Trout Unlimited

Programs: The mission of the big blackfoot chapter of trout unlimited (bbctu) is to identify, develop and implement projects that conserve and enhance the cold water fishery of the blackfoot river and its tributaries, while preserving the existing character of the watershed in cooperation with the landowners and users of the watershed. During the fiscal year 2017, as this mission statement implies, bbctu was involved in planning, implementing or monitoring a number of specific habitat improvement projects as well as participating with valley residents in a wide range of general watershed issues. Bbctu members and partners participated in both watershed-wide initiatives as well as specific restoration projects. The chapter completed instream restoration projects on park creek & nevada creek, and developed fish passage improvement designs on nf keep cool creek. Riparian revegetation occurred on blackfoot river and nevada creek. A new fish screen was installed on blackfoot river and grazing management projects were implemented on monture creek, dunham creek, & nevada creek. Road decommissioning work was developed or implemented on several drainges in the upper blackfoot valley. Bbctu continued its support of the research of montana fish, wildlife and parks on the native fishery of the blackfoot. Bbctu also sponsored and participated in a number of events in the blackfoot valley. The chapter continued its working relationship with internationally recognized restoration hydrologist, dave rosgen, by hosting several of his education seminars and involving students from his classes in restoration project development and monitoring. Bbctu led several tours, presented on restoration topics and organized volunteer days to plant riparian vegetation.