Western Water Project: Conservation on the Ranch

TU and agriculture: partners in stewardship

Across the West, low flows and habitat fragmentation threaten the health of our rivers and streams. Trout Unlimited’s Western Water Project is working with ranchers and farmers in six Western states to find conservation solutions that benefit both agriculture and fish.

In the past decade, WWP has partnered with dozens of ranchers and farmers in the West on innovative projects that have reconnected and restored trout streams while enhancing agricultural operations. Many ranchers know that healthy river habitat on their property improves their property values and ensures a healthy bottom line. WWP offers legal, scientific and project expertise to help ranchers achieve their stewardship goals.

Success Story: North Fork of the Blackfoot River, Montana

Ranchers John and Irene Weaver partnered with TU to replace a leaky irrigation canal with a more efficient system, including a solar-powered stock watering well. The agreement saved the Weavers money, conserved water and improved critical bull and cutthroat trout habitat on the North Fork of the Blackfoot River. The WWP's work has opened up 500 miles of previously inaccessible habitat for native trout on the Blackfoot.

"Every year, it took us four to five days of dang tough work to clean that ditch," said John. "And even then couldn't always get water down it. I've wanted to get off that ditch for years. Because of the financial help, I finally got it done."

Watch the "Water Partners" video to see more project success stories and hear ranchers talk about their experience working with TU:

Watch rancher Walt Sales talk about stream stewardship and trout: