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Capacity Funding to Improve Water Quality and Reduce Nonpoint Source Pollution

This project was funded by a Big Sky Watershed Corps Cost Share Capacity grant from the MWCC Watershed Fund.

Project Description

BSWC member Ally Sutcliffe boosted the Gallatin River Task Force’s education and outreach efforts, leading or attending 22 community events. She engaged 139 volunteers, recruited 15 new volunteers, and managed volunteers for a number of events, including an annual pet waste pick-up and a three-day, watershed-wide trash pick-up along the mainstem Gallatin and West Fork Gallatin. Ally assisted with the Task Force’s public outreach at community events and at the organization’s own native landscaping workshop and youth fly-fishing camps, adding water quality education components to all. She also led efforts to maintain a stream restoration project along Upper Deer Creek.

Project Outcomes and Impacts

  • 160 Community Partners engaged
  • 5 Conservation Practices implemented
  • 400 Acres made more resilient to changing conditions
  • 139 Volunteers engaged
  • 1,825 Pounds of trash removed from the Upper Gallatin
  • 22 Community Events hosted
Ally Sutcliffe interacting with youth at fly fishing camp focused on the basics of fly fishing and factors that influence fish and water health. Photo Credit: Dave Pecunies
Ally Sutcliffe interacting with 4th grade students during a field trip focused on the health of the Gallatin River. Photo Credit: Dave Pecunies

Become part of MWCC’s NEW 406 Water Crew!

We aren’t at 406 members yet, so we’ll keep going! Joining at just $5 a month is one of the most impactful ways to convene and connect Montana’s community of water conservation practitioners from around the state. By joining the Crew, you will be contributing directly to Montana Watershed Fund initiatives, like professional development funding that provides stipends for travel, food, lodging, and registration for trainings and conferences.
“As a small nonprofit with limited funds, attending the Montana Annual Water Resources Association Conference is not an opportunity I would have had without a professional development award. Attending this conference helped me make connections that have helped me grow the Sun River Watershed Group and provide better benefits to our community.” -Tracy Wendt, Sun River Watershed Group Executive Director
Learn more about how joining the Crew today safeguards Montana’s landscapes, wildlife, and thriving communities!