UPCOMING EVENTS
November 9: Home Hardening Workshop, 8:30 am-2:00 pm, Columbus Civic Center
November 23: SVWC Board Meeting, 6:00 pm, Fishtail Community Center
November 23: SVWC Board Meeting, 6:00 pm, Fishtail Community Center
PAST EVENTS
2023 Annual Summer Celebration and Stillwater River Float & Weed Pull
AUGUST 2023 - Event Highlights:
- Attended by 150+ supporters;
- Superb entertainment by The Sighliners
- Many awesome donations were auctioned off, raising over $23,000 for ongoing watershed improvement projects!
2022 Annual Summer Celebration and Stillwater River Float & Weed Pull
2021 11th Annual Fundraising BBQ and Stillwater River Float & Weed Pull
2020 10th Annual Fundraising BBQ and Stillwater River Float & Weed Pull
2019 Annual Fundraising BBQ and Stillwater River Float & Weed Pull
2018 Annual Fundraising BBQ and Stillwater River Float & Weed Pull
2017 Annual Fundraising BBQ and Stillwater River Float & Weed Pull
2017 BioControl & Pasture Management Workshop
2016 Annual Fundraising BBQ/Auction & Stillwater River Float/Weed Pull
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2016 BioControl Workshop
JULY 2016 - The SVWC would like to thank Melissa Maggio-Kassner and the MT Biocontrol Coordination Project (MBCP) for aiding in the organization and facilitation of the SVWC’s inaugural biocontrol workshop held in early July, 2016 in Fishtail, MT.
The Stillwater Valley was one of the first leafy spurge biocontrol release areas in the state. Since the mid-80’s, biocontrol agents have been used extensively as one tool for invasive species management for the difficult to manage leafy spurge. However, leafy spurge continues to gain a foothold in many areas of the watershed and so in recent years there has been a focus on bolstering populations of Aphthona species, A. nigriscutis, and A. lacertosa in order to effectively use more of the tools in the weed control toolbox.
For the workshop, an informal but informative day was planned focusing on biocontrol systems in which everyone would be able to first gain more in depth knowledge about the most common biocontrol agents in MT in a classroom setting. Participants were given a background of the various agents and their target noxious weed species as well as an honest viewpoint for the pros and cons of many biological controls. Next, the afternoon session took the group to a local landowner’s property where a collection site had been established in 2012 in a pastureland draw infested with dense leafy spurge. The purpose of the field visit was to learn about collection and re-distribution techniques for populations of flea beetles and oberea. Participants found the afternoon workshop especially valuable and became experts in identifying the various biocontrol agents present in the leafy spurge population as well as witness the entire process of collecting and transporting the insects.
Over 25 participants—adults, youth, agency personnel, private landowners—along with MBCP and SVWC staff and board members, were enthusiastic about collecting and learning more about biocontrol agents. The collection efforts were a great success with approximately 76,500 agents being distributed for local and regional weed control efforts. The 51 containers of “weed eaters” had an estimated value of $5,000.
The accomplishments of the day were made even more successful by the participants and facilitators, from diverse backgrounds, that brought an interesting array of rangeland and weed management knowledge with them. The conversations and relationships forged provided an opportunity to evaluate various management techniques, as well as share successes and failures. We are very grateful for the MBCP and all those who participated throughout the day and hope that everyone enjoyed the day as much as we did and look forward to a successful event next year.
The Stillwater Valley was one of the first leafy spurge biocontrol release areas in the state. Since the mid-80’s, biocontrol agents have been used extensively as one tool for invasive species management for the difficult to manage leafy spurge. However, leafy spurge continues to gain a foothold in many areas of the watershed and so in recent years there has been a focus on bolstering populations of Aphthona species, A. nigriscutis, and A. lacertosa in order to effectively use more of the tools in the weed control toolbox.
For the workshop, an informal but informative day was planned focusing on biocontrol systems in which everyone would be able to first gain more in depth knowledge about the most common biocontrol agents in MT in a classroom setting. Participants were given a background of the various agents and their target noxious weed species as well as an honest viewpoint for the pros and cons of many biological controls. Next, the afternoon session took the group to a local landowner’s property where a collection site had been established in 2012 in a pastureland draw infested with dense leafy spurge. The purpose of the field visit was to learn about collection and re-distribution techniques for populations of flea beetles and oberea. Participants found the afternoon workshop especially valuable and became experts in identifying the various biocontrol agents present in the leafy spurge population as well as witness the entire process of collecting and transporting the insects.
