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Capacity Funding to Improve Water Quality and Reduce Nonpoint Source Pollution

Ruby Valley Conservation District

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

Project Description

BSWC member Tim Weighart helped the conservation district identify and complete a willow staking project with a local landowner and designed a nonpoint source pollution-reduction demonstration garden and rain capture system behind the district’s office. The garden will be completed by the district’s next BSWC member, in the spring of 2024. Tim also conducted photo point monitoring and vegetation transects at six previous stream restoration sites; hosted RVCD’s 18th annual Kids River Resource Day for more than 100 local 3rd-5th graders; tabled at the Sheridan Farmers’ Market; and wrote monthly newsletters and news articles for the local paper related to water quality and NPS pollution.

Project Outcomes and Impacts

  • 424 Community Partners engaged
  • 20 Conservation Practice implemented
  • 1 Acre made more resilient to changing conditions
  • 2,100 Feet of stream bank restored
  • 11 Articles on stream health published in the local newspaper
Wildlife Speaker Series presenter speaks to a large crowd at Jackson’s Garden about grizzly bear behavior. Photo Credit: Tim Weighart
Stream monitoring volunteers Bob Flynn and Bruce Fields measure discharge on Indian Creek. Photo Credit: Tim Weighart

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!