In the Big Hole Valley, at the “headwaters of the headwaters” the earth is a sponge – and life springs from it
Deep in the Big Hole Valley sits Smith-Sage Springs — a wetland so vital it’s called the “headwaters of the headwaters” of the Missouri River. Pronghorn, elk, and Greater sage-grouse greatly depend on this cold, clean water. This crucial water is stored by the ground and feeds the Big Hole River – and everyone downstream.
When a headcut started tearing the wetland apart, it drained the land drier every year.
Ranchers who steward this land and a team of partners, led by the Big Hole Watershed Committee, refused to watch it disappear. Restoring The Headwaters Film follows the years-long fight to bring Smith-Sage Springs back to life.
Produced by Tom Attwater Media and in partnership with Intermountain West Joint Venture.
With gracious support from Montana Film Office and Clearwater Credit Union
Read the Full Smith-Sage Springs Restoration Story ->