Newsletters
December Newsletter
2023 End of Year Review
As 2023 draws to a close, our team at the Madison River Foundation would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who have supported our conservation mission this year. Every donor, member, volunteer, and community member has played an integral role in the success of the foundation and the preservation of the Madison River. Read on to review event and project highlights of 2023!
If you would like to continue to support the foundation in 2024, please consider making a donation, becoming a member, or renewing your annual membership via the links below.
We wish and your loved ones a happy holiday season and a joyous new year!
Projects
Irrigation Ditch Fish Rescue
Between October 16th-20th, volunteers working with the MRF and FWP relocated more than 3,000 fish from the West Madison/Valley Garden irrigation canal back to the Madison River. Mature native brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout were returned to the mainstem of the Madison to continue their reproductive cycles. It's estimated that the volunteers spent a combined total of 1,800 hours walking the canals, catching fish, and transferring them via buckets to the river! Many members of the community rallied around the process, including students at the Madison Valley Adventure Academy and members of the Ennis High School Lady Mustangs Volleyball Team. Due to this hard work and commitment, thousands of fish were given a second chance at life and are continuing to thrive in their natural habitat. Special thanks to True Value Hardware for providing buckets, Madison Foods for supplying lunch, and the Madisonian for covering the story.
In July, the MRF met with Region 3 Fisheries Manager Mike Duncan and Confluence Consulting Project Manager Mike Sanctuary to discuss headgate engineering updates with local landowners. The aim of future projects is to minimize the amount of fish that become trapped in irrigation ditches and divert them back to a side channel or the mainstem. Designs are still in development and will be tailored to fit the unique geography of each headgate, and the foundation hopes to work collaboratively with landowners to prevent similar rescues from being necessary in the future.
Jack Creek Beaver Dam Analog Installation
From July 24th through August 2nd, The MRF partnered with Jack Creek Preserve to install 3 beaver dam analog structures and 12 scour pools along sections of Upper Jack Creek. These structures will help reactivate historic floodplains in the area, revitalize surrounding riparian vegetation, restore eroded riverbanks, and supply water to nearby aquifers. We also hope to see more trout utilizing the slow, shallow pools, providing a place for Jack Creek campers to learn to fish!
In October, foundation staff members accompanied Ennis Middle School students on a field trip to report on the progress of the analog structures and measure flow rate, water depth and temperature, and the riverbank profile. Students learned about the impact of beavers on riparian habitats and practiced conducting scientific measurements in the field. Jack Creek staff members Abi and Addison gave engaging presentations and the students had a memorable afternoon hiking in the preserve!
Montana State University Tributary Study
On October 5th, MRF staff member Casey assisted Dr. Lindsey Albertson, PhD student Sam Fritz, and masters students from the MSU ecology program as they sampled sections of Ruby Creek near the Red Mountain campground. The experiment was conducted to measure nitrogen uptake by macroinvertebrates and assess the health of the creek. The samples were collected from 8pm to 3am under the light of a gibbous moon. The results of the study, along with 3 years of research on the creek ecosystem, will be published by MSU in 2024.
River Cleanup
On August 19th, the MRF led the Annual Upper Madison River Cleanup efforts from Valley Garden to Hebgen Dam. A dozen volunteers participated and cleaned trash on foot and via driftboat along the river and at multiple takeout sites. The river cleanup was hosted in partnership with Madison-Gallatin Trout Unlimited, and volunteers at the Lower Madison gathered over 30 bags of trash and a large amount of beer cans. Float responsibly!
Events
Music on the Madison
Our first annual conservation appreciation concert, Music on the Madison, was a wonderful evening of live music, family fun, and community building! An estimated 500 people attended the event and each organization that participated in the conservation fair received community engagement and support for their mission. Special thanks to our host, the Madison Double R, our headliner, Mark Mackay, and our Business sponsors: Madison Foods, Madison River Fishing Company, Montana Angler, and PureWest Christie's Real Estate.
International Fly Fishing Film Festival
The 2023 International Fly Fishing Film Festival was screened at the Madison Theatre on August 24th, which consisted of 8 short films produced by fly anglers from around the world showcasing the lifestyle and excitement of fly fishing. The foundation also screened the short film "They Call Me Madison," which illustrates the profound effect of the Madison River on our watershed, ecosystems, and community. Raffle prizes were awarded, drinks and snacks were enjoyed, and a great time was had by all!
