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Quake Lake Hydro Update: Project Advances
Imagine a major industrial complex sited on the banks of the Madison River atop the landslide at Quake Lake. Yet this is what a company based in Bozeman is proposing: a hydroelectric generating plant including a 3,200-foot long, 9-foot diameter penstock, buildings to house generators and related equipment, a 50-foot tall submerged intake in Quake Lake, a new tailrace discharging flows into the Madison, and a 4-mile long 12.5 kilovolt transmission line.
This is what Hydrodynamics Inc. of Bozeman is proposing to build on the banks of the Madison. According to a progress report the company filed Sept. 30 with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), they've contracted with a consultant to evaluate the potential impact of the project on the Madison fishery. The company was issued a preliminary permit last year to study the feasibility of the project.
The company appears to be proceeding with its plans despite the opposition of the Foundation and many others who filed with FERC to intervene (including Trout Unlimited, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, PPL Montana, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, American Rivers, and others.) Hydrodynamics seems oblivious to the iconic character of the Madison River as a world-renowned wild trout fishery, the project's potential impact on the scenic values of the Madison Valley, the importance of the river and the valley to the local tourist- and recreation-based economy of the region, or other concerns. If the facility were to be built, the benefits would not accrue to the local economy. Montana is a net exporter of electrical power and the energy produced by the site on the Madison would feed into the grid and out of state.
The Madison River Valley is much more valuable to the local economy as a natural resource that draws many thousands of people every year to enjoy world famous fishing and hunting, bird watching and wildlife viewing, whitewater kayaking, and other recreational activities. We will continue to monitor the proposed hydroelectric projects and keep you updated on developments.
Westslope Cutts Thriving in Wigwam Creek Project Site
Earlier this month, volunteers from the Foundation helped U.S. Forest Service fisheries biologist Darin Watschke and his crew conduct a fish census on Wigwam Creek, a tributary of the Madison. The results were very encouraging! We electroshocked almost 1,000 feet of the creek -- both inside and outside the livestock exclosure created this summer -- and found almost 100 native westslope (all fish were returned alive to the creek).
The project, a partnership of the Foundation, Forest Service and the Bar 7 Ranch, installed exclosure fencing along the creek and provided off-site watering facilities for cattle on the grazing allotment. The project on National Forest land is designed to protect a native population of westslope cutthroat and mitigate the impacts of the livestock on the stream. The fish census will provide baseline data to monitor the project's success. So far it appears the cutthroat are doing well in the stream high in the Gravelly Range.
Westslope cutts are the native trout of the Madison watershed. Although today they occupy less than 10 percent of their historic range, remnant populations remain in the headwaters tributaries of the Madison and occasionally turn up in the Madison itself: Foundation excutive director Richard Lessner reports having caught a fat westslope in the Madison in September.
Westslopes, first described for science by Meriwether Lewis in July 1805 at the Great Falls of the Missouri, are a link to our past and an important native species worth protecting. The Foundation thanks Bar 7 Ranch owner LeRoy Thom for his support, as well as Madison District Ranger Sue Heald, and Kay Suzuki and Darin Watschke of the U.S. Forest Service. The project was funded by grants from PPL Montana and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' Future Fisheries Improvement Program. And huge thanks also to the many MRF volunteers who contributed more than 100 hours to work on the project!
Water Monitoring "Stream Team" Gets Feet Wet
Throughout the summer and fall, some of you may have noticed community volunteers wading in local waters, strange equipment in hand. Like Cathie Jean (left) and Donna Jones in the photo above, these folks were not armed with fly rods and fishing gear, but with turbidity tubes, flow meters, and dissolved oxygen probes. They were taking measurements of water quality on local waters. Streams monitored included the West Fork of the Madison, O'Dell Creek, Moore's Creek, and North and South Meadow Creeks. During multiple field trips, volunteers completed data collection at the sites.
The picture that emerged from the data was encouraging: water quality is generally good for fish and human health standards, including low temperatures, sufficient flows, and high oxygen content. Volunteers also found interesting patterns that show positive effects of restoration efforts and natural conditions not associated with land use.
