Trout Unlimited - Montana Council

Montana Trout Unlimiteds exempt purpose achievements continue to include protecting and restoring trout habitat, advocating for clean water and wild fish management and educating the public on Montanas fishery issues.Examples of Montana TUs FYE 2023 accomplishments to protect water quality and quantity to benefit coldwater fisheries include:Reviewed and provided input on public land management activities and management plans as they relate to protecting water resources.Protected the Smith River and moved one step closer to stopping the proposed Black Butte Mine. MTU won a district court decision on all MEPA/MMRA claims and appeal was heard in Montana Supreme Court, waiting on ruling. Made strides toward a mineral withdrawal.Participated in EA process on new mining at Zortman gold mine, worked closely with the Fort Belknap Indian Community, supported the renewal of a BLM mineral withdrawal adjacent to the former Zortman min and FBIC reservation.Defended MTs water quality standards in Lake Koocanusa and the Kootenai River against weaking by Canadian coal mining industry.Participated in statewide drought management plan (SDMP) revision.Increased instream flow through water right changes, improved infrastructure and habitat restoration.Maintained fulltime staff in the Montana State Legislature to advocate for policy that benefits coldwater fisheries.Montana Trout Unlimited strives to protect high-quality fish habitat and to restore degraded streams and watersheds. Our FYE 2023 accomplishments include:Provided funding for a full-time Jefferson Watershed Project Manager with a focus on improving irrigation and ranching practices to benefit instream flow.Led major stream restoration work in Middle Fork Judith to improve water quality and fishery health in an area with few healthy coldwater resources. Most phases of project complete.Secured funding from the EPA to study fish toxicity in the Clark Fork River.Defended Montanas constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment and relevant environmental laws. Defended Bad Actor by joining a mandamus action to force DEQ/State to continue implementing over potential mining in the Cabinet Mountains that would impact ESA bull trout.Healthy, abundant populations of wild trout are the best measure of Montana TUs success. We emphasize conservation of sustainable wild and native trout populations. Our actions the past year include. Funding portions of wild or native trout habitat improvement projects in the Blackfoot, Beaverhead, Missouri, Clark Fork, and Bitterroot River watersheds.Securing funding to increase grant opportunities for restoration and conservation projects by local TU chapters. Lead statewide advocacy for coldwater fisheries management and funding by regularly communicating with, monitored, and advised state agencies, boards and commissions.Provided official comments and regular communications with FWP leadership/regional biologists and the F&W Commission regarding using best fishery science to manage MT streams and rivers.Montana TU is first and foremost a people organization. Achieving our mission requires engaged members, supporters and partners. We strive to improve and protect the values the public treasures about rivers and trout: Educated the next generation of conservationists with one 5-day, overnight camp.Increased awareness of fisheries issues from responsible angling and fish handling, Hoot Owl information to ongoing concerns and opportunities like AIS, catch-and-release and Keep Em Wet.Helped train the next generation of angling guides in conservation priorities and strategies.Defended Montanas best-in-the nation Stream Access Law and public lands.