWE and the River Fund.
Other water management news includes the upcoming commercial river use regulations, which has been undergoing review by the Madison River Work Group. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is accepting public comment until August 5, 2022 on the proposed Madison River Recreation Management rules. There will also be the opportunity to comment on the Madison River Commercial Use Cap. The proposed rule amendments will be posted on July 8th, to be followed by the commission meeting on August 25th.
Project Updates
If you haven’t been out to see the completion of the Three Dollar Bridge Project, you should stop by and explore the clearly defined fishing access trails, enclosure fencing, planting growth, and seasonal electric fencing for protecting off-channel riparian and aquatic habitat. Thank you to our members and donors who made this project a success.
Your contributions have also made it possible for the Ruby Swale Reconnect Project to begin late this summer. Widening the swale and reconnecting it to the river will increase fish rearing and insect production habitat. MRF partners NorthWestern Energy and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks have expressed interest in a larger scope full channel project development, which is in the planning stages now.
Also in the planning and approval phases, the MRF is partnering with USGS and a government agency to complete a Joint Watershed Hydrologic Survey. This survey will monitor water levels over 56 miles of the Madison River, with 46 points of data collection. It will assist in understanding the inflow and outflow of water in the watershed during its peak cycle. A restoration project to help increase water quality and improve water temperatures downstream on Jack Creek is being assessed and considered as well. As approvals occur, we will update membership on their dollars at work in the watershed.
IF4 Wrap-Up
We would like to thank all our members and supporters who joined us at one of the three International Fly-Fishing Film Festival events this year! With over 200 people attending across the three locations, we were able to raise over $5,000. These proceeds help fund projects like those listed above. Your time, support, and interest in connecting at our events is greatly valued. Thank you to everyone who was available to participate!
Upcoming Events
Jun 28: Karin Boyd & Remy Georgeton, Sediment Mobility and Spawning Gravel Availability on the Madison, Watershed Speaker Series Presentation #2, 5-6pm
Jun 30: Board of Directors Election closes (must be current paid member by May 15 to vote)
July 2: Annual Fundraiser Dinner, 5-11pm (sold out)
July 12: NWE public meeting in West Yellowstone, 7-9pm
July 14: Annual Member Meeting and BOD appointment, 6-7pm
July 26: Ryan Kreiner, Grayling and West Slope Cutthroat Trout Conservation in Southwest Montana, Watershed Speaker Series Presentation #3, 5-6pm
Aug 27-28: Ennis Fly-Fishing and Outdoor Festival
Aug 30: Dr. Adam Sigler, MSU Water Quality Specialist, topic TBD, Watershed Speaker Series Presentation #4, 5-6pm
Sept 10: River Cleanup with MRF, BHA, and MGTU, 8am-2pm
Sept 27: Panel Discussion, Watershed Speaker Series Conclusion, 5-6:30pm