The all-volunteer Stream Team included Dick Rohrbaugh, Larry Krokes, Manny Hoag, Dave Bricker, Tom Cracraft, Ron Humphrey, Larry Hudson, Cathie Jean, and Donna Jones. Thanks to all! In-depth findings will be presented to the public this fall. And thanks also to Madison Watershed Coordinator Sunni Heikes-Knapton for organizing the volunteer effort.
"Guardians of the River" Gala Banquet Sells Out – First Madison Valley Bank Receives Friend of the Madison Award
The 2010 Friend of the Madison award was presented to First Madison Valley Bank of Ennis at the Foundation's 8th annual "Guardians of the River" Gala Banquet. Foundation President Storrs Bishop presented the award to bank chairman Tim Combs. In presenting the award, Foundation Secretary Dave Bricker cited the Combs's family crucial role in founding the Foundation's Ennis on the Madison Fly Fishing Festival in 2003 and its continuing support over the years.
The award, a crystal water drop inscribed with the Foundation logo and name of the recipient, recognizes individuals or organizations that have made a significant contribution to the support of the Foundation or to protecting and preserving the Madison River. Previous recipients of the award include Bruce Belles of ClackaCraft Drift Boats, Craig & Jackie Mathews of Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone, and Bob & Annie Graham of Elk Meadows Ranch.
First Madison Valley Bank has provided important financial support for the Foundation as well as making the bank's Peter T's Park available as the site of the Festival. In addition to the Combs family, bank officials Mary Oliver and John Duncan have been instrumental in supporting the Foundation and Festival. Thanks to all!
The Gala itself was a smashing success. The event held at the Old Kirby Place on the banks of the Madison at the historic West Fork Bridge was sold out. As one of the Foundation's two annual fund-raising events, the banquet provides critical financial support. The live and silent auctions raised substantial funds for the Foundation's operations and projects. Many thanks to all who attended as well as to Bruce Alverson and the Alverson family for making the gorgeous Old Kirby Place available as the banquet site.
Just a Pile of Rubble?
The Foundation is sponsoring a talk about the Quake Lake landslide at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 19th at the Madison Valley Public Library. Check out the talk notice for details.
Foundation is Major Sponsor of International Wild Trout Symposium
The Madison River Foundation has become a major sponsor of the Tenth Wild Trout Symposium to be held September 27-30 in West Yellowstone, Montana.
"This international event brings together biologists, fisheries managers, scholars and researchers from all over the world," said Foundation executive director Richard Lessner. "In December the Foundation's Board of Directors voted to award a $3,000 grant to the symposium to support scientific research into the global effort to protect, preserve and enhance the world's wild tout populations."
"The symposium offers scientists working in the field trout conservation the opportunity to share their research with their peers from all over the world. Whether it's combating invasive species such as whirling disease that threatens trout populations or genetic studies to preserve native species, the symposium represents the basic scientific research required for such endeavors. The Foundation is proud to be associated with this prestigious gathering as a major sponsor," Lessner said.
Foundation Supports Work of Madison Co. Streamside Protection Steering Committee
The Madison River Foundation has extended its support to the work of the Streamside Protection Steering Committee. The nine-member citizens' advisory committee worked for almost two years and held 21 public meetings to draft an ordinance to protect the riparian corridors along the Madison River and it tributaries. The Foundation's Board of Directors voted unanimously to endorse the work of the committee and in a letter to the Madison County Planning Director, Charity Fechter urged the Planning Board to move forward with public hearings on the draft ordinance. Here is the text of the letter:
Dear Charity,
The Board of Directors of the Madison River Foundation supports the work of the Streamside Protection Steering Committee, urges the Planning Board to move forward with public hearings on the proposed measure, and to move forward in the next steps in the ordinance process.
