About Our Group
Established in 1995 to address resource and community concerns in the Big Hole Watershed of southwest Montana, the Big Hole Watershed Committee is composed of 22 governing members who represent diverse interests including: ranching, utilities, local government, sportsmen, conservationists, tourism, and outfitters. In addition to the official members; local, state, and federal agencies participate as technical advisors.
The BHWC is a consensus-driven, multi-stakeholder entity that works closely with other conservation organizations as well as local, state, and federal agencies on watershed restoration and management plans.
Our Mission
The purpose of the Big Hole Watershed Committee is to seek understanding of, and agreement among, individuals and groups with diverse viewpoints on water use and management in the Big Hole watershed of southwest Montana.
The BHWC is committed to:
- Involving all interests that are willing to seek practical solutions that benefit all interests;
- Promoting a common understanding among individuals and groups with diverse viewpoints;
- Fostering the ability of local individuals and groups to create effective solutions to local problems; and
- Seeking long-term solutions based on sound information.
The Big Hole Watershed Committee is a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax deductible as allowable by law. Our tax identification number is 11-3737644.
Governing Members
- Cindy Ashcraft - Rancher, Twin Bridges
- Bill Cain - Resident, Glen
- Art Christensen - Conservation District, Dillon
- John Dooling - Rancher, Jackson
- Jim Hagenbarth - Rancher, Dillon
- Andrew Hanson - Outfitter, Wise River
- Garth Haugland - County Commissioner, Dillon
- Marty Hovan - Municipal Water, Butte
- Hans Humbert - Rancher, Wisdom
- Liz Jones - Rancher, Wise River
- Mark Kambich - Rancher, Divide
- Nathan Korb - The Nature Conservancy, Lima
- Steve Luebeck - Sportsmen, Butte
- Steve Parker - Big Hole River Foundation, Butte
- John Peck - East Pioneer Experimental Stewardship Program, Melrose
- Harold Peterson - Rancher, Wisdom
- Phil Ralston - Rancher, Wise River
- John Reinhardt - Rancher, Wise River
- Scott Reynolds - Trout Unlimited, Butte
- Randy Smith - Rancher, Glen
- George Trischman - Rancher, Twin Bridges
- Ray Weaver - Rancher, Wisdom
Big Hole Watershed Committee Bylaws (pdf)
The BHWC was formed by several ranchers and conservationists who were concerned about the future of the Big Hole River and its watershed. The BHWC has reached out to every interested entity and developed a viable community-based consensus group that has won the trust and respect to forge solutions to problems that will impact the river today and tomorrow.