Presenters: Valerie Kurth, Regional Water Planner Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Todd Blyth, Surface Water Hydrologist, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

Ever wonder why the lower section of Lolo Creek runs dry each summer? The Montana Department of Natural Resources (MTDNRC) and Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MTBMG) have too. For the past few years these two agencies have been working together to monitor and investigate the water use and streamflow in the valley.

Their research has calculated a water budget that measures water flowing in, and out of the watershed and where it is stored. The study also provides estimates for future water supply and use which informs drought planning and efficient water use.

This study comes at critical time as the Lolo Community Council have begun to review plans for future residential development and infrastructure. Will there be enough to support Lolo’s growing population while supporting historic and cultural uses?

To hear more about future water availability and what it means for Lolo watershed, come to Traveler’s Rest State Park Tuesday, July 6th at 5pm and hear Valerie Kurth and Todd Blythe present their results.