The mission of the Foundation is "to preserve, protect and enhance the Madison River ecosystem for the mutual benefit of wildlife and all people who use it . . . advocating worthy public policy to ensure the future well-being of this valuable resource." We believe the draft ordinance represents sound public policy and reflects the Steering Committee's consensus that it would extend and strengthen the county's existing streamside protections for the Madison River and its tributaries.
The Steering Committee appointed by the County Commissioners conducted 21 public meetings over a period of almost two years in drafting the proposed ordinance. The public was involved at every step of the process and interested parties were able to offer substantial input into the drafting of the proposed ordinance. The final product of this public process, the draft ordinance, reflects the consensus of all nine citizens who served on the committee and who represented a wide range of viewpoints on the issue of streamside protection. All nine citizen members of the Committee signed the letter of transmittal to the Planning Board endorsing and recommending the draft ordinance.
The science published in peer-reviewed journals overwhelmingly demonstrates the importance of preserving and protecting riparian resources for both ensuring water quality and providing critical habitat for wildlife. The draft ordinance fairly balances private property rights with the public's interest in protecting our natural resources. The draft ordinance is a reasonable compromise that preserves both the rights of the property owner to develop his property and the public's interest in protecting the natural resources of the Madison watershed. Moreover, the draft focuses on protecting riparian resources rather than seeking to impose a rigid, one-size-fits-all setback based on an arbitrarily chosen number.
The Foundation Directors commend the Madison County Commissioners for taking the initiative in 2007 on this important issue, as well as and the citizens' Committee that devoted significant time and effort in developing the draft ordinance. We urge the Planning Board to schedule public hearings on the draft ordinance in a timely and appropriate manner, per the normal and usual ordinance review process, and at the conclusion of the public hearing process to act on the measure.
Sincerely,
Storrs Bishop
President
Bozeman Attorney Jim Goetz Joins Foundation Board of Directors
Noted Bozeman conservation attorney James H. Goetz has been appointed to the Madison River Foundation's Board of Directors.
"Jim Goetz is one of the leading conservation and water-law attorneys in Montana and the U.S.,' said Foundation Executive Director Richard Lessner. 'He has pled major conservation cases before the Montana and U.S. Supreme Courts and the Foundation directors are delighted that he has joined the Board."
Goetz's appointment fills a vacancy on the nine-member Board created when Sunni Heikes-Knapton resigned last year to become the Madison Watershed Coordinator, a new position formed by the Madison Watershed Partnership, a coalition comprised of the Madison Water Conservation District, the Madison River Foundation and the Madison Valley Ranchlands Group.
Jim Goetz was born in Miles City, MT. He grew up Ennis and was graduated from Ennis High School. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Montana State University and his LL.B from the Yale Law School. He is the senior partner in the Bozeman law firm Goetz, Gallik & Baldwin, P.C.
"Having someone of Jim Goetz's knowledge, experience and reputation on the Foundation Board of Directors will be a major asset to the organization," Lessner said. "It is great testimony to the growth and credibility of the Foundation as an organization that an individual of Jim Goetz's standing is willing to devote his time and talents to serve on the board."
Foundation Weighs in on Highway 287 Truck Issue, Cites Threat Posed to the Madison River
Heavy long-haul trucks carrying hazardous materials should be prohibited from using U.S. Highway 287 through the Madison Valley and all trucks should be banned from using Highway 84 from Norris along the Madison River to Four Corners near Bozeman.
The Madison River Foundation's Board of Directors indicated its support for these policy initiatives in a letter sent to Gov. Brian Schweitzer. The letter emphasized the threat to the Madison River posed by the heavy volume of interstate, long haul trucks on these two highways. Traffic volumes on these roadways have increased dramatically in recent years due to the closure of Highway 191 to trucks from West Yellowstone to Bozeman. That highway should re-open to truck traffic this summer, but the potential hazard to the Madison remains.
