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 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 multiplied by grants – since 2016, every private dollar donated has generated $5 in matching grants
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
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.
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. -
More coming soon!
Completed Conservation Fund Projects Include
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Sage-Smith Springs Mesic Restoration
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Big Hole Watershed Maps – Round 1
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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.