Watershed Speaker Series
This summer, the MRF partnered with the Madison Conservation District to host a series of lectures on conservation topics affecting the Madison River ecosystem. Presentations included: The State of the Madison, by Mike Duncan; Drought Resiliency, by Andrew Welch; Restoration Projects on the Madison, by Tom Parker; Salmonflies in the West, by Dr. Lindsay Albertson; and a Conservation Discussion Panel with Addison Perryman, Jon Hanson, and Marina Smith.
Volunteer Opportunities
Many local community members worked with the Madison Conservation District on the Stream Team water monitoring project, visiting 4 creek sites weekly to monitor flow rate, temperature, and other river conditions. In August, the MCD conducted a Tributary Blitz, a one-day water quality sampling event of 16 tributaries of the Madison River. The information collected will be used to monitor the health of the tributaries and identify possible restoration opportunities.
Madison Valley locals also donated their time to assist the Madison Valley Ranchlands Group in monitoring the growth of noxious weeds along the riverbank. Volunteers rowed driftboats, logged weed species on a web application, and marked areas for future weed pulls.
Finally, members of the MRF taught skills such as fly tying, trail etiquette, and astronomy at the Jack Creek Preserve Outdoor Skills Camps in July and August. The MRF would like to thank everyone who volunteered their time and effort on projects this year!
Thank you for another wonderful year! Here's to the next!
- The MRF Team
October Newsletter
What's New with the Foundation for October:
Photo contest winners, canal fish rescue photos, newspaper features, and more!
Photo Contest Winners
We are excited to announce the grand prize winner of our Madison River Photo Contest: Bryce Dorst!
"Old Fly fisherman spends the morning with Mom & baby Moose on the Madison River." Bryce Dorst is a full time Ennis resident, lifelong visitor to Montana.
Featured below are honorable mentions from the contest. Thank you to everyone who participated! The theme of our next photo contest will be "Winter on the Madison" - happy snapping!
Photo credits clockwise from top left: Chris Weiss, Tom Aalto, Ainslie Battista, Mai-Ling Bell, Emily Doyle, and Zina Walker.
Science After Dark
On October 5th, MRF staff member Casey assisted Dr. Lindsey Albertson, PhD student Sam Fritz, and masters students from the MSU ecology program as they sampled sections of Ruby Creek near the Red Mountain campground. The experiment was conducted to measure nitrogen uptake by macroinvertebrates and assess the health of the creek. The samples were collected from 8pm to 3am under the light of a gibbous moon. The results of the study, along with 3 years of research on the creek ecosystem, will be published by MSU in 2024.
On October 6th-7th, Jack Creek Preserve hosted a night of Stargazing at the Preserve, led by Wyoming Stargazing founder Dr. Samuel Singer. Participants got clear views of Saturn's rings, star clusters, and the Andromeda galaxy through a 22 inch Dobsonian reflecting telescope. On Saturday morning, Casey gave a guest presentation on the contributions of women astronomers and their breakthroughs in measuring distances and variable stars in space. Following this, participants were able to witness coronal mass ejections through a solar telescope. It was a wonderful weekend of science after dark!
Fish Rescue on the Valley Garden Canal
Between October 16th-20th, volunteers working with the MRF and FWP relocated more than 3,000 fish from the West Madison/Valley Garden irrigation canal back to the Madison River. Mature native brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout were returned to the mainstem of the Madison to continue their reproductive cycles. It is estimated that the volunteers spent a combined total of 1,800 hours walking the canals, catching fish, and transferring them via buckets to the river. Many members of the community rallies around the process, including students at the Madison Valley Adventure Academy and members of the Ennis High School Lady Mustangs Volleyball Team. Due to this hard work and commitment, thousands of fish were given a second chance at life and are continuing to thrive in their natural habitat. Special thanks to True Value Hardware for providing buckets, Madison Foods for supplying lunch, and the Madisonian for covering the story.
If you would like to leave feedback or provide ideas for future years' fish capture efforts, leave a comment via the google form linked below. If you participated in the process and recorded fish species and numbers data, please add your group's names and contributions to the form.
Two articles written by Cori Koenig are included below, or also can be viewed on the Madisonian website at www.madisoniannews.com.