Over 25 participants—adults, youth, agency personnel, private landowners—along with MBCP and SVWC staff and board members, were enthusiastic about collecting and learning more about biocontrol agents. The collection efforts were a great success with approximately 76,500 agents being distributed for local and regional weed control efforts. The 51 containers of “weed eaters” had an estimated value of $5,000.
The accomplishments of the day were made even more successful by the participants and facilitators, from diverse backgrounds, that brought an interesting array of rangeland and weed management knowledge with them. The conversations and relationships forged provided an opportunity to evaluate various management techniques, as well as share successes and failures. We are very grateful for the MBCP and all those who participated throughout the day and hope that everyone enjoyed the day as much as we did and look forward to a successful event next year.
Projects Underway from Stillwater River Assessment
DECEMBER 2015 - Water quality ranks high on the priority list of the Stillwater Valley Watershed Council’s mission. Because of this mission and interest from area landowners to prioritize mitigation projects that will improve natural resource issues along our tributaries the SVWC, teaming with the Stillwater Conservation District, commissioned a comprehensive assessment of three stream reaches in the upper Stillwater Valley in 2013. This project was made possible by a Department of Natural Resources Conservation 223 grant.
The primary objectives for the assessment were to target the Stillwater River (30.3 miles), the West Fork of the Stillwater River (6.2 miles), Lodgepole Creek (4.7 miles), Limestone Creek (2.1 miles), and Little Rocky Creek (2.3 miles) in order to: a) collect and summarize resource information with special attention given to irrigation infrastructure, riparian area restoration, and noxious weed infestations, and b) provide recommendations and prioritization on restoration opportunities.
Warren Kellogg, a professional in stream corridor assessments, was hired to undertake the project which was completed in the fall of 2013 with the subsequent report released in spring 2014. According to Kellogg, human impact has occurred in the upper Stillwater Valley over the last 120 years, but compared to many streams in Montana, their impact is minimal. For the most part, the upper Stillwater streams are in good condition.
From the report, the SVWC and SCD boards as well as interested landowners ranked projects prioritized by Kellogg. Shortly thereafter, the Yanzick and Brey/Riddle ditch users approached the SVWC and SCD boards about sponsoring a project on their irrigation diversion structures. The ditch users’ desire to improve water use efficiencies and eliminate annual disturbances to the Stillwater River prompted them to look into options to resolve this issue. Because these projects ranked high on the SVWC and SCD’s priority list and the close proximity of the two headgates and the interaction between the diversions, it was a clear decision by both boards to address this as one project.
The first step in determining potential solutions to the identified issues on the Yanzick & Brey/Riddle irrigation structures is to commission a professional engineering firm to complete a preliminary engineering report (PER). A PER will allow all stakeholders involved to consider recommendations generated from an engineer and proceed with a preferred alternative that will improve river stability, aquatic habitat, and public safety.
The SVWC and SCD applied for and recently received $10,000 from a DNRC Renewable Resource Planning Grant to fund this PER. Other match funds for the project came from water users on the Yanzick headgate and Brey/Riddle ditch, with project oversight being provided by the SVWC and SCD. The PER is expected to be complete by spring 2016 in which a public meeting will then be held to determine the best alternative.
Meanwhile, Kellogg recently completed the ground work for a comprehensive river assessment on the East and West Rosebud Creeks and Fishtail Creek. The majority of funding for this project came from a DNRC 223 grant in the amount of $15,000. The remaining required funds will come from the SVWC’s general operating budget with project oversight from the SCD and SVWC. A preliminary report from this assessment will be presented by Warren Kellogg at the SVWC’s annual meeting scheduled for January 30, 2016 in Fishtail.
The primary objectives for the assessment were to target the Stillwater River (30.3 miles), the West Fork of the Stillwater River (6.2 miles), Lodgepole Creek (4.7 miles), Limestone Creek (2.1 miles), and Little Rocky Creek (2.3 miles) in order to: a) collect and summarize resource information with special attention given to irrigation infrastructure, riparian area restoration, and noxious weed infestations, and b) provide recommendations and prioritization on restoration opportunities.
