Big Hole Watershed Committee

The Big Hole River is a 155-mile long blue-ribbon trout stream located in the southwest corner of Montana. The watershed encompasses nearly two million acres, yet is home to fewer than 2,000 year-round residents.

In response to the concerns of the communities along the river regarding sustainability and the effects of drought, the Big Hole Watershed Committee (BHWC) was formed in 1995. Our group consists of ranchers and conservationists, guides and business owners, government representatives and concerned citzens. Together, we have been working to maintain and enhance the quality of the Big Hole River and its surrounding watershed

BHWC is a consensus-driven, multi-stakeholder entity that works closely with other conservation organizations as well as local, state, and federal agencies on watershed restoration and management plans.  We have four focus areas: water quality/quantity, wildlife, land use planning, and range management.  Each year, we fund the maintenance and operation of 7 stream gages on the Big Hole and Wise Rivers through donations, for use by our Drought Management Plan, irrigators, and anglers.  

2015 marked the 20th anniversary of BHWC -- we are stronger now than ever, and our current projects include several stream restoration projects, non-lethal predator management programs, education and outreach efforts, and a developing incentive program, to name a few.  Although we are able to (and do!) successfully manage large grants, these grants do not cover our operating costs or the costs of the stream gages.  We need your help to protect and restore the Big Hole River watershed -- please donate today!