New group looks to help rivers, improve relations

A group of locals with a stake in the future of the three forks of the Flathead River system have formed a new nonprofit called the Flathead River Alliance.

The Alliance was quietly created about two years ago when meetings were being held on the Comprehensive River Management plan for the three forks — a document that’s still in the works.

The plan will guide river management on the sections of the rivers that are covered under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act — pretty much everything upstream from Bad Rock Canyon and the South Fork of the Flathead above the Hungry Horse Reservoir.

One of the goals of the alliance is to be a liaison between river users, conservationists, the Forest Service and the National Park Service.

“Many of our supporters have told us they care deeply for the North, Middle and South Forks of the Flathead River, and would like to ensure that these majestic rivers are preserved for future generations,” Alliance director Bob Jordan said.

He said the idea isn’t to sue government agencies when they disagree, but to work things out in a cooperative fashion.

Jordan has plenty of experience on the Flathead — he was the former owner of Wild River Adventures, a raft company in West Glacier.

The Alliance has a diverse board. Folks from Columbia Falls and the North Fork will recognize familiar names like longtime teacher and coach Mark Beckwith and North Forker Flannery Coats.

Bill Hodge, executive director of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation is also on the board.

Jordan said one goal is to work cooperatively with government agencies and to educate the public on proper river etiquette and use. The Alliance is forming a river ambassador program — volunteers that will offer their time and expertise at the busier river access sites during the summer months.

“Usage and visitation has dramatically increased over the last decade while resource management agencies have been increasingly unsupported and have been challenged to keep up with the increasing threats to the resource,” the organization notes on its website. “Through education, stewardship and outreach, we work alongside our partners to maintain the health of the Flathead river, as well as to ensure access and enjoyment for all users. Our take on stewardship is an active one. We believe in getting our hands wet, working alongside our partners and instilling stewardship into everyone we meet with a lead-by-example – we’ll-jump-first mindset.”

Jordan said the nonprofit was kickstarted in funding through a Forest Service Resource Advisory Council grant and a grant from the Whitefish Community Foundation as well as private donations.

One goal is to calm the waters, so-to-speak, between private users and commercial users of the rivers and act as a conduit of communication between both users.

They have more in common, than not.

“People are really passionate about these waterways,” Jordan noted. “There’s strong support for helping out in one some way or another.”

To that end, training for river ambassadors is from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Montana House in Apgar May 17. For those interested in signing up, call Jordan at 406 -285-1418 or email: info@flatheadrivers. org. People can also check out the website at FlatheadRivers.org.