The sun river watershed group (SRWG) seeks to expand our ability to support watershed stakeholders by enhancing programs and identifying projects that benefit natural resources and communities

The Bureau of Reclamation awarded a $345,500.52 Project Grant under the Cooperative Watershed Management Program (CFDA 15.554) to the Sun River Watershed Group (SRWG), a non-profit organization based in Great Falls, Montana. This 3-year award, with an anticipated completion date of September 30, 2027, aims to expand SRWG's ability to support watershed stakeholders by enhancing programs and identifying projects that benefit natural resources and communities in the Sun River watershed. Key activities will include stakeholder outreach, strategic planning, design of a high-priority restoration project, and implementation of new and expanded programs, all conducted in collaboration with local partners such as conservation districts, irrigation districts, and government agencies. This grant will build upon SRWG's previous work under a Cooperative Watershed Management Program grant to develop a strategic plan for the watershed.

SRWG developed a strategic plan under a previous cwmp grant and is ready to take the next steps in implementing that plan, using stakeholder outreach information captured during the past cwmp to expand existing programs, initiate new programs, and create a design for a high-priority project identified through stakeholder outreach. SRWG works collaboratively with stakeholders to restore and protect the resources of the sun river watershed and its communities, working with local conservation districts and irrigation districts municipalities federal, state, and local agencies landowners and other organizations. This project will be completed within three years. Given the anticipated award date of december 31, 2024, project will be complete by december 31, 2027. Activities associated with this project will occur on a combination of private, state, and federally owned lands.