Effects of Water-Use Development on Yellowstone River Streamflow Analyzed

A new fact sheet published by the U.S. Geological Survey describes the cumulative hydrologic effects of water-resource development in the Yellowstone River. The Yellowstone River is an important natural resource to the State of Montana and is used for a variety of purposes including irrigation, recreation, and municipal and industrial water supply. 

“While the main stem of the Yellowstone River is free of reservoirs and major dams, reservoirs on tributaries and withdrawals for irrigation have a measurable effect on Yellowstone River streamflows,” said Katherine Chase, USGS hydrologist and co-author of the fact sheet. 

The effects of water-use are minimal where the Yellowstone River leaves Yellowstone Lake in the National Park and gradually increase downstream to Billings.  Downstream from Billings, the effects of development are much more pronounced. 

LINK (via: USGS)

Journey to the Stikine and the Sacred Headwaters

 From Mountain Mind Collective

The Stikine is a world renowned river in the northwest corner of British Columbia. It is known for its big-volume class V whitewater in one of the most committing canyons in the world. Kayakers travel from afar every year to navigate the depths of the Grand Canyon of the Stikine, but few know of the fight to protect its vast watershed from industrial development. From mega-dams, to massive open-pit mines, the Stikine and its sister rivers, the Skeena and the Nass, are under threat. This is the story of paddling the Stikine River, and learning about the fight to protect the Sacred Headwaters, the source of the Stikine, Skeena and Nass Rivers.

(via: Canoe and Kayak)

Unraveling The Mysteries Of American River Salmon And Steelhead

Dan Bacher with a primer on the importance of water temperature when it comes to managing American River salmon and steelhead.

LINK (via: The Daily Kos)

Elwha at flood stage for the first time in more than a century

From John Gussman

Epic Montana Trout Rivers - THE BITTERROOT

FWP Delays Release of Madison River Recreation Plan

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has announced it will delay the release of an environmental assessment associated with a draft Madison River Recreation Plan, due to funding and staffing uncertainties.

The plan incorporated recommendations from the Madison River Citizen Advisory Committee that addressed social conflict, congestion, and public safety on the river and at fishing access sites. The committee’s recommendations can be viewed on the FWP website.

LINK (via:The Moose)