Blackfoot River

Missoula County has put a permit for a Blackfoot Valley gravel pit on hold in response to public concern.

More Blackfoot valley residents are becoming aware of a gravel pit proposed within yards of the Blackfoot River, and they’ve added their names to a petition asking the Missoula County Board of Commissioners for help.

Bill Lombardi writes, "Montanans soon won’t forget this TikTok moment – “An ATV Runs Through It.” The Scotsman Maclean, whose prose laid the bedrock for fly fishing and writers to come, would roll in his grave had he witnessed this numbskull event."

After a weed crew hired by Powell County was filmed driving through the Blackfoot River, the state has fined the county for not getting the required permit.

A coalition of individuals and conservation groups are asking Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to press charges against Powell County for driving an ATV for miles down the Blackfoot River.

The University of Montana has compiled a report on what locals think about recreation issues in the Blackfoot River Valley, but it’s up to the Blackfoot Challenge and others to come up with some actions.

On the evening of July 22, the Blackfoot River flow near the bridge dropped below 500 cubic feet per second, less than half of what the median flow is for this time of year.

The BLM can lease land for conservation and restoration purposes, not just for mining, drilling and grazing.

Over the past century, the Blackfoot Valley has been a source of livelihood for many but hasn’t always been treated well. Now, with the help of some partners and federal money, some areas will be restored to a healthier condition.