Publications

Montana Watercourse, 2009 Annual Report

This guide provides wetlands information to help landowners make informed decisions about managing, protecting and restoring wetlands. 

Contents include: 

• Information about the value and functions of wetlands 
• Profiles of partnerships among landowners, agencies and organizations to manage wetlands/grasslands for enhancing environmental and economic values of the land
• Resource information for help with wetland management 
• Information on state, federal and tribal laws, permits and regulations

This guide encourages landowners in eastern Montana to manage for conservation of wetlands and grasslands and offers assistance from agencies and organizations to help achieve management goals. 

Contents include:

• Importance of wetlands, grasslands and riparian areas
• Economics of conservation and agricultural operations
• Profiles of partnerships among landowners, agencies and organizations to manage wetlands/grasslands for enhancing environmental and economic values of the land
• Information for partnerships and management options

This eight-page guide provides the basics of:

• Ground water and its connection to surface water
• Montana's ground water use, availability, permits and regulations
• Overview of private well and septic systems
• Protecting ground water quality
• Lnks to ground water resources

See also the 2008 update information sheet

Before deciding on developing a pond landowners should consider:

• What is the purpose of the pond?
• Where will the water come from?
• How will the pond affect local water resources, wildlife, soils, and vegetation?
• What permits are needed?
• How will I maintain the pond?
• What alternatives are there?
• Contacts for more information

This guidebook is designed to serve both community and educational groups who are either initiating volunteer monitoring programs or expanding a well-established program. The guidebook supports the Montana Watercourse's Volunteer Water Monitoring program to promote knowledge and stewardship of aquatic resources by teaching local citizen volunteers the skills needed to gather accurate, non-biased water quality information.

The Guidebook is provided free to individuals and groups who complete a Montana Watercourse Volunteer Water Monitoring training. Otherwise, the book may be downloaded, or hard copies may be purchased for $15.

Realtors have an important job of welcoming and educating new landowners moving to Montana. While many people are moving here to enjoy Montana's unspoiled natural beauty and recreational opportunities, most are unaware that the future health of these areas depends on responsible landowner stewardship. This publication is designed to inform Montana's realtors about the essentials of wetlands and riparian areas, their regulations, and landowner responsibilities.

This handbook is designed to assist anyone in identifying and using land use planning tools, both to advance local interests and to contribute to the protection of wetland and riparian resources.

This Sourcebook is an excellent resource for residents of the Gallatin watershed.  It serves as a primer for land use and water quality-related topics including: water supply and distribution, water rights, water quality, stormwater runoff, septic systems and wells, household hazardous waste and electronic waste, wetlands and streamside areas, permitting and regulations, best management practices for lawns and pastures, local geology, as well as an historical perspective on water use in the Gallatin watershed. 
View or download the Sourcebook here, or contact the Gallatin Local Water Quality District by calling 582-3145 or email tammy.crone@gallatin.mt.gov. 

Information in this Guide includes:

• How streams and watersheds work
• Restoration
• Working with streams; the permits you will need and methods of alteration and stabilization

This is a great introduction to stream morphology. It is also available through the Montana Department of Environmental Quality 406-444-6697.

A non-technical key to the genera with keys to the species of sedges and rushes. On line at NRIS.

This guide provides basic information and ideas for managing your land. A valuable list of contacts concerning regulations or management questions is included. This guide is also available from the Conservation Districts Bureau at the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation 406-444-6667.

An EPA publication concerning guidelines for communities and landowners along the Upper Missouri River

• Describes the character of the river
• Describes how a stable river functions
• Outlines methods for keeping healthy reaches from eroding
• Suggests steps for restoration for erosion problems
• Describes protection and restoration methods in general terms
• Lists resources needed to take action

This guide reviews:

• Hydrologic cycle and history of water use in MT
• Who uses Montana's water and how
• Quality of the state's surface and groundwater
• Profiles of the Yellowstone, Missouri and Columbia river basins
• Water management responsibilities for federal, state and regional agencies
• Ways you can become involved in local water management

This guidebook was prepared under the direction of the Milk River International Alliance as a learning tool to accompany the video. The guidebook is also available through Hill and Blaine County Conservation Districts. The video is available for $10 by contacting Montana Watercourse, or by calling (406)994-6671.

This book for educators is designed for use with the video and guidebook. It contains:

• Pre- and post-video discussion questions
• 7 activities on issues important to the Milk River
• Glossary of terms
• Black line map of the Milk River Watershed for overheads and handouts