Invest in a river that returns the investment — for generations.
Since 1995, the Big Hole Watershed Committee (BHWC) has been the singular, locally-led organization advancing durable, on-the-ground conservation in the Big Hole River watershed. We are known for one thing: putting the resource first — always.
The Big Hole Conservation Fund makes it easy for everyone who loves this river — businesses, residents, visitors, and anglers — to directly fuel work that keeps the Big Hole clean, cold, connected, and fish-bearing. And every private dollar is matched 1:1 with federal grants, multiplying your impact into real water in the river and real restoration on the ground.
This is not charity — it is an investment in a working, wild, living river system. Every contribution helps us leverage public dollars, align partners, and deliver projects that protect the character and economic backbone of this valley.
How the Fund Works
100% of contributions fund restoration and stewardship in the Big Hole.
100% are tax-deductible.
Every $1 is doubled by federal match.
Your support enables BHWC to:
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Restore wetlands, meadows, and riparian corridors that return cleaner, colder water to the river
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Stabilize eroding banks and reduce sediment
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Protect Arctic grayling and native trout
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Maintain a working landscape that keeps this valley open, ranching, and biologically rich
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Continue the collaborative, non-regulatory stewardship approach that has prevented river dry-ups since 1995
How to Get Involved
Donate
Click “Donate” (bottom corner of this page). Give once, monthly, or round-up your purchases to support healthy flows and fish.
Or mail us a check to PO Box 21, Divide, MT 59727.
Support Partner Businesses
Look for the Conservation Fund logo at participating businesses and simply add a percentage at checkout. They send in your contribution.
Current partners: Sunrise Fly Shop — Melrose, MT
Enroll Your Business
A healthy Big Hole drives ranching, tourism, home values, and Main Street commerce. When the river thrives, the valley thrives — and so do the businesses in it. Partnering with the Conservation Fund:
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Aligns your brand with visible, high-trust conservation
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Reaches BHWC’s broad audience through digital and in-person media
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Demonstrates leadership to customers who care about the future of this river
Contact BHWC to join the program. The next generation deserves a healthy river system.
Direct Your Impact
You may target your donation to a project you care about — or to the area of greatest need.
Current Conservation Fund Projects
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Big Hole Watershed Maps – Round 2
Updating and expanding the widely-used watershed maps that guide restoration, access, and planning. -
Irrigation Infrastructure Upgrades at Jerry Creek & Wise River
Improving efficiency and timing of water delivery to keep more clean, cold water in-stream when it matters most. -
Elkhorn Creek — Mine & Mill
Addressing legacy mining impacts to improve water quality, habitat, and downstream river health. -
Wildlife Speaker Series
Bringing science, management, and community together for public learning around wildlife trends and solutions in the Basin. -
Help Us Buy an ATV for Our Range Rider!
Equipping our predator-conflict reduction program so we can continue to protect livestock and wildlife coexistence across the working landscape.
Completed Conservation Fund Projects Include
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Sage-Smith Springs Mesic Restoration
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Big Hole Watershed Maps
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Lower Big Hole Streambank Stabilization
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Pennington Bridge Phase 1 Restoration
Why BHWC?
Because this is the only group doing this work — and it has worked for 30 years.
When the Big Hole was going dry and grayling were nearly listed as endangered, ranchers, outfitters, agencies, and community members built something rare: a trusted table where local solutions get done without litigation or gridlock. BHWC wrote Montana’s first Drought Plan, secured voluntary water reductions before crisis, and stewarded a river that has not gone dry once since 1995.
Today, the fishery is stable, grayling are improving, the river is not over-run like others in Montana, and more than $8 million has been invested into the watershed through BHWC-led restoration, conflict-reduction, science, and infrastructure that benefits both people and wildlife.
Businesses profit from that stability. Communities depend on it. The river deserves it.
Join the Big Hole Conservation Fund.
Multiply your dollars. Protect what is irreplaceable.
Because the Big Hole only stays the Big Hole if we continue to take care of it — together.
