Who We Are | Mission Statement | Council Focus | Activities | Working Relationships | Photo Gallery

History:

The Yellowstone River stretches over 670 miles and is the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states. Originating in Yellowstone National Park, it drains 70,000 square miles of land before it joins the Missouri River northeast of Sidney, Montana. In addition to an abundance of fish and wildlife, the Yellowstone River supports a wide variety of agricultural, domestic, industrial, and recreational uses.

The natural and historic significance of the Yellowstone River, combined with major floods in 1996 and 1997, elevated interest and increased public debate over the impacts of human activities on the River. The lack of information upon which to base permitting decisions emphasized the need for public forums to discuss complex issues and potential solutions. Governor Marc Racicot created the Upper Yellowstone River Task Force in 1997 to address problems arising from the floods and begin studying the cumulative effects in Park County. In 1999, the Yellowstone River Conservation District Council was formed to address conservation issues on the entire river.

Who We Are

The Yellowstone River Conservation District Council (Council) is made up of representatives from eleven conservation districts (listed at the bottom of the page) bordering the main stem of the Yellowstone River. There are also two “At-Large” members on the Council representing the upper and lower reaches of the river.  The Council has a chair and a vice-chair, one each selected from the upper and lower reaches of the river.

Conservation districts have over 60 years experience successfully working and cooperating with private individuals, groups, and agencies to conserve Montana’s natural resources. As legally established entities in their respective counties, they are ideally suited to develop partnerships with the many stakeholders dedicated to conservation of the river. The Council receives technical assistance and advice from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Department of Environmental Quality, Natural Resources Conservation Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, US Geological Survey, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and other agencies.

Mission Statement

The Council’s purpose is to provide local leadership, assistance, and guidance for the wise use and conservation of the Yellowstone River’s natural resources. This purpose is founded on three fundamental precepts:

1) The need for scientific information on which to base management decisions.

2) The need for broad-based local, regional, and national input.

3) The need for technical and financial assistance to address sustainable use issues on the Yellowstone River.

Council Focus

The Council’s focus is to provide local leadership, assistance, and guidance for the wise use and conservation of the Yellowstone River’s natural resources through the promotion, implementation, and updates of the Yellowstone River Recommended Practices (YRRPs) and Position Statements.  Their primary purpose is to work on multi-county issues that have a cumulative impact on the Yellowstone River.

Their purpose is founded on these fundamental precepts:

1. Use unbiased scientific information on which to base land use and river management decisions;
2. Encourage broad-based local, regional, and national involvement;
3. Solicit technical and financial assistance to effectively address issues on the Yellowstone River;
4. Inform and interact with the public regarding resource issues within the Yellowstone River corridor;
5. Provide a mechanism and forum for resolving issues between stakeholders.

The primary resource issues include:

1. Channel bank stabilization (310 permitting procedures);
2. Altered hydrology – irrigation water use and Bighorn River Basin storage and releases;
3. Riparian and wetland management;
4. Water quality;
5. Recreational uses of the river corridor;
6. Agricultural, municipal, industrial, and domestic water needs and impacts;
7. Scenic and aesthetic values of the River corridor;
8. Noxious Weeds and Invasive species impacts
9. Historic floodplain & side channel restoration
10. Solid waste removal
11. Fish passage and irrigation canal entrainment
12. Oil, gas and brine water pipeline crossings.

Activities of the YRCDC: Building a Healthier Yellowstone River Ecosystem

• Celebrating Progress: In March 2016, the Council hosted the Yellowstone River Symposium to mark the successful completion of the Cumulative Effects Assessment (CEA) study. This event brought stakeholders together for meaningful discussions about the future of the river and the Council’s vital role in its stewardship.
• Providing Guidance: The Council developed the Yellowstone River Recommended Practices (YRRP’s) and position statements to complement the CEA. These guidelines help landowners and communities address key ecological challenges by offering practical advice on land management and sustainable structure design. The full set of practices is available through the Council’s website or local Conservation District offices.
• Driving Implementation: To turn these recommendations into action, the Council is creating Working Groups to develop effective strategies and practical applications for the recommended practices.
• Current Initiatives: The Irrigation Water Management and Invasive Woody Plant Control working groups are actively addressing critical issues to improve water use and combat invasive species. [Learn more about these efforts here.]
• Restoring Side Channels: The new Side Channel Restoration Working Group is making great strides. With its second meeting scheduled for January, this group is focused on creating actionable plans to restore side channels, enhancing the river’s resilience and ecological health.