Governor Greg Gianforte announced an agreement between the State of Montana and Butte-Silver Bow (BSB) that secures water releases from Silver Lake to improve instream flows in the Clark Fork River.
“As Montana continues to experience significant and sustained drought, flows in the Clark Fork River are at danger of dipping to low levels,” Governor Gianforte said. “With our work with Butte-Silver Bow, this agreement will help improve streamflow for Warm Springs Creek and the Clark Fork. We’re committed to coming alongside our communities to protect our rivers, a source of economic prosperity and recreational opportunities, including our Montana fisheries.”
Under the agreement facilitated by Montana Trout Unlimited, BSB will release approximately 32 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water continuously for 47 days from Silver Lake into Warm Springs Creek, where it will eventually make its way to the Clark Fork River. The release is scheduled begin on July 11.
“This partnership will provide critical streamflow for fish and aquatic habitat in the Clark Fork River,” said Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Director Christy Clark. “Maintaining healthy streamflow is important for anglers, landowners, and communities. We applaud this kind of collaboration as it demonstrates what Montanans can do when they come together.”
While flows in the Clark Fork River have not yet dropped to a critical level, with the declining flow trend and continued hot weather forecasts flows are anticipated to reach those levels without this supplemental water release from Silver Lake.
“Butte-Silver Bow is proud to partner with the State of Montana and Montana Trout Unlimited to support the health of our rivers through the release of water from our Silver Lake system,” BSB Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher said. “The Silver Lake water system is also vital to our industrial users, who provide jobs and economic stability to many Butte residents. When we have the opportunity to support both our environment and our community by making water available, we’re eager to do so. This collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to responsible stewardship and the well-being of our region.”
The state’s Natural Resource Damage Program (NRDP) will fund the project under the Upper Clark Fork River Basin Aquatic and Terrestrial Resources Restoration Plans (2024). A copy of the plan and other information regarding the release program can be accessed at https://dojmt.gov/NRDP-sites/upper-clark-fork-river-basin/ or by contacting NRDP at nrdp@mt.gov or 406-444-0205.
NRDP is partnering with the Watershed Restoration Coalition, Montana Trout Unlimited, and the Clark Fork Coalition to monitor the Silver Lake flows and coordinate irrigation withdrawals with BSB’s instream flow right to make sure the resource benefits are realized.
A report summarizing the effects of the release program will be prepared and available from NRDP in the fall.
Source: Governor Gianforte’s office
Photo: USGS
