Clark Fork Basin Fisheries—Condition, Restoration and Conservation
Kevin Colborn, UM Watershed Health Clinic Chris Clancy, Mt Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks

  Abstract—The Clark Fork Basin supports many valuable native and introduced fisheries. But these fisheries have been damaged by historic land uses, stream modification and exotic species introductions. In addition, the fisheries are increasingly threatened by incompatible development, especially in floodplains. The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks is collaborating with private landowners and other concerned citizens to correct past land use errors and to protect and restore habitat through conservation easements and water leasing. FWP biologists also provide public education on the threats of species introductions, review development and stream project proposals, and manage the fishery through fishing regulations.  This poster summarizes some of DFWP’s fishery restoration & conservation projects—past, present and future.