Montana Fish and Wildlife commissioners recently approved 19 projects aimed at restoring and improving wild fish habitat around the state.
The program aims to help rebuild critical aquatic habitats and protect sensitive fish species.
Arctic grayling, bull trout and mountain whitefish are just a handful of species that stand to benefit from the efforts.
The projects are part of the state’s Future Fisheries Improvement Program which provides funding and assistance to groups working to improve aquatic habitat.
Project Coordinator Michelle McGree says, “These habitat projects are important to support the fisheries not only recreationally, but also economically with people that are visiting Montana, visiting the communities, and wanting to have a good fishing experience.”
McGree says work includes improving fish passage through culvert replacements, installing riparian fencing and creating spawning habitat.
The approved projects will receive seven million dollars in program funding and are located in communities around the state including Butte, Missoula, Dillon and Glasgow.
-
The Trump administration recently announced its plans to repeal a 20 year-old policy that prevented road construction and logging on some federal public lands. The Roadless Rule applies to 6 million acres in Montana. -
A new report suggests Montana’s drought could deepen significantly this summer. Already, 60 percent of Montana is in moderate to extreme drought. Another 15 percent is abnormally dry. State officials have agreed to release water from Silver Lake to improve flows to the Clark Fork -
A new lawsuit claims the Montana Department of Environmental Quality failed to assess how nutrient pollution from septic systems near the town of Big Sky will harm the Gallatin River. -
Highway 93 cuts through the heart of the Mission Valley and crucial habitat for turtles and other wildlife. Researchers with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes want to build safer routes. -
A group of local, state, and federal partners is studying how to better prepare for future large flooding events in the Flathead. The work looks different but is moving forward after federal funds were rescinded. -
BLM to begin speedy review of central Montana gas pipeline plan. Flathead Lake dam operators aim to preserve water levels. Ag irrigation ends early on the Milk River.
