Big Hole Watershed Committee

Big Hole Watershed Committee Fostering sustainability through education, management, and restoration in the Big Hole watershed.

The Big Hole Watershed Committee, established in 1995, is a watershed group and a central hub of diverse viewpoints on resource and community concerns. We are a consensus-based nonprofit organization dedicated to conservation of the Big Hole River and surrounding watershed. Our work is comprehensive, spanning floodplains, communities, wildlife, water, and fisheries. We provide education, facilitat

e conversations and planning for issues in our area, and put meaningful restoration work on the ground. The Big Hole River valley is a high elevation basin at the headwaters of the Upper Missouri River. We are open lands, big sky and big mountains, free flowing river, and traditional ranching culture. Unlike most other watersheds in the West, our area remains relatively undeveloped. It is of the utmost importance to preserve the quality of the river and its watershed in order to:

-Maintain and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors;
-Protect the river, wildlife, and habitat for future generations, including
adapting for climatic resiliency; and
-Be a model of restoration, recovery, and stewardship.

Due to receiving several applications already, we will be closing applications for our Communications Coordinator positi...
05/29/2026

Due to receiving several applications already, we will be closing applications for our Communications Coordinator position as of close of business today.

We appreciate the strong interest in this opportunity and want to sincerely thank everyone who has applied. We will begin reviewing application materials immediately and scheduling interviews as soon as possible.

Looking for a meaningful way to spend a summer day outdoors? Join us on July 7 at Moose Creek for a volunteer day focuse...
05/26/2026

Looking for a meaningful way to spend a summer day outdoors? Join us on July 7 at Moose Creek for a volunteer day focused on building and restoring habitat for beavers and healthier streams! 🦫🌿💧

Volunteers will help with hands-on restoration work that supports watershed health, wildlife habitat, and natural water storage in the landscape. No prior experience is needed — just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to help.

Lunch and gloves will be provided, but we do need everyone to RSVP ahead of time so we can plan for lunches.

Sign up here: sagesteppe.org/volunteer

We hope you’ll join us for a great day of conservation work, community, and time outside!

Now accepting applications for Communications Coordinator position. Mostly remote position with some in-person commitmen...
05/22/2026

Now accepting applications for Communications Coordinator position. Mostly remote position with some in-person commitments. Must be local to Southwest Montana, passionate about conservation and rural communities, and experienced in multiple forms of communications/media. View the full job description and instructions to apply at bhwc.org.

Please join us tonight for our May monthly meeting. We've got a full agenda!Our feature presentation is about the Big Ho...
05/20/2026

Please join us tonight for our May monthly meeting. We've got a full agenda!

Our feature presentation is about the Big Hole River fishery and will be presented by Jim Olsen with Montana FWP.

The meeting will also include the following special presentations:
- Water Measurement for Conservation by Jon Peterson, BHWC Hydrology Technician
- Cloud Seeding Pilot Proposal by Garrett Gee from Rainmaker

Please join us in-person or via Zoom! https://bhwc.org/monthly-meetings

05/15/2026

We’re so excited about this stream bank restoration project!

Historically, stream bank areas were often cleared of riparian vegetation to maximize grazing use.

Today, we’re using three different restoration methods to build a more resilient watershed for the future.

04/30/2026

Better water management starts with real data.

This summer, our seasonal hydrology technician, Jon, will be measuring flows across the Big Hole and working with local landowners to better understand water movement in the watershed.

Our in-stream flow monitoring program is free, confidential, and always voluntary.

Interested in being part of it? Reach out and we'd love to connect. Text FLOW to 26989 to get started

FREE livestock carcass removal now available throughout the Big Hole Valley! (From Jackson to Twin Bridges, and even in ...
04/15/2026

FREE livestock carcass removal now available throughout the Big Hole Valley! (From Jackson to Twin Bridges, and even in the Grasshopper Valley!)

Call or text Conflict Reduction Coordinator Eric Lewis at 307-343-3803. Carcasses are hauled to our compost site near Wisdom.

To learn more about the program, check out this awesome article originally published in the Montana Standard.

The Big Hole Watershed Committee, an ag-friendly nonprofit in the Big Hole Valley, provides free livestock carcass removal and composting during spring calving and lambing season to reduce predator conflict.

Join us for BHWC’s upcoming public meeting this Wednesday, April 15 at 7 PM!Topic: Flexible GrazingPresenters: Pat Fosse...
04/12/2026

Join us for BHWC’s upcoming public meeting this Wednesday, April 15 at 7 PM!

Topic: Flexible Grazing
Presenters: Pat Fosse, Dan High, and C**t High
Location: Divide Grange Hall + Zoom

Come learn about practical approaches to flexible grazing and how it can benefit your land and operations. Everyone is welcome!

Learn more and find the Zoom link here: https://bhwc.org/monthly-meetings

📣 Event Share: Spring Sustainable Ranching WorkshopWe’re excited to help spread the word about the upcoming Spring Susta...
03/28/2026

📣 Event Share: Spring Sustainable Ranching Workshop

We’re excited to help spread the word about the upcoming Spring Sustainable Ranching Workshop hosted by the Southwest Montana Sagebrush Partnership!

🗓 April 7–8
📍 Dillon & Ruby Valley
🌱 Theme: From Soil Health to Human Health

This is shaping up to be a great event with informative presentations, great speakers, and a chance to connect with others working in agriculture and conservation. Lunch will be provided both days.

✅ Registration is FREE, but required so organizers can plan for meals and space.
📲 To register, use the Google Form, scan the QR code on the event poster, or call/text (406) 660-2386

📍 Location Details:
The workshop will take place at the University of Montana Western campus in Dillon (Swysgood Technology Center, 2nd floor Great Room). Parking is available near the stadium and on nearby streets.

If you have questions, you can contact:
📞 (406) 660-2386 or Sean Claffey at (406) 596-1484

Big thanks to the Southwest Montana Sagebrush Partnership for putting this together—we hope to see some of you there!

🚨 Now Offering Carcass Removal in the Big Hole Valley 🚨We’re excited to announce that the Big Hole Watershed Committee’s...
03/26/2026

🚨 Now Offering Carcass Removal in the Big Hole Valley 🚨

We’re excited to announce that the Big Hole Watershed Committee’s Livestock Carcass Removal and Composting Program is officially up and running—and our new Conflict Reduction Coordinator, Eric Lewis, is ready to help!

If you have livestock mortalities, Eric can come to your ranch, meet you onsite, and haul carcasses to our compost facility outside of Wisdom.
➡️ You provide the loader/equipment to place carcasses on the trailer—we take care of the rest.

📞 Call or text Eric at (307) 343-3803 to schedule a pickup today.

✅ This service is completely FREE thanks to funding from the Montana Livestock Loss Board and an America the Beautiful Challenge grant in partnership with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Heart of the Rockies Initiative.

💛 While the service is free, donations are gladly accepted to help keep this program going: bhwc.org/

🐺 Why this matters:
By removing carcasses quickly, we reduce attractants that draw in wolves and bears—helping keep carnivores wild and focused on natural food sources, while protecting livestock, ranch operations, and community safety.

🔒 Confidential & Respectful Service
Your privacy is a priority. All information—including number of losses and cause of death—will be kept strictly confidential.

If you’ve got a carcass that needs to go, don’t wait—give Eric a call today. (Photo: finished livestock carcass compost)

Address

PO Box 21
Butte, MT
59727

Telephone

+14069604855

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