The Clark Fork River, which has faced significant degradation over the past century, currently lacks a restoration plan for its central stretch through Missoula. The Clark Fork Coalition, along with local nonprofits and conservation groups, aims to develop such a plan over the next year. Previous efforts by Vicki Watson from the University of Montana were hindered by COVID-19, but now the Coalition is focused on building on her findings, which identified key pollution issues.
The entire Clark Fork is impaired mainly due to heavy metals from mining, alongside other issues like low flows and inadequate riparian vegetation. A comprehensive restoration plan is crucial for securing Clean Water Act grants needed for project funding.
The Coalition has divided the river into eight sub-basins and is discussing potential projects tailored to each area’s specific needs. They are also seeking public input through an online survey to gather additional insights. The aim is to craft a detailed restoration strategy that allows for effective environmental improvements and recovery efforts.
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