This project was funded by a Capacity Support Grant from the MWCC Watershed Fund.
WHO & WHAT
Granite Conservation District and its Granite Headwaters Watershed Group in Philipsburg, Montana—promoting wise use of natural resources and providing technical assistance to land users to preserve rural lifestyles.
BEFORE THE FUNDING
Years without a steady watershed coordinator left community engagement low and subject to unprioritized critical issues—from mercury-tainted Rock Creek to soil erosion and impaired fish habitat.
WITH THE FUNDING
A part-time watershed coordinator will reconnect residents, landowners, and agencies through two expert speaker workshops and volunteer events (river clean-ups, stream revegetation, weed pulls), laying the groundwork for a community-driven restoration agenda.
KEY BENEFITS
- Water quality – cutting mercury and nutrient loads in Rock and Fred Burr Creeks, safeguarding downstream uses.
- Habitat health – restoring riparian corridors and bull trout spawning areas to boost aquatic biodiversity.
- Community resilience – empowering locals with stewardship skills, strengthening partnerships, and supporting sustainable agriculture and tourism.
PROJECT OUTCOMES AND IMPACTS
Project in progress