Gov. Gianforte announces deals to improve Clark Fork River flows

Governor Greg Gianforte announced Thursday agreements among the state of Montana, Butte-Silver Bow and Montana Resources that secure water releases from Silver Lake to improve stream flows in the Clark Fork River.

“As Montana experiences significant and widespread drought, flows in the Clark Fork River have dipped to near-historic lows,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Thanks to the swift action and cooperation among the state, Butte-Silver Bow, and stakeholders, these agreements will help mitigate the drought’s impact on our waterways and treasured Montana fisheries in the Clark Fork.”

Under the agreement with the state, which began Aug. 5, BSB will release 32 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water continuously for 45 days from Silver Lake into Warm Springs Creek, where it will eventually make its way to the Clark Fork River.

Under its separate agreement with BSB and to help to expedite the schedule, MR requested BSB to commence releases on Aug. 2, which have already occurred.

Flows in the Clark Fork River are extremely low, with readings of less than 10 cfs at Racetrack and 8 cfs at Sager Lane.

“Butte-Silver Bow worked hard to partner with the State and stakeholders on this project amid such challenging drought conditions,” BSB Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher said. “We recognized the emergency, and Butte-Silver Bow is proud to help with the release of available water and capacity to help address this difficult situation.”

The state’s Natural Resource Damage Program (NRDP) will fund the project under the Upper Clark Fork River Basin Aquatic and Terrestrial Resources Restoration Plans (2019).

A copy of the plan and other information regarding the release program can be accessed at https://dojmt.gov/lands/ or by contacting NRDP at nrdp@mt.gov or 406-444-0205.

NRDP is partnering with the Watershed Restoration Coalition, Montana Trout Unlimited, and the Clark Fork Coalition to monitor the Silver Lake flows and coordinate irrigation withdrawals with BSB’s instream flow right to make sure the resource benefits are realized.

A report summarizing the effects of the release program will be prepared and available from NRDP in the fall.