Warren Kellogg, a professional in stream corridor assessments, was hired to undertake the project which was completed in the fall of 2013 with the subsequent report released in spring 2014. According to Kellogg, human impact has occurred in the upper Stillwater Valley over the last 120 years, but compared to many streams in Montana, their impact is minimal. For the most part, the upper Stillwater streams are in good condition.
From the report, the SVWC and SCD boards as well as interested landowners ranked projects prioritized by Kellogg. Shortly thereafter, the Yanzick and Brey/Riddle ditch users approached the SVWC and SCD boards about sponsoring a project on their irrigation diversion structures. The ditch users’ desire to improve water use efficiencies and eliminate annual disturbances to the Stillwater River prompted them to look into options to resolve this issue. Because these projects ranked high on the SVWC and SCD’s priority list and the close proximity of the two headgates and the interaction between the diversions, it was a clear decision by both boards to address this as one project.
The first step in determining potential solutions to the identified issues on the Yanzick & Brey/Riddle irrigation structures is to commission a professional engineering firm to complete a preliminary engineering report (PER). A PER will allow all stakeholders involved to consider recommendations generated from an engineer and proceed with a preferred alternative that will improve river stability, aquatic habitat, and public safety.
The SVWC and SCD applied for and recently received $10,000 from a DNRC Renewable Resource Planning Grant to fund this PER. Other match funds for the project came from water users on the Yanzick headgate and Brey/Riddle ditch, with project oversight being provided by the SVWC and SCD. The PER is expected to be complete by spring 2016 in which a public meeting will then be held to determine the best alternative.
Meanwhile, Kellogg recently completed the ground work for a comprehensive river assessment on the East and West Rosebud Creeks and Fishtail Creek. The majority of funding for this project came from a DNRC 223 grant in the amount of $15,000. The remaining required funds will come from the SVWC’s general operating budget with project oversight from the SCD and SVWC. A preliminary report from this assessment will be presented by Warren Kellogg at the SVWC’s annual meeting scheduled for January 30, 2016 in Fishtail.
PROPERTY RIGHTS FORUM
Land & Minerals…Do you Know Yours?
MAY 2015 - On May 14th, the Stillwater Valley Watershed Council teamed with MSU Extension, Beartooth Stock Association and Stillwater Protective Association to host a very successful forum centered around property rights and oil & gas development. Titled “Property Rights, Land & Minerals….Do You Know YOURS” nearly 90 people interested in hearing from industry professional about these issues turned out. Speakers included Adam Sigler, MSU Extension Water Quality Specialist; Hertha Lund and Breeann Johnson, Lund Law PLLC; Craig Drake, BLM; and Dick Iverson, Farmer/Rancher from Eastern MT.
Presentations centered around topics such as water quality in vicinity of oil and gas development, surface rights vs. mineral rights, the federal leasing process, ground water and fracking, and issues to consider with oil and gas development on private land. Overwhelmingly, attendants agreed that the forum gave unbiased expert advice and was a day well spent. Presentations and speaker contact information can be found by clicking the button below.
Presentations centered around topics such as water quality in vicinity of oil and gas development, surface rights vs. mineral rights, the federal leasing process, ground water and fracking, and issues to consider with oil and gas development on private land. Overwhelmingly, attendants agreed that the forum gave unbiased expert advice and was a day well spent. Presentations and speaker contact information can be found by clicking the button below.
2014 Stillwater River Float & Weed Pull
AUGUST 2014 - On Sunday August 10th, following the success of the 6th Annual BBQ and Auction, 24 dedicated weed fighters joined in the fun to hunt down noxious weeds, but most namely spotted knapweed, on the islands and banks of our county’s namesake river. Four boats successfully navigated and eradicated from Old Nye to Moraine Fishing Access. This was again a very successful weed pull event as we were able to get the help of many newcomers as well as seasoned volunteers! Thank you all the volunteers for your time and hard work, as well as Stillwater Mining Company for providing the delicious sack lunches prepared by the Fishtail Store.
Anne Gunn and her monster knapweed pick!
Beautiful day to float and scout for spotted knapweed!
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What is wrong with this picture? Can you spot the knapweed?
Bill Mytton, working hard pulling common mullein, refreshed after his break (above picture).