By Cori Koenig
A call for help went out last week from the Madison River Foundation (MRF). As irrigation waters dwindle with the changing season, thousands of fish are left stranded and trapped along the length of the West Madison/Valley Garden canal and volunteers and Fish, Wildlife & Parks were there to help. “Every year thousands of fish are trapped in these canals as the water level lowers, so our job is to try to transfer as many as possible back to the main stem of the Madison,” said Casey Cooper, MRF staff member.
Cooper was introduced to conservation as a conservation intern with the Madison River Foundation through the Montana Conservation Corps last year. She worked with Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the US Forest Service and other groups during her time as an intern. She is currently a staff member at MRF. “This area of Montana, the Madison Valley, is where I’ve been doing a lot of my education. This is my second year with the Foundation, so I'm trying to learn as much as I can,” Cooper said.
Efforts began Monday afternoon and will continue through at least Wednesday from 8 Mile Fishing Access Site downstream. At the time The Madisonian spoke to Cooper, at least 20 volunteers were helping. School groups were coming on Tuesday to pitch in. “All fish are protected and a special permit for the recovery and release back into the Madison has been obtained by the MRF for this purpose. The permit authorization is specific to this canal and has special provisions and requirements to be followed,” wrote MRF. “A whole lot of different creative methods are used to catch the fish,” said Cooper. The volunteers use hand nets, and longer nets, fish traps were used.
Fish traps are long nets that stretch across the width of the canal. Typically, there will be someone with the long nets downstream and some people with hand nets pushing the fish to “Sort of corral them into an area where multiple people can try to grab a couple at once,” explained Cooper. “But they’re very quick, they’re very elusive, so it’s definitely a fair fight between us and the fish.”
“An angler named John Wallace from southern Utah even dropped 'up' to help!” said Bonnie Richardson, Madison River Foundation administrator. “It’s really cool to see everyone who’s coming out today! It’s members of the community, it’s guides, people in conservation. It’s just kind of showcasing how everyone in the valley who benefits from the fish and the river can come together on their own time and put some work into protecting it (the resource),” said Cooper. At the first days’ end, the MRF FaceBook page reported over 1,000 fish saved. “That’s what we’re trying to do at the MRF, is raise awareness for how any average citizen can help the waterways and help protect the resources that we love,” said Cooper.
By CORI KOENIG
Last week, many volunteers answered the call from the Madison River Foundation to help rescue fish trapped in dwindling waters as the seasons change. Some of those willing to dig into the mud and water were the Lady Mustang volleyball team and kids from the Adventure Academy in Ennis.
"We look to volunteer every season and this was the perfect opportunity to give back to the environment, get outside and work together as a team outside of the gym. Plus, we got to take advantage of the beautiful weather last week! The Madison River Foundation does such a great job getting the word out to the community that the fish need help and it is such a unique volunteer opportunity to this area, specifically Ennis. The girls got to see the entire process and had no fear of getting in there and getting dirty to save the fish," said Ennis volleyball coach Sarah Frings.
Thanks for reading, see ya next month!
-The MRF Team
September Newsletter
What's New with the Foundation for September!
With the temperatures dropping and the leaves beginning to change, will the MRF be entering into a period of winter hibernation? Not at all! We will be staying busy planning all the wonderful events and project opportunities we will be diving into next year! Stay tuned to hear more about what we've been up to and what we're looking forward to.
Summer Project Update
MRF staff member Casey accompanied the Ennis Middle School students on a field trip to the Jack Creek Preserve to check in on the Beaver Dam Analog structures we installed earlier this summer! Students measured the depth, width, and flow rate of the river and collected macro-invertebrates to catalogue and observe. The structures are holding up well - brown trout were spotted utilizing the new scour pools and the creek has been rerouting into historic floodplain areas. We are excited for the kids to return to check on the sites in the spring!
Did you know - MRF Edition!
Did you know...
That the Madison River Foundation is the only nonprofit dedicated solely to preserving and protecting the Madison River Watershed? We partner with many local organizations such as the Madison Conservation District, FWP, and the Forest Service, but only the MRF has a singular focus on the Madison and its tributaries.
Did you know...
That we offer academic scholarships for Ennis and West Yellowstone high school students pursuing undergraduate degrees in science-related fields? We issue four $2,500 scholarships based on need and merit per year. The application form is available on our website and via the link below.
