LIVINGSTON—The Lower Shields River Watershed is set to receive approximately $1.5 million over the next three years as the next Nonpoint Source Focus Watershed selected by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
In December 2024, the Livingston-based nonprofit Montana Freshwater Partners collaborated with local agencies, nonprofits and Shields Valley landowners to submit a nomination for the Lower Shields River Watershed to become DEQ’s next Nonpoint Source Focus Watershed. In January 2025, this nomination was selected by an interagency application review panel. The designation allows the watershed to be eligible for approximately $500,000 of federal funding per year and receive additional technical assistance from DEQ staff for three funding cycles covering 2026-2028. Funding will be available to nonprofits and government agencies for eligible projects within the entire Lower Shields River Watershed on both private and public land.
This designation is a crucial step towards improving water quality in the Lower Shields River Watershed. Funding will support projects aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution such as stream restoration and riparian plantings. Nonpoint source pollution is the largest contributor to water quality impairment in Montana, and the Shields River faces numerous issues including high fine sediment levels, flow alteration, lack of streamside vegetation and more.
“The goal of a Focus Watershed is to increase the capacity of local organizations, raise public awareness, and build momentum to generate significant and measurable nonpoint source pollution reduction,” said Hannah Riedl, Nonpoint Source and Wetlands Section Supervisor. “The Lower Shields River application was a clear top candidate based on their inclusion of community partners, exceptional planning and quality of proposed solutions.”
This nomination aligns with Montana Freshwater Partners’ ongoing effort to launch the Park Co. Water Initiative, a collaborative and technical working group dedicated to addressing watershed-related challenges throughout Park County.
Ashley Lowrey, Watershed Coordinator for the Shields and Upper Yellowstone Watershed Groups, emphasizes that “This is an exciting opportunity to accelerate collaborative and on the ground projects throughout the Shields watershed that address sedimentation and other water quality issues that have been prominent concerns in this watershed for many years.”
The Shields River and its tributaries are vital to the local community, providing drinking water, supporting the local agricultural economy and providing recreational opportunities such as hunting and fishing. Addressing water quality issues will enhance habitat for fish and wildlife while improving water quality for the greater Shields Valley, ensuring that the watershed remains functional and resilient for generations to come.
In the coming months, Montana Freshwater Partners, Trout Unlimited and other members of the Park Co. Water Initiative will work closely with the local community and Shields Valley Watershed Group to develop a detailed action plan for the focus watershed designation. Local landowners and community members are encouraged to stay informed and to get involved with upcoming projects.
Tags: Water and Press Release