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2014 Annual Fundraising BBQ & AUction
AUGUST 2014 -On August 9th, 2014 the SVWC hosted the 6th Annual BBQ and Auction Fundraiser. The event was a huge success!!
A huge thank you goes out to the organizers, volunteers and numerous newcomers who brought their support for this event. Over $10,000 was raised to help support our ongoing projects. This was all made possible because of the many generous folks who donated auction items, as well as the all the hot hands that were lucky enough to win the highest bid.
For the second year in a row Franny and Franny Abbott of the Fishtail Basin Ranch hosted the event. We truly appreciate all their help with the planning and for providing the beautiful event location. Brian & Mindy Young and their boys were a ton of help also. The consensus was that a good time was had by all!
A huge thank you goes out to the organizers, volunteers and numerous newcomers who brought their support for this event. Over $10,000 was raised to help support our ongoing projects. This was all made possible because of the many generous folks who donated auction items, as well as the all the hot hands that were lucky enough to win the highest bid.
For the second year in a row Franny and Franny Abbott of the Fishtail Basin Ranch hosted the event. We truly appreciate all their help with the planning and for providing the beautiful event location. Brian & Mindy Young and their boys were a ton of help also. The consensus was that a good time was had by all!
3rd Annual Water Seminar--
Upper Stillwater River Assessment and Future Projects
MAY 2014 - This educational forum for landowners, recreationalists, and other interested parties provided information and the opportunity for questions regarding the Stillwater River and selected tributary assessment and project prioritization. In addition, presenters discussed the potential to continue the river assessment project to the East/West Rosebud Rivers and Fishtail Creek. Presenters also discusses past irrigation water projects and future water volume/quality assessment projects.
Presenters:
1. Warren Kellogg, Stream & Watershed Consultant
2. Dan Rostad, Boulder River Watershed Coordinator
3. Landowner/manager on the Garrigus Ditch
4. Kevin Chandler, Montana Bureau of Mines & Geology
1. Warren Kellogg, Stream & Watershed Consultant
2. Dan Rostad, Boulder River Watershed Coordinator
3. Landowner/manager on the Garrigus Ditch
4. Kevin Chandler, Montana Bureau of Mines & Geology
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Professional Assessment of the Stillwater River Complete!
OCTOBER 2013 - The SVWC has received a grant (see Water Quality/Quantity section) and Warren Kellogg walked the entire reaches of Limestone Creek, the lower West Fork and the upper Stillwater River from Woodbine Campground to the confluence of the Rosebud River. This assessment was organized to provide information on the health of the stream and to identify potential restoration projects. Warren Kellogg, Stream and Watershed Consultant, is interested in talking with you about your thoughts and experiences on Limestone Creek, the West Fork, Little Rocky Creek and the upper Stillwater River.
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2013 Stillwater River Float & Weed Pull
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AUGUST 2013 - On Sunday August 11th, following the success of the 5th Annual BBQ and Auction, 21.5 dedicated weed fighters joined in the fun to hunt down noxious weeds, but most namely spotted knapweed, on the islands and banks of our county’s namesake river. Six boats successfully navigated and eradicated from Old Nye to Moraine Fishing Access. According to our veteran weed warrior, Noel Keogh, this was the most successful float & pull event he has been a part of on the Stillwater River! However it was very evident that the efforts of the Small Landowner Spray Program are definitely paying off. Thank you all the volunteers for your time and hard work, as well as Stillwater Mining Company for providing the delicious sack lunches which were prepared by the Fishtail Store.
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2013 Annual Fundraising BBQ & AUction
AUGUST 2013 - On August 10th, 2013 the SVWC celebrated the success of the past year by hosting the 5th Annual BBQ and Auction Fundraiser. The evening event was a huge success with record attendance and funds raised.
Thanks to the faithful organizers, volunteers and numerous newcomers who brought their support for an event where a little summer wind and rain couldn’t even dampen the mood. Nearly $8,000 was raised, made possible because of the many generous folks who donated auction items, as well as the all the hot hands that were lucky enough to win the highest bid.
Fishtail Basin Ranch purchased the high ticket item, an original Tom Wolfe mixed media watercolor painting for $1050. Ed and Rozzie Davis bought the second high priced item for $700, an authentic wagon ride and cookout for six donated by Bill & Janice Mytton.