Seasonal River Closures
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks announced sections of the Big Hole, Ruby and the Beaverhead Rivers will be closed for fishing from October 1st to April 1st. The closures are enacted to protect brown trout spawning habitat and rebuild fish populations that have seen a recent decline. The emergency fishing regulations aim to be responsive to fish populations in accordance with Montana’s draft statewide fisheries management plan. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is also beginning new research with Montana State University to better understand and manage trout mortality, recruitment and health. For more information on the closures, visit the FWP website linked below.
Conclusion of Summer Watershed Speaker Series
On September 13th, we hosted our final speaker series event of the summer, a discussion panel between Marina Smith, Addison Perryman, and Jon Hansen. The panelists spoke about issues threatening the health of the watershed and the measures they take to protect the habitats they work closely with. If you or someone you know would like to participate in next year's speaker series, send us an email!
Madison River Photo Contest
Thank you to everyone who submitted pictures for our first social media photo contest - we received so many lovely shots of the Madison! Our team of judges is carefully analyzing the submissions, and our honorary mentions and overall winner will be announced shortly. Keep an eye out on our social media pages and website to see who will be crowned the ultimate river photographer!
August Newsletter
What's New with the Foundation for August: Upcoming speakers, project updates, event recaps, and more!
August has been a big month for the MRF - we hosted our first ever community appreciation concert, Music on the Madison, made headway on three river restoration projects, gathered volunteers for 4 ecosystem revival projects, and hosted the International Fly Fishing Film Festival right here in Ennis! We couldn't have done it without the dedicated support of our membership and the hard work of our staff. Keep reading for an in-depth look at all we've been up to!
Upcoming Event: Watershed Speaker Series Discussion Panel
Our final watershed speaker series event of the summer will be hosted on September 13th from 6-7:30pm at the Madison Valley Public Library. The event will feature a discussion between Marina Smith, Ranch Manager at Elk Meadows Ranch; Jon Hanson, a fisheries biologist at NorthWestern Energy; and Addison Perryman, Conservation Education Director at Jack Creek Preserve. If you are unable to attend in person, a virtual option is also available.
Project Updates
From July 24th through August 2nd, The MRF partnered with Jack Creek Preserve to install 3 beaver dam analog structures, 12 scour pools along sections of Upper Jack Creek. These structures will help reactivate historic floodplains in the area, revitalize surrounding riparian vegetation, restore eroded riverbanks, and supply water to nearby aquifers. We also hope to see more trout utilizing the slow, shallow pools, providing a place for Jack Creek campers to learn to fish!
On August 3rd, representatives from FWP, BLM, NorthWestern Energy, Madison Conservation District, and the MRF gathered to choose a location for the side channel reconnect project. The original location near the Ruby Swale was changed due to the presence of historical and cultural artifacts in the area. The project will aim to create a side channel that will bring new sediment and spawning access to the mainstem of the Madison. Planning will take place this winter with projected implementation in fall 2024.
Last week, the MRF met with Region 3 Fisheries Manager Mike Duncan and Confluence Consulting Project Manager Mike Sanctuary to discuss headgate engineering updates with local landowners. The aim of future projects is to minimize the amount of fish that become trapped in irrigation ditches and divert them back to a side channel or the mainstem. Designs are still in development and will be tailored to fit the unique geography of each headgate, and ensure ranching operations can continue as normal.
August Events Recap
Our first annual conservation appreciation concert, Music on the Madison, was a wonderful evening of live music, family fun, and community building! An estimated 500 people attended the event and each organization that participated in the conservation fair received high levels of engagement and support for their mission. Special thanks to our host, the Madison Double R, our headliner, Mark Mackay, and our Business sponsors: Madison Foods, Madison River Fishing Company, Montana Angler, and PureWest Christie's Real Estate.
On August 19th, the MRF led the Annual Upper Madison River Cleanup efforts from Valley Garden to Hebgen Dam. A dozen volunteers participated and cleaned trash on foot and via driftboat along the river and at multiple takeout sites. The river cleanup was a partnership with Madison-Gallatin Trout Unlimited, and volunteers at the Lower Madison gathered over 30 bags of trash and a large amount of beer cans. Float responsibly!
The 2023 International Fly Fishing Film Festival was screened at the Madison Theatre on August 24th, which consisted of 8 short films produced by fly anglers from around the world showcasing the lifestyle and excitement of fly fishing. The foundation also screened the short film "They Call Me Madison," which illustrates the profound effect of the Madison River on our watershed, ecosystems, and community. Raffle prizes were awarded, drinks and snacks were consumed, and a great time was had by all!