"Heavy long-haul trucks, many towing two trailers, pose an unacceptable threat to the region's top economic asset - the Madison River," said Foundation executive director Richard Lessner. "The Foundation's Board of Directors is not advocating putting more such trucks on Highway 191 through the Gallatin Canyon as an alternative to Highway 287. Both routes along these two rivers are unacceptable for long-haul trucks, especially those carrying toxic materials. An accident spilling toxic materials into the Madison would be an economic and ecological disaster. These trucks should use the interstate highways, not two-lane rural highways."
The Foundation's letter to the governor also cited the high potential for accidents and conflicts between very large, heavy trucks and recreational users of the Madison along Highway 84, an area that sees hundreds of recreational river floaters in the summer.
Dear Gov. Schweitzer,
The Board of Directors of the Madison River Foundation wishes to express its support for efforts to reduce the impact of the heavy volume long-haul trucks through the Madison Valley and along the Madison River.
The Foundation supports the following policy initiatives:
- Prohibit interstate trucks from using Highway 84 from Norris Junction to Bozeman. Much of this highway parallels the Madison River. The roadway is narrow, with several sharp turns in close proximity to the river. In addition to the public safety hazard posed by large, heavy trucks on this section of highway - many towing double trailers - the threat of a toxic material spill into the river is unacceptable. There already have been several accidents in this section involving overturned semis. Additionally, in the summer months hundreds of recreational floaters use this section of the Madison River with heavy traffic along the shoulders and at access points. Heavy trucks should be required to use suitable alternative routes.
- Restrict the hauling of hazardous materials to Interstate Highways 15 and 90, and prohibit such materials on Montana Highway 87 and US Highway 287. These routes cross the Madison River at several points and sections of these highways parallel the river, posing a threat of potentially catastrophic dimensions. These highways are unsuitable for the interstate movement of hazardous materials.
The legendary Madison is the most heavily fished river in Montana. It attracts anglers from across the US and around the world. These anglers come to Montana to fish for the river's famous wild trout in a setting of spectacular natural beauty. The Madison fishery is a primary economic asset to Southwest Montana. An accident involving toxic materials that might damage the river and the fishery would have an enormously adverse impact not only on the natural resource but on the economy of the region - fly shops, lodges and resorts, motels and hotels, restaurants, etc.
The Madison River Foundation is a non-profit conservation organization based in Ennis, Montana with members in 33 states. The Foundation's mission is "to preserve, protect and enhance the Madison River ecosystem." More information about the Foundation can be found at www.madisonriverfoundation.org.
We encourage you to work with Montana's congressional delegation, the state Department of Transportation, and other agencies to develop a plan to mitigate the impact of heavy truck traffic in the Madison Valley and along the Madison River.
Sincerely,
Storrs Bishop
President
Alien Invasion! Foundation Sponsors Public Workshop on Threat Posed by Aquatic Nuisance Species
Alien Invasion! A program on the threat to our Montana fisheries posed by aquatic nuisance species (ANS) will be held 6:30 pm, Monday, April 26th at the Madison Valley Public Library on Main Street in Ennis. The program is sponsored by the Madison River Foundation and the Center for Aquatic Nuisance Species in Livingston. The public is invited to participate.
The Center for Aquatic Nuisance Species is coordinating a series of ANS education workshops throughout the Greater Yellowstone area. The purpose of these meetings is to make the public aware of ANS, the serious problems they can cause, and practical steps to stop the spread of these unwanted invaders.
Such non-native invasive species as whirling disease, Didymo (rock snot), Quagga mussels and others represent a grave threat to the economy and ecology of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem, including the Madison watershed. ANS impacts are large and growing and only a vigilant public can stop the spread.
Aquatic nuisance species are plants, animals or microbes that damage the environment and threaten native wildlife. Impacts are both ecological and economic. The direct and indirect impacts of ANS are felt by everyone, not just by boaters and anglers. Once established in the wild these invaders are nearly impossible to control, so the most important thing we can do is to prevent introduction. Anglers and boaters especially need to be aware of how they can inadvertently spread ANS between watersheds.
For more information about the workshop, contact the Madison River Foundation, (406) 682-3148, or email the foundation.
