We’re back from holiday break and it’s our pleasure to announce that Sheena Pate has been named Flathead Rivers Alliance’s first Executive Director. In 2021, she began her service with FRA as a contracted Watershed Coordinator jumpstarting the flagship River Ambassador Program. She looks forward to moving forward with the organization’s robust portfolio of projects and programs to support the preservation of the Flathead River system.

2023 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

FLATHEAD BASIN BILLS

• Western Montana Conservation Commission (LC0687)- If passed this would eliminate the sections of law that created/authorized the Flathead Basin Commission and Upper Columbia Conservation Commission (UC3) and stands up the Western Montana Conservation Commission (WMCC) in their place.

• Renewable Resource Grants (HB0006) – MT DNRC is looking to catalyze watershed-wide nonpoint source pollution projects like those in the Flathead and worked to increase the planning grant section from $1 million to $3.5 million, bumping both Irrigation Development and Watershed Grants from $300k to $500k and adding a new grant program for NPS pollution reduction projects at $2.5 million. In total this is asking for an additional $5.4 million in these grant programs for the next biennium.

• Conservation Districts (SB0028) – This bill would effectively double the grant funding available to Conservation Districts, which would allow them to stabilize their staffing and capacity and apply for grants based on their local conservation priorities.

NEXT STEPS (Courtesy Montana Watershed Coordination Council)

• Reach out to your representatives in the Montana State Legislature to share with them your priorities for locally-led natural resource conservation and community health. Below are some links to get you started.

  • Find your legislators.

  • Browse the latest Legislative Session calendar.

  • MT Legislature Bill Tracker. You can even set up a preference list to be notified when a bill is scheduled for hearing.

  • Watch or listen to committee hearings.

  • Testify remotely.

  • Send a web message to your legislator or a committee.

  • Contact the Governor's Office:

    • Governor’s Telephone: (406) 444-3111

    • Email: governor@mt.gov

    • Website: governor.mt.gov/contact

Glacier Distilling Company recently joined as a Corporate Sponsor, but have been longtime enthusiasts of the Flathead Wild & Scenic River. The idea of the distillery was sparked in winter of 2009/10 when a group of friends were gathered around a fireplace in a cabin along the North Fork. You’d be hard pressed to find an employee there that hasn’t guided on the river before joining the Glacier Distilling family. Distinctly Montana made spirits, the distillery uses regionally sourced, non-genetically modified grains in its spirits and no artificial colors or additives. Partners like Glacier Distilling Company are important to our mission, as they help elevate the stage with which the story of the Flathead Wild & Scenic River and our mission as a nonprofit organization to protect the outstanding resource is shared.

We can’t thank our river community, partners, volunteers, donors, and sponsors enough! Our programming and projects wouldn’t be possible without your support. Interested in becoming a 22/23 Season Corporate Sponsor? Visit HERE or email info@flatheadrivers.org to learn how.

Note: River levels have dropped significantly. There are hydraulic features on the river and hazards that may be difficult to navigate at current river levels. Know your skill level and always wear a PFD/Life Jacket! Visit our TRIP PLANNING RESOURCE page HERE for more information.

If you’re cold water/weather prepared and headed out to river and want to share photos with us send them HERE with photo credit and location and we’ll share on our platforms.