The Madison River Foundation was a proud sponsor of the Ennis Outdoor and Fly Fishing Festival. The MRF operated a booth all day Saturday and Sunday and sold hats, shirts, and cups, and welcomed many new members to the foundation! We were very fortunate to have the chance to speak with the members of our community, answer questions about ongoing restoration projects, and brainstorm ways to continue caring for the river. We're already looking forward to next year!
If you have any questions or feedback about the work we've been doing, please feel free to reach out to us - we value your opinion.
Thank you again to everyone who volunteered with us, made a donation, attended our events, or joined the foundation! Through your support, we can keep the Madison clean, cold, and clear for generations to come.
Excited for all fall will bring!
- The MRF Team
July Newsletter
What's New with the Foundation for July:
Annual membership meeting notes, volunteer and project opportunities, exciting upcoming events!
Annual Membership Meeting Recap
Thank you to all who attended our 2023 Annual Membership Meeting! We were very excited to debut our short film, "They Call Me Madison," which showcased the emotional impact the river has on the individual and the community at large. We also gave an overview of the foundation's educational outreach, project planning and development, financial reports, and community events of the past year. The meeting slides are available on our website via the link below.
Additionally, we announced the results of the Bylaw Vote and Board of Directors Election.
The proposed amendment to bylaw SEC 5.1, increasing the maximum number of available seats on the Board of Directors from 9 to 15 individuals, has passed through a majority vote of the MRF membership.
We would like to congratulate the newly elected members of the Madison River Foundation Board of Directors:
Steve Urry
Roy Washburn
Ted Kruzan
Chad Dean
Jim Slattery
Thank you to all candidates and everyone who participated in the election process!
Upcoming Volunteer and Project Opportunities
The MRF is partnering with Jack Creek Preserve Foundation to install beaver dam analogs and scour pools along sections of Upper Jack Creek. Volunteer opportunities are available from July 31st - Aug 2nd to assist with the placement of brush and woody materials on the analog structures. Work gloves and suitable protective clothing is recommended. For more information or to sign up to participate, email Casey Cooper: casey@madisonriverfoundation.org.
The MVRG Weed Committee is seeking volunteers to assist with noxious weed mapping along the Madison River. There is a training session for the mapping app, EDDMapsSPro, on July 27th from 10am - 12pm in the Moonlight building. Mapping will occur on a flexible timeline between July 27th and the middle of August. To sign up to shuttle volunteers, row a boat, identify noxious weeds, or log weeds in EDDMapsSPro, email us at info@madisonriverfoundation.org.
On Saturday, August 19th, there will be a joint river clean-up event hosted by Madison-Gallatin Trout Unlimited, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and the Madison River Foundation. Volunteers are needed to collect trash and report abnormal or unhealthy river conditions. The event will begin at 8am and finish at 1pm, and lunch will be provided. Contact the MRF office if you are interested in volunteering, or Travis Morris or Chris McCarthy.
On Wednesday, August 23rd, the Madison Stream Team will be conducting a one-day water quality sampling event of 16 tributaries of the Madison River. The information collected will be used to monitor the health of the tributaries and identify possible restoration opportunities. No experience is necessary, and if you are interested in volunteering, please RSVP by August 15th to sudha@madisoncd.org.
Save the Date: Community Events
On Saturday, August 12th, the MRF will be hosting a concert by the river at the Madison Double R from 5pm - 10pm to show our appreciation for all the conservation organizations in the Madison Valley and everyone in the community who has supported their efforts. The concert is free to the public and food and beverages will be available for purchase. We hope to see you there!
This year’s annual International Fly Fishing Film Festival, IF4, will be held in the Madison Theater on Thursday, August 24th at 6:45pm. The festival will feature short films made by fly anglers from all over the world, showcasing the passion, lifestyle, and culture of fly fishing. The Ennis Fly Fishing and Outdoor Festival will be held on the 26th-27th of August, so stick around for the weekends’ festivities to continue celebrating the sport we love!
Thanks for tuning in!
- The Madison River Foundation
June Newsletter
Foundation events and updates ahead!
Election Deadline
MRF Members: this is your final chance to vote in the 2023 Board of Directors and Bylaws election!
All ballots must be submitted by 11:59 MT on June 30th, 2023.
If you are having trouble voting or have not received a ballot, contact our office at info@madisonriverfoundation.org.
Thank you to everyone who has voted - your voice is appreciated!
