The Yellowstone River Conservation District Council developed a set of voluntary recommended practices to support an ecologically sustainable river. These practices aim to preserve the long-term economic viability of the residents and communities that rely on the Yellowstone River. Designed as guidelines, they provide both technical and practical information to help stakeholders identify potential challenges or opportunities and take action that aligns with their goals while maintaining the river’s integrity.
To advance these practices, the Council has formed two working groups to develop implementation strategies and is planning on forming more working groups in the future. These efforts will include outreach and educational activities, agency coordination, restoration project prioritization, and future data collection and planning. The two working groups currently operating focus on Irrigation Water Management and Invasive Woody Plant Control. Summaries of each working group, along with their objectives and goals, can be found in the links below.
Irrigation Water Management Working Group – This Working Group is a collaborative initiative led by the Yellowstone River Conservation District Council (YRCDC), involving staff, volunteers, and a diverse range of partners, including NRCS, DNRC, FWP, BLM, conservation districts, bankers, engineers, legislators, Montana congressional delegation members, local officials, producers, and other stakeholders. This working group addresses key challenges related to Montana’s water resources through two primary focuses: Strategic Planning and Irrigation Water Management.
Strategic Planning
A cornerstone of the group’s efforts is the development of strategic plans for irrigation districts. These plans are vital for addressing Montana’s aging irrigation infrastructure and the critical repairs it requires. Strategic plans encompass a comprehensive inventory of problem areas, resource concerns, soils, geological data, economic considerations, and detailed mapping. These elements are pivotal for grantors, engineers, producers, and irrigation districts to secure funding and effectively implement projects.
By bridging gaps between irrigation districts and available financial resources, YRCDC facilitates access to grants and other support mechanisms. The strategic plans not only highlight immediate issues but also provide long-term frameworks for economic stability and ecological health. For example, in large and diverse irrigation districts like the Yellowstone Irrigation District (YID), strategic planning is essential to manage complexities and ensure project success. This collaborative approach equips all stakeholders with the specific information needed to address and resolve water resource challenges, advancing both agricultural productivity and ecosystem conservation.
Irrigation Water Management
The working group also emphasizes improving water quality and quantity within the Yellowstone River ecosystem through innovative Irrigation Water Management (IWM) practices. These efforts are designed to enhance irrigation efficiency on farms and ranches while delivering broader ecological benefits. Key activities include:
- Enhancing Irrigation Efficiency: By installing moisture sensor technology and teaching producers to collect and interpret data, the group helps optimize water use, increasing crop yields and reducing electricity costs.
- Improving Ecosystem Health: IWM practices contribute to carbon sequestration, reduce runoff and erosion, and nutrient cycling. These measures support both aquatic and terrestrial habitats, fostering biodiversity and resilience within the Yellowstone River ecosystem.
Through these initiatives, the Irrigation Water Management Working Group plays a critical role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices, safeguarding Montana’s water resources, and ensuring the long-term viability of its ecosystems and communities. By addressing both strategic planning and practical irrigation management, the group serves as a vital resource for overcoming Montana’s water-related challenges.
Irrigation Water Management Working Group – Objectives and Goals
Woody Invasive Working Group
The Woody Invasive Working Group addresses one of the most significant resource concerns identified in the Yellowstone River Cumulative Effects Analysis: Woody Invasive Plant Management. Invasive species such as Russian Olive, Salt Cedar, and Common Buckthorn pose serious threats to Montana’s watersheds. These plants disrupt water quality, harm agricultural productivity, degrade recreational areas, and undermine ecosystem health. Additionally, they exacerbate risks of erosion, flooding, and fire, creating compounding challenges for the region.
Recognizing the critical need to combat these threats, the Yellowstone River Conservation District Council (YRCDC) collaborates with the Montana Invasive Species Council (MISC), Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA), Noxious Weed Trust Fund, and the Invasive Species Action Network (ISAN). Together, these partners have taken significant steps to secure resources and enhance Montana’s capacity to address woody invasive plants. Notably, YRCDC and its partners successfully lobbied to increase the Noxious Weed Trust Fund budget, enabling the creation of a task force dedicated to this issue.
This task force is a collaborative effort involving land management agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private landowners. Its mission is to develop and implement a comprehensive management plan that encompasses all Montana watersheds. By uniting diverse stakeholders, the Woody Invasive Working Group ensures a coordinated and effective response to the widespread challenges posed by woody invasive plants.
Through its proactive and collaborative approach, the Woody Invasive Working Group plays a vital role in preserving Montana’s environmental, agricultural, and economic resources. Its work ensures the long-term health and sustainability of Montana’s watersheds, benefiting current and future generations.
Invasive Woody Plant Control Working Group – Objectives and Goals
Side Channel Restoration: New Working Group
The Yellowstone River Conservation District Council (YRCDC) is excited to announce the creation of a new working group focused on Side Channel Restoration along the Yellowstone River. This initiative stems from the Yellowstone River Recommended Practices report.
In collaboration with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) and the Montana Association of Geographic Information Professionals, the working group will hold its first meeting in January 2024. The group aims to develop actionable strategies for managing and implementing restoration efforts.
Currently, over 15%—approximately 90 miles—of the river’s side channels are blocked between the Yellowstone River and its confluence with the Missouri. Restoring these critical waterways will mitigate flood damage and significantly enhance ecosystem health.
This working group represents a vital step toward preserving the Yellowstone River’s natural resilience and supporting the surrounding communities and wildlife that depend on it.
Please check out the Yellowstone River Conservation District Councils Recommended Practices and Position Statement Document.
Working Group activities and other information will be updated on this page as they occur.
Check out our success story-Mission Creek Yellowstone River Russian Olive Project Success Story-Final