Join Clark Fork Coalition and
Montana Trout Unlimited
for the 3rd Annual ‘Guiding Without the Dam’
FWP biologists will describe the state of the fishery at the 2nd anniversary of the removal of Milltown Dam, with special focus on the upper Clark Fork and Flint-Rock drainages, as well as the Clark Fork-Blackfoot confluence.
140 S 4th Street West
Missoula, MT 59801-2703
(406) 542-0539 Get directions
In the meantime, help improve the fishery by weighing in on bull trout habitat today! As Montana’s largest native trout and our primary indicator of watershed health, it’s important to safeguard the rivers, lakes, and streams that bull trout call home. Help us make sure the USFWS proposed critical habitat for bull trout is clean, cool, and connected. SUBMIT COMMENTS today, and ask to include critical habitat for bull trout in the upper river.
Yesterday Jack fished with clients that wanted to do a stretch on the Clark Fork River near Superior. It fished, although not as well as they might have liked. Here are a few of the fish they caught. The lighting is a bit bright but you get the idea of the size and species from the photos. It was a bright day and a bit windy, too.
If you are a fan of the Clark Fork River and the cleanup project you will want to put this on your calendar.
The Lower Clark Fork River Cleanup will be held this Saturday, August 29. Meet at Cyr FAS at 9AM for float assignments. Free shuttle and food. Contact TRamaker@mt.gov for details. Sponsors include: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Clark Fork Coalition, Allied Waste, Bob Ward & Sons, Brady’s Sportsman Surplus, Montana Eagle Scouts, NRS, Pipestone Mountaineering, REI, The Trailhead, and Strong Water.
And:
This Sunday, August 30, join Friends of 2 Rivers at the former Milltown Dam site in Bonner for an afternoon of presentations, music, food, and activities for the whole family at the 5th annual Community at the Confluence event! Admission is FREE and the event will be held from noon until 4PM.. Visit friendsof2rivers.org for more info.
Visit the Clark Fork Coalition website for more events and information at http://www.clarkfork.org/.
The Clark Fork Coalition believes that recovery of this amazing river is within reach. One board member, Dan Keily, wanted to see for himself what needs to be done.
This summer, Dan and fishing guide John Havlik floated the length of the Clark Fork River, starting at Racetrack Creek near Butte, and taking out 320 miles downriver at Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho.
Using the words of the Clark Fork Coalition: Long abused and neglected, the Clark Fork River is poised to make a tremendous comeback over the coming decade, and the dream of watershed-wide restoration we’ve been working toward for years is now a little closer to reality. We’re using this historic float to launch our Vital Rivers Initiative, the Coalition’s new stream restoration program that will repair damaged tributaries of the upper Clark Fork River.
During their month-long float, Daniel and John will be joined by Coalition members, political guests, scientists, writers, youth, and sportsmen– and, maybe, by you. This hard-working river is coming back to life, and the Clark Fork 320 will showcase what this restoration means for all Montanans.
Jack participated in this float with many, many other dedicated people. Below are some photos that Jack took. After that, see a video and a map of projects that need to be done. Visit Clark Fork Coalition 320 for more information.
If you haven’t been, you need to go to the 4th of July BBQ put on by the Rattlesnake Gardens – (406) 543-9962
2501 Rattlesnake Dr, Missoula, MT 59802 Get directions Cross Streets: Near the intersection of Rattlesnake Dr and Powell St.
Jack’s band, Pinegrass, played the music there this year. I had never been and had no idea this was their 10th annual party! I can see why they have been so popular. The family picnic atmosphere was amplified with the great food, beverages, and ice cream. There was plenty of seating in the shade and some in the sun. Music was both the feature and the background.
So many people of all ages seemed to grin, visit, eat, dance and be merry from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. When it was over, the crowd left by bike, foot, and car and with in minutes, the place was quiet and clean. Amazing!
If you want to see for yourself, see the slideshow below. There are lots of photos so you might want to open it in a new window and buzz through it. Or, you can come for yourself next year!
Jack will be doing a benefit float on the Clark Fork River this Tuesday and Thursday for the Clark Fork Coalition 320 Float. They will be doing 320 miles in 20 days! Whew. He has decided to use the Rattlesnake Gardens for his lunches. That will be tasty! Lucky floaters.
Support the Big Sky Rivers Act TODAY! Join us Friday for River Lobby Day.
Your river needs you this week.
Please voice your support for HB 455, the “Big Sky Rivers Act,” up THIS THURSDAY, February 19 in the House Local Government Committee.
1) Leave a message for your Representative at 406-444-4800
2) Email a brief message of support directly to your Representative
3) Send your support to the entire House Local Government Committee: send emails to kbutcher@mt.gov
Join us this Friday, Feb 20th, at the Capitol!
8:30 am – Vans leave from CFC office in Missoula.
10:30 am – Meet at the Rotunda and tour the Capitol building.
11:00 am – “Lobbying and Legislature Basics” with Brianna Randall of the Clark Fork Coalition, Sarah Cobler of Montana Conservation Voters, and other policy mentors.
12:00 pm – Lunch with selected Representatives and Senators (food provided).
1:00 pm – View House and Senate floor sessions from the gallery.
2:00 pm – Join a mentor to attend committee hearings or lobby your elected officals on the Coalition’s priority bills.
4:30 pm – Leave Capitol and swing by the Blackfoot River Brewing Company to meet and greet other Coalition members and river supporters.
Please RSVP by Weds 2/18 to attend or carpool: info@clarkfork.org or 542-0539 x200.