A huge thank you goes out to Franny and Franny Abbott of the Fishtail Basin Ranch for all their help with the planning and for providing the beautiful event location. Brian & Mindy Young and their boys were a ton of help with the outstanding auctioneering and ringmen services. A Touch of Country Catering provided the tasty meal while Laura Blond entertained the crowd with her stellar violin skills.
Thanks to the faithful organizers, volunteers and numerous newcomers who brought their support for an event where a little summer wind and rain couldn’t even dampen the mood. Nearly $8,000 was raised, made possible because of the many generous folks who donated auction items, as well as the all the hot hands that were lucky enough to win the highest bid.
Fishtail Basin Ranch purchased the high ticket item, an original Tom Wolfe mixed media watercolor painting for $1050. Ed and Rozzie Davis bought the second high priced item for $700, an authentic wagon ride and cookout for six donated by Bill & Janice Mytton.
A huge thank you goes out to Franny and Franny Abbott of the Fishtail Basin Ranch for all their help with the planning and for providing the beautiful event location. Brian & Mindy Young and their boys were a ton of help with the outstanding auctioneering and ringmen services. A Touch of Country Catering provided the tasty meal while Laura Blond entertained the crowd with her stellar violin skills.
2013's 2nd Annual Water Policy Seminar--
All You Want to Know About Your Water & Rights!
MAY 2013 - A forum of professionals were present at the Anipro Event Center to provide information and resources available to individuals with water right issues or concerns. The presenters, including the DNRC, Montana Water Court, NRCS/Stillwater Conservation District, a local hydrologist, and water right attorney, had backgrounds of varied water related expertise. Judge Bruce Loble, MT Water Court, gave a brief history of the evolution of water rights. Kim Overcast from the DNRC then talked about water abstracts. Each of the presenters also had a list of different scenarios they responded to. One of the most beneficial portions of the forum was when the audience had the opportunity to participate in small group question and answer sessions which rotated between presenters.
2012 Stillwater River Float and Weed Pull
AUGUST 2012 - On Sunday August 26th, following the success of our 4th Annual BBQ and Auction, 17.25 dedicated weed fighters braved the chilly weather, low waters and big boulders of the Stillwater River to hunt down knapweed on the islands and banks of our county’s namesake river. Four boats successfully navigated and eradicated from Old Nye to Moraine Fishing Access. According to our veteran weed warrior, Noel Keogh, this was the most successful float & pull event he has been a part of on the Stillwater River! However it was very evident that the efforts of the Small Landowner Spray Program are definitely paying off. Thank you all the volunteers as well as Stillwater Mining Company for providing the delicious sack lunches prepared by the Fishtail Store.
2012 Annual Fundraising BBQ and Auction
On August 25th, the SVWC celebrated the success of the past year by hosting the 4th Annual BBQ and Auction Fundraiser at the 4K Ranch. The evening event was a big success thanks to our faithful volunteers and numerous newcomers that brought their support so that the event would go off without a hitch. Over $5000 was raised, which was made possible because of the generous folks that donated auction items as well as the all the hot hands that were lucky enough to win the highest bid.
Special thanks goes out to the 4K Ranch and Mike Lorash for the stellar facilities and BBQing capabilities. Bruce & Theo Yanzick donated the lamb and Wanda Wilcox of Paintbrush Adventures provided the goat. Meredy Royce fed the crowd and Doug Robinette kept them quenched at the bar, while Nancy Brown and Becky Chenault headed up the decorations and front table. Brian Young provided the outstanding auctioneering—we couldn’t have done it without you! Thanks to Noel Keogh for gathering the weeds used in the Weed Rodeo, and Olaf Sherwood for judging the competition.
Special thanks goes out to the 4K Ranch and Mike Lorash for the stellar facilities and BBQing capabilities. Bruce & Theo Yanzick donated the lamb and Wanda Wilcox of Paintbrush Adventures provided the goat. Meredy Royce fed the crowd and Doug Robinette kept them quenched at the bar, while Nancy Brown and Becky Chenault headed up the decorations and front table. Brian Young provided the outstanding auctioneering—we couldn’t have done it without you! Thanks to Noel Keogh for gathering the weeds used in the Weed Rodeo, and Olaf Sherwood for judging the competition.
