The University of Montana Western and Trout Unlimited are excited to host the 3rd annual Community Water Conversations, “What’s Happening on the Ground: Restoration Efforts and Landscape Health,” on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in UMW’s STC Great Room.
This free event, open to the public, will feature a panel discussion and Q&A session. It’s an opportunity to hear from a group of experts sharing insights on local water issues. This year’s panelists include:
Dusty Crowe – Assistant Field Manager, Dillon BLM Office
Tana Lynch – Associate Director, Big Hole Watershed Committee
Heidi Anderson – Southwest Montana Riparian Project Manager, The Nature Conservancy
Chris Edgington – Jefferson Watershed Project Manager, Trout Unlimited
Katelin Killoy – Riparian Ecologist, Arctic Grayling CCAA Programs, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MT FWP)
Kaitlin Boren – Hydrologist, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC)
“Year 1 focused on local water resources and challenges from changing snowfall and precipitation. In Year 2, we addressed water rights and exempt wells in response to community interest. For Year 3, we’re exploring how organizations and agencies work with landowners on restoration efforts to improve our local water resources,” explained Dr. Arica Crootof, UMW Associate Professor of Environmental Sustainability.
Dr. Crootof’s students are involved in designing and hosting the event. “We need spaces where people can come together and learn together. This happens in the classroom, but we need opportunities beyond the classroom too—and what better topic to bring us together than water,” she said.
Montana Western’s Community Water Conversations aim to create a space for students, practitioners, and community members to learn about the complexity of water issues and recognize the role each of us plays in shaping local water resources. We hope you can join us!
Montana Western would like to thank Montana Trout Unlimited and each of the panelists for making this event possible.
Attendees are encouraged to bring questions and ideas for this event and future community conversations. For more information, please contact Dr. Arica Crootof at arica.crootof@umwestern.edu.
