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Expanding Water & Drought Awareness in the Centennial Valley

Centennial Valley Association logo

This project was funded by a Capacity Support Grant from the MWCC Watershed Fund.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Centennial Valley is a productive, working landscape for a variety of stakeholders, including multi-generational ranching families, outfitters, loggers, and recreationists. Maintaining available water resources is critical to preserving the ecological and economic integrity of the Centennial Valley. In 2018, the CVA launched its Water and Drought Awareness Program to monitor hydrologic conditions and disseminate that information to the community to better inform water management and conservation practices. The program’s primary goals are: 1) increase drought awareness and education throughout the community to increase drought resiliency; 2) conduct and synthesize hydrological monitoring in the Centennial Valley to better understand hydrological patterns; and 3) provide support to federal, state, and NGO partners on monitoring and projects that support water resources in the Centennial Valley.

While drought is a natural part of Montana’s climate, it is rapidly increasing in both frequency and intensity, and it impacts each Centennial Valley stakeholder differently. Collaborative and adaptive planning and management are key to creating drought resilience and protecting water resources. Although the Water and Drought Awareness Program does not mandate specific management options, it provides a unique position to deliver effective water management information to stakeholders.

The Watershed Fund’s Capacity Support grant will expand delivery of water management and drought resilience information and education through our new monthly “Water Topics” publication. Specifically, the funds will support added capacity for the Field Coordinator to research, develop, and share twelve (12) “Water Topics” and host one (1) in-person “Water Topic” discussion to enhance information sharing amongst stakeholders. These topics will be an added benefit to the Water and Drought Awareness Program, informing land management decisions and facilitating future collaboration that will protect water resources, build drought resiliency, and protect the ecological and economic integrity of the Centennial Valley.

Project Outcomes and Impacts

Project in progress

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!