Our History

In 2006 the Stillwater River Weed Management Area was formed to control weeds along the uppermost part of the river.  This group was funded through a three year Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Grant for $122,000. The Forest Service, Stillwater Mining Company, Stillwater County Weed District and over 95 local landowners were involved. The project was extremely successful in controlling the weed invasions in the area.  However, the ultimate goal of the group was to continue this systematic approach to weed management downriver, utilizing this project as a model to be followed and expanding the collaborative conservation effort.

As the grant moved to a close and the success of the weed management area became apparent, the continuation of collaboration and cooperation on weed management expanded. Water quality, forest health and related educational efforts required a formal structure. This structure, the Stillwater Valley Watershed Council, was officially formed in 2010. ​

Click to view a history of the SVWC!

We all need somewhere we can go to connect with Mother Nature; but we have to take care of our environment and as long as we can do that, we will have a place that is viable for us to enjoy."
- Clint Branger
​Former professional bull rider and rancher, Roscoe, Montana

15 Year Anniversary of the Watershed Council

Over the last 15 years, efforts have focused on encouraging noxious weed control through cost-share programs, funding several river assessment projects, including a major ditch renovation and post-flood river changes, investing in forest health and wildfire mitigation, as well as focusing outreach efforts on soil health benefits. The steadfast SVWC board envisions ongoing community education and outreach regarding land stewardship, water rights, and rural living. We will continue to bring together public, private, and government resources, funding and grants to achieve our goals. Through locally driven programs, the Stillwater Valley Watershed Council advances responsible land stewardship to strengthen natural resources and ensure their long-term vitality. 
In 2025, a combination of grant funding and strong local support enabled SVWC to deliver meaningful, measurable impact across the watershed:
--$100,000 committed to wildfire mitigation and forest health, safeguarding homes and improving grazing habitats across the watershed.
--$88,000 invested in noxious weed control on both public and private lands. $13,500 directed toward water quality projects and grassroots water sampling to ensure clean water.
--$8,000 committed to soil health and natural resource outreach for the community.