Annual Meeting and Membership Update
We will be holding our annual membership meeting on Thursday, July 13th from 6:00-7:30pm at the Madison Theater, 115 Main St, Ennis, MT.
The 2023 election results will be announced, as well as project updates and the premiere for the short film, "They Call Me Madison”, which is approximately 10 minutes in length.
The meeting is open to MRF members and the general public.
Watershed Speaker Series
The MRF will once again be partnering with the Madison Conservation District to host the Watershed Speaker Series, a collection of presentations given by experts in conservation, ecology, and river science at the Madison Valley Public Library.
No prior registration is required and virtual participation is available via the QR codes listed on the flyer below.
Save the Date - Summer Events
August 12th - Music on the Madison @ Madison Double R
August 24th - International Fly Fishing Film Festival @ Madison Theater
August 26-27th - Fly Fishing Festival @ Downtown Ennis
May Newsletter
News from our upcoming short film, the Bozeman IF4 film festival, and important election information ahead!
“They Call Me Madison”
What does the Madison River mean to you?
We are excited to share the trailer for the upcoming short film, "They Call Me Madison," produced by the River Summit Group in collaboration with the MRF.
The film was commissioned by the foundation in 2022 and the full 8-minute version is planned to be released this July. The film explores reflections stemming from the question, “What does the Madison River mean to you?” and reveals important reasons why the river has such a deep impact on our community and on many personal levels as well.
Words from the film creators:
"The Madison River is the lifeblood of the Madison Valley. It not only supports wildlife, insects and plants, but an entire community of ranchers, residents, anglers and business owners. Its vitality is crucial to the valley’s utter existence. Without it, a trickle down effect would decimate the Madison Valley... ranches would go belly up as fields would cease to produce alfalfa for cattle; anglers would seek other rivers for recreation; the loss of fishing dollars would squeeze businesses, initially causing cutbacks and layoffs but eventually forcing owners to close their doors for good; and finally, without a thriving economy the majority of residents would be forced to move away.
So there’s really only one question...
"What does the Madison River mean to you?'"
Fly Fishing Film Festival
Get your tickets (and popcorn!) and enjoy the International Fly Fishing Film festival, on Thursday, May 25th at the Emerson Center in Bozeman.
The festival will feature short films made by fly anglers from all over the world, a pre-show party with merchandise and booths, and a raffle drawing during intermission. We hope to see you there!
Renew Your Membership - and Vote!
We're reminding members to please participate in our upcoming Board of Directors election and bylaws amendment vote. Only active members will be able to cast a vote!
June 9th - mailed ballots go out
June 15th - email ballots go out, election opens
June 30th - 2023 election closes, all ballots must be received
July 13th - results announced at MRF Membership meeting 5:30pmMT at the Madison Valley Library in downtown Ennis.
Your vote counts! Renew your annual membership no later than May 17th.
March Newsletter
What's New with the Foundation!
Project updates, membership renewal information, a special guest speaker at the Ennis Women's Club, a new monthly interview column, and more!
Project Updates
The MRF will be conducting site visits with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Bureau of Land Management beginning in April. Sites include Storey Ditch, the Ruby Channel, and various upriver locations. The team will be working to receive final permits to begin restoration work on the river this summer.
Renew Your Membership
If you'd like to continue supporting the foundation in 2023, now is the time to renew your membership! Important note: only current members are able to vote in the upcoming bylaws and Board of Directors elections - stay tuned for official dates to come.
Women's Club Presentation
We'd like to thank the Madison Valley Women's Club for inviting our Executive Director Jon Malovich to speak at their membership meeting on Thursday, March 2nd. Jon outlined the key initiatives and mission of the foundation and spoke about upcoming conservation projects. The Women's Club provided a tasty salad and baked potato bar!
DSL Pit Update
The DNRC is continuing to compile comments from the DSL Pit public hearing held on January 25th. As of yet there have been no official statements released by the DNRC regarding the future of the pit, but we will provide updates as we receive them. Thanks again to our community for making your voices heard on this issue.
“How important is the Madison to you?"
Hello! My name is Casey, and I have been working as the Communications Director for the foundation since last fall. In the following months, I will be interviewing Ennis community members, local businesses, and foundation members who would like to provide a personal answer to the following questions:
"Why is the Madison River important to you? How does the health of the river impact your livelihood and recreation? What do you love about the Madison?"
