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Building Capacity for On-the-Ground Conservation in the Sun River Watershed

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

Project Description

SRWG has created a project screening tool and prioritization matrix to help rank project opportunities for pursuit of funds and project implementation – development of these tools was funded in part with MWCC Capacity funds in past years. Now, developing project ideas into actual, fundable projects is a key step to implementing on-the-ground conservation in our community. Capacity Support funds will be used to cover Coordinator time and mileage associated with meeting with partners, landowners, or funding entities to develop projects and apply for grants. Some potential projects include Elk Creek/Augusta area flood mitigation with Lewis & Clark CD, lower Sun River erosion control with Cascade CD, water quality projects, weed control, and other projects on our prioritization spreadsheet. We may also investigate new project opportunities with our partners.

Project Outcomes and Impacts

  • Established relationships with at least five new partners.
  • Worked with new partners to create a new education and outreach event we plan to continue to hold annually (Freezeout Lake Spent Ammo Cleanup).
  • Worked with a new FWP partner to add a grizzly bear education program to our annual Weed Whacker Rodeo, and create a new “Recreation and Safety” page on our website. 
  • Identified several new priority projects and began applying for funds for those projects.
  • Learned of many potential funding sources we were not already accessing and began a spreadsheet of potential grants and programs to apply to in the future.
  • Applied for multiple grants and were awarded two, with two still pending.

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!