There is another reason, beyond recreation and conservation, why we wish to preserve our rivers. It’s a quieter reason: At the river we find healing, release, solace, a physical manifestation in front of us that says plainly, “The only way is forward. Just keep going.”
Smith River mine will have to build an additional water treatment pond
It is hard to trust their general message of they are going to do it right when we see these kind of changes and are surprised by them,” said David Brooks of Montana TU. “They are changes that pose serious risks to both water quality and water quantity.”
Blackfoot River Outfitters Memorial Float
On September 5, 2015 Matthew and Laura Churchman lost their newborn son William. At 32 weeks, they learned that, due to major abnormalities, his was not a life compatible outside the womb. His brief moment had a profound impact on their family and friends. Matthew manages Blackfoot River Outfitters Fly Shop in Missoula. Together with the owners, John Herzer and Terri Raugland, they reignited The Blackfoot River Outfitters Memorial Float, founded originally to honor the memory of John’s father, Moe Herzer and longtime fishing client and friend Steve Bryant.
This year funds raised will benefit Montana Trout Unlimited’s efforts to protect the Smith River from a proposed copper mine on its most vital tributary. Coincidentally it was after they had decided to raise funds to protect the Smith that Laura drew her first Smith River permit. In June with their daughter Ella, Matthew’s father Bill, and two other families, the Churchmans got to experience the treasure of the Smith River, which lies in its preservation not extraction.
The Memorial Float will take place on Saturday, October 13, 2018. Guiding services for full-day fly-fishing and scenic floats are donated so that all proceeds can benefit MTU’s efforts. Boats are filling up, so please reserve your spot soon.
Montana’s rivers are special places, giving us recreation, education, and clean drinking water, but they can also be a place of reflection, healing, and a respite for our worried minds and troubled hearts. To compromise the health of a river like the Smith, to harm it irreparably, would be a loss that we would grieve like any other.
Please join us to honor lost loved ones and to protect the life-giving waters of our rivers and streams. There are also many ways to give, sponsor or get involved in the Memorial Float. To find out more, please visit www.memorialfloat.com.
Fort Belknap backs state in bad actor case over Zortman-Landsky pollution
Since 1999, $77 million has been poured into healing this injured landscape at the Zortman-Landusky mine sites, almost $50 million coming in public money.
A great, in depth look into the long term impacts of irresponsible mining.
Rally for the Rivers!
Plans are set! We will meet at 1pm and launch at 2pm on Saturday, August 25th. Launch sites will be:
1. Sha-Ron FAS on the Clark Fork
2. Meet at Sweetwater Fly Shop and launch from Carters Bridge on the Yellowstone
3. Wolf Creek Bridge FAS on the Missouri.
Bring your boat, tube, SUP, kayak, canoe, arm floaties or whatever else you can float on and show Montanan’s support I-186!