My own encounter with the river began in the summer of 2022, when I was living in Ennis and working for the Montana Conservation Corps. Between our water monitoring projects, our visits with the local trout, and my evening walks by the river, I doubt there was a day all summer that I didn't spend near water in some form. The steadiness of the flow and the quiet hum of the interacting ecosystems helped me develop the practice of meditation, of observing the natural world with curiosity and gratitude in the stillness. The passage of time felt close and evident by the river, as I contemplated the eons of geology visible in the terraces and glacial plains, the generations of families who had lived and loved in the valley, and the cyclical, eternal flow of the river from high places to low places, from the mountains to the sea. All summer, I felt an awareness of being a single strand in a web larger than myself - from a young scientist just entering into the impassioned community of environmental conservationists, to a flag-waving compatriot standing with new friends on Main Street during the Ennis Fourth of July parade. Like a droplet of water, I felt that I was a distinct part of the river, yet also the river itself. This summer, I'll be back - working on the river, fishing in the river, and singing with the river. I know when I return, it will be incalculably different, and also quite the same as when I left. I am grateful that soon I will see the Madison, and all of you, once again.
If you have a story, photo, or thought to share about the Madison River or would like to volunteer to be interviewed for a future month's column, please reach out to us via email: info@madisonriverfoundation.org.
Thanks for reading, and happy spring!
November Newsletter
What's new with the foundation: project updates, event successes, member highlights, and more!
First ever hydrologic survey of the Madison River Watershed completed by USGS and MRF
On October 25th-26th, USGS and the MRF worked jointly to survey and measure the mainstem, tributaries, and other key locations in the watershed to gain a deeper understanding of the gains and losses in flow, temperature, and depth. Developing a better understanding of the river's seasonal changes will help river managers understand the needs for flow management, spawning habitats, and overall fishery and river health as well as planning for future drought management.
Community comes together for Round Up for the River success
The locals and visitors this season generously came together and rounded up their purchases at Madison Foods to raise over $10,000 for river conservation. All funds donated through the program are going directly back to the river, and will be used for the restoration and reactivation of a side channel upstream of the Ruby Creek access in 2023. Huge thanks to Madison Foods, Chris Gentry, and the River Community!
Ennis rallies around Annual River Cleanup
The MRF, Madison Gallatin Trout Unlimited and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, along with more than 200 volunteers and 25 boats, joined in for this year's Madison River Clean Up from the Hebgen Dam to the I-90 bridge in Three Forks. The MRF disposed of 6 bags of garbage along the upper river. Stash your trash - keep our waters clean!
Board President Jim Kramer steps down from role
Jim Kramer has retired from the MRF Board and stepped down as president. The MRF and its Board of Directors would like to recognize and thank Jim for all of his work and service in leading the organization forward on its path of success through his leadership and passion for the river and the science used to direct our efforts.
Jim has been key in the development of our Watershed Speaker series this past summer and has worked closely with biologists and others to reconnect our organization to the scientific data that directs our restoration and conservation efforts. As lifetime members, we expect Jim and his wife Nancy will continue to be a positive influence in our work and support the river community for many years to come.
Business sponsor highlight: Madison Double R
Owners John and Krista Sampson have been outstanding members and partners this last year, not only as supporters of our efforts but also as the hosts and sponsors of our most recent fundraising dinner and auction. The Double R owners and staff have given back to the river throughout the year and we would like to thank them once again for all of their hard work in the conservation field and in support of the Madison River in 2022.
New staff members: Welcome Casey and Bonnie!
Montana Conservation Corps summer intern Casey has returned to the MRF as a part-time employee to assist with communications and social media management. Casey is thrilled to continue working within the Ennis community and is looking forward to supporting future ecological and educational projects.
Additionally, we have recently welcomed Bonnie to our staff to serve in the role of Operations Administrator. Bonnie will be providing in-person support in our office and ensuring our organization is running efficiently, prioritizing members, and achieving its fullest potential. Stop by and say hello!
Giving Tuesday
Give back to the Madison River this holiday season! The MRF will be sending out an invitation to our community to utilize the Tuesday after Thanksgiving as a day to remember to donate and give back to the river. All donations will be put towards our river initiatives, watershed restoration, river science, and conservation education. Each dollar will have a direct impact on the river we all love. Donations can be made via our website.
We would like to wish all our members a happy Veteran's Day and a joyous Thanksgiving season. Until next month!
- The Madison River Foundation