This project will improve connectivity for native trout in montana by creating fish passage at one diversion and one culvert the project locations are in long term, climate resilient priority…

This project will improve connectivity for native trout in montana by creating fish passage at one diversion and one culvert the project locations are in long term, climate resilient priority watersheds forbull trout salvelinus confluentus , which are listed under the federal endangered species act this project will contribute to the recovery of this species by restoring cold, clean, complex, and connected habitats specifically, these projects will address connectivity and instream flow concerns identified in the columbia headwaters recovery unit implementation plan the north fork blackfoot river, downstream of the existing diversion point, generally shifts to subsurface flow goes dry during periods of low base flows, creating a fish passage barrier this project will restore flows to over a mile of river by upgrading irrigation infrastructure to improve efficiency and leasing the salvaged water so that IT remains instream the existing headgate for this project will be closed and the landowner s irrigation system will be upgraded from flood and wheel line irrigation to a water efficient sprinkler irrigation system the point of diversion will also be moved downstream to the spring creek the water salvaged by these infrastructure upgrades approximately 7 cubic feet per second will be leased for instream use by the big blackfoot chapter of trout unlimited to benefit bull trout the poorman creek project will develop a design to replace an undersized culvert with a new stream crossing that will allow fish passage both projects will benefit bull trout and will create stable diversions into the future for the local agriculture and private landowners, armoring the local agricultural community against potential loss of crops due to climate change and contributing to a stable economy in the area