While we are still a young and growing organization, we have already accomplished many important strategic initiatives toward a better understanding of the river. Our initial projects were to commission evidence-based scientific studies on the current conditions relating to the insect populations, plant biomass and water quality. Our studies of the macroinvertebrates (bugs) in the river initiated in 2014, have given us a greater understanding of the changes that influence this vital insect population.
We have designed and initiated an aquatic plant study which will ultimately determine the precise presence and extent of this plant growth as well as identifying the causes contributing to the excessive growth of plants and vegetation that choke much of the river in the summer and fall.
Project
Mountains
Client
Good People
What We Did
UI/UX Design, Video Production
The need for reliable baseline data
The sewage spill into the Gallatin river demonstrates the need to have reliable baseline data to measure the effect of these incidents so that those responsible for the potential damage can be held accountable. Because governmental agencies have not had the resources to properly monitor water quality on the river and its tributaries, in 2016 UMOWA began a water quality monitoring program for the Missouri and Smith rivers. As future resources allow, we will expand the project to include the Dearborn and Sun
Rivers.,
Streambank Restoration
In May, 2018, the Upper Missouri Watershed Alliance (UMOWA) began completed its first streambank restoration and stabilization project downstream from the Wolf Creek bridge. We partnered with the landowner, Northwestern energy, MT FWP, and the Helena Boy Scout to complete the project.
Since then, UMOWA has completed one additional restoration project and plans to perform an additional project every year going forward..
Project
Mountains
Client
Good People
What We Did
UI/UX Design, Video Production
INVASIVE SPECIES PREVENTION:
Boat Washing Stations
In the summer of 2019, MT FWP discovered the first invasive quagga mussels in Montana. UMOWA undertook a response to the crisis by partnering with the Missouri River Trout shop in Craig, to install the first boat wash station in the region. This is presently operational and we plan to develop an educational program to inform river users about the importance of proper cleaning of their boats to prevent the spread of invasive species.,
