Building Partnerships on the River: 2026 Flathead Rivers Alliance Partner Float Recap

On July 9th, Flathead Rivers Alliance welcomed representatives from multiple partner organizations for our annual Partner Float on the Flathead Wild & Scenic River. This highly coveted partner float opportunity has a waitlist every year. Held as part of the 50th Anniversary of the Flathead Wild & Scenic River designation, the event brought together the people and organizations working every day to protect, study, manage, and celebrate one of America's most treasured river systems.

Photo credit: Aaron Agosto Photography

Launching from West Glacier and floating to Blankenship River Access, on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, the Partner Float provided an opportunity to connect on the river itself while sharing updates on collaborative conservation, recreation management, education, and stewardship efforts throughout the Three Forks of the Flathead River.

Throughout the day, participants exchanged ideas, discussed emerging opportunities and challenges, and strengthened the relationships that make collaborative river stewardship possible. From protecting water quality and fish habitat to improving recreation experiences and expanding environmental education, every partner plays an important role in ensuring the Flathead River remains healthy for generations to come.

A special thank you goes to Glacier Guides & Montana Raft for providing shuttle transportation, National Parks Conservation Association for providing lunch from Park Provisions, and to American Rivers for generously sponsoring the shuttle service that helped make the event possible.

Flathead Rivers Alliance is proud to work alongside partner organizations representing federal, state, Tribal, nonprofit, educational, recreation, and business communities. Together, we advance education, stewardship, volunteer engagement, scientific monitoring, river safety, and conservation across the Flathead Wild & Scenic River System.

Photo credit: Aaron Agosto Photography

2026 Partner Float Organizations Represented:

• American Rivers

• Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation

• Bureau of Reclamation

• Flathead National Forest

• Flathead Rivers Alliance

• Flathead Valley Trout Unlimited

• Gateway to Glacier Trails

• Glacier National Park

• Glacier National Park Conservancy

• Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

• National Parks Conservation Association

• North Fork Preservation Association

Photo credit: Aaron Agosto Photography

As we continue celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Flathead Wild & Scenic River designation throughout 2026, we're grateful for every partner who helps protect these extraordinary rivers. Working together, we can ensure the Flathead remains a place where clean water, healthy fisheries, thriving wildlife, and outstanding recreation opportunities endure for the next 50 years and beyond.

Thank you to everyone who joined us on the river. We look forward to continuing this important work together and building even stronger partnerships in the years ahead.