Working hard to keep the Bitterroot Valley pristine
Image / USDA NRCS
Everyone loves the Bitterroot Valley for its natural beauty, incredible wildlife, and crystal clear waters.
People come from all over the world to take in the splendor.
So the question is, how can we keep the Bitterroot Valley pristine so future generations can enjoy it as we do?
The answer is conservation, and we’re lucky to have many conservation organizations in the Bitterroot Valley.
Take a minute to learn about their missions, and support them if you can.
These organizations, and our next generation, will be grateful.
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Bitterroot Valley Conservation Organizations
BITTERROOT CONSERVATION DISTRICT
BITTERROOT RIVER PROTECTION ASSOCIATION
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICES
RAVALLI COUNTY FISH AND WILDLIFE ASSOCIATION
BITTERROOT BIRD ALLIANCE
Located in Hamilton, the Bitterroot Bird Alliance is a chapter of the National Audubon Society, sharing its mission to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and earth’s biological diversity.
BITTERROOT CONSERVATION DISTRICT
The Bitterroot Conservation District consists of seven elected officials that deal with the natural resource concerns of Ravalli County, and are responsible for the wise use, development and conservation of soil and water within the District
BITTER ROOT LAND TRUST
The Bitter Root Land Trust is a non-profit organization based in Hamilton that partners with landowners and the community to conserve clean water, wildlife habitat, and working farms and ranches in and around the Bitterroot Valley for present and future generations.
BITTER ROOT RC&D
Hamilton based Bitter Root RC&D has completed more than 2,000 projects toward maintaining the rural lifestyle while improving the quality of life. The organization operates four programs including Hazardous Fuels Reduction, Healthy Kids – Healthy Forests, Home Buyer Education and Bitterroot Collective Impact.
BITTERROOT RIVER PROTECTION ASSOCATION
Located in Hamilton, the Bitterroot River Protection Association is a non-profit tax-exempt organization dedicated to protecting the waters of the Bitterroot River Basin from privatization or environmental degradation since 2020.
BITTERROOT TROUT UNLIMITED
Based in Hamilton, Bitterroot Trout Unlimited is devoted to conserve, protect, and restore the Bitterroot River’s cold-water fishery and its watershed through advocacy, promoting fishery management, projects, defending rights, and public education.
BITTERROOT WATER PARTNERSHIP
Located in Hamilton, the Bitterroot Water Partnership leads reliable and intentional conservation initiatives that promote and provide clean, ample water for people and healthy habitats by working with key partners and our communities. Programs include restoration, building community, and hosting youth and adult learning programs.
LOLO WATERSHED GROUP
Located in Lolo, the Lolo Watershed Group is a community-based nonprofit working towards conserving and restoring the Lolo Creek watershed. Their goal is to enhance aquatic habitat and natural stream channel characteristics while supporting historic and cultural uses.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICES
The Natural Resources Conservation Service has a proud history of supporting America’s farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners. Through their service center in Hamilton, NRCS helps producers, soil and water conservation districts, and other partners protect and conserve natural resources on private lands throughout the United States
RAVALLI COUNTY COLLABORATIVE
Located in Missoula, the Ravalli County Collaborative is a diverse group of volunteers appointed by the Board of Ravalli County Commissioners to promote the wise use and management of public natural resources by local, state, and federal agencies within Ravalli County.
RAVALLI COUNTY FISH & WILDLIFE ASSOCIATION
Located in Hamilton, Ravalli County Fish & Wildlife Association’s mission is to preserve Ravalli County and Western Montana for generations to come. The organization strives to sustain the natural resources of Ravalli County and Western Montana, and ensure that area sportsmen maintain an effective voice in the affairs of our natural resources.
TELLER WILDLIFE REFUGE
Located in Corvallis, Teller Wildlife Refuge is 1,300 acres of diverse habitat in the Bitterroot River riparian corridor. Their mission is to inspire, educate and demonstrate conservation in action through weed management, wildlife friendly agricultural methods, education, research, habitat enhancement, and wetland restoration and management.
Conservation Organizations Make a Difference
It’s hard to imagine the Bitterroot Valley without the many contributions of our conservation organizations.
Thousands of acres of land have been placed in conservation easements to never be developed.
Miles of Bitterroot River streambanks have been stabilized and re-vegetated.
Planting bare root sagebrush / US Forest Service
Forests have been restored from the impacts of wildfire and development.
Water pollution has been mitigated, and erosion has been stabilized.
And to top it off, countless annual youth events and educational programs have taken place over many years.
That’s a long list of benefits for the community and our visitors, and most of the work is done by volunteers.
Consider Supporting our Conservation Organizations
Every conservation organization in the Bitterroot Valley would welcome your support.
Most of them manage conservation projects and programs that require substantial resources, and there never seems to be enough to go around.
Perhaps you could volunteer for one of the many conservation days planned throughout the year.
Bitterroot Valley Rainbow / Bitterroot Info
Or maybe you could offer support through a financial donation.
You won’t have to look long to find an organization that will welcome your help in whatever form you can offer.
And you’ll become one of the reasons the Bitterroot Valley remains pristine in the process.