2012 Water Policy Seminar
"You think we have bad fights over oil. Just wait until we start fighting over water.”-Anonymous quote, The Washington Post, Mar '91
FEBRUARY 2012 - The SVWC hosted it's 1st Annual Water Policy Seminar focusing on the basics of water rights. Kim Overcast, DNRC talked about the ABC’s of Montana Water Law and how it affects land stakeholders. Judge Loble, Montana Water Court, presented about current issues in Montana’s Water Court and current adjudication processes as it relates to 43C jurisdiction. To round out the days programs was John Youngberg from the Montana Farm Bureau who discussed current legislative issues and the process to follow for legislative change.
Small or large tract landowner, realtor, developer, or recreationalist, these issues impact all of us!
FEBRUARY 2012 - The SVWC hosted it's 1st Annual Water Policy Seminar focusing on the basics of water rights. Kim Overcast, DNRC talked about the ABC’s of Montana Water Law and how it affects land stakeholders. Judge Loble, Montana Water Court, presented about current issues in Montana’s Water Court and current adjudication processes as it relates to 43C jurisdiction. To round out the days programs was John Youngberg from the Montana Farm Bureau who discussed current legislative issues and the process to follow for legislative change.
Small or large tract landowner, realtor, developer, or recreationalist, these issues impact all of us!
2011 Annual Fundraising BBQ and Auction
AUGUST 2011 - The annual auction and BBQ was a huge success thanks to the volunteers that helped the event go off without a hitch. Numerous people donated food, auction items and good ol’ elbow grease. The 4K Ranch hosted the event at their beautiful property located just off Fiddler Creek Road. Over 100 people turned out for the Weed Rodeo, pig roast (donated by Mike and Bobbi Lorash) and live and silent auctions. Thanks to Brian Young for providing the outstanding auctioneering! Door prizes were provided by Tractor Supply and Heliworks Flight Services. The auction and t-shirt sales raised over $4,200 with funds going toward the SVWC’s future projects.
2011 Stillwater Mining Company Tour and Educational Day
JUNE 2011 - On Saturday June 4th the SVWC and SMC Stillwater Mine hosted a free tour to the public. In order to look forward, at the goals of the SVWC, we must look back on how far our predecessor, Stillwater River Weed Management Area (SRWMA), and Stillwater Mining Company (SMC) have come a long way in terms of reaching their weed control and eradication goals. Educating the public is a large part of this effort. The morning started with an informational prestentation by SMC then an above ground tour of the mining operations. The afternoon followed with educational opportunities: backpack sprayers were calibrated and information about weed ID and control was taught.
2010 Annual Fundraising BBQ and Auction
AUGUST 2010 - On August 14th the Stillwater Valley Watershed Council hosted the 2nd annual fundraiser event. There was a great turnout of Stillwater Valley Watershed residents and friends for the pitchfork fondue BBQ that took place at David and Sandra Joys’ along the upper reaches of the Stillwater River. A lot of fun was had with the friendly competition of the weed rodeo held prior to the dinner. Contestants got the opportunity to hone in their skills of identifying and roping weeds as well as going on a weed scavenger hunt; learning and meeting new people along the way. The fundraiser portion was a huge success as numerous donated items were auctioned off. An original Tom Wolfe oil painting was the top selling item which fetched $1,400. Thank you to Noel Keogh for his stellar auctioneering skills as well as the generous donors and purchasers who helped the watershed council to raise over $4,000. These funds will help support our future endeavors throughout the watershed.
The fun didn’t stop at the fondue, the following day a float and pull took place on the Upper Stillwater River. Yet another competition was held to see which raft could pick the most knapweed (on a pound basis). Numerous rafts filled with enthusiastic weed fighters participated in the daylong event.
The fun didn’t stop at the fondue, the following day a float and pull took place on the Upper Stillwater River. Yet another competition was held to see which raft could pick the most knapweed (on a pound basis). Numerous rafts filled with enthusiastic weed fighters participated in the daylong event.
2010 Cliff Swallow Fishing Access Educational BBQ
JUNE 2010 - On Sunday June 13th the Stillwater River Watershed Group hosted a BBQ and educational day at the Cliff Swallow fishing access. The invitation was open to the public and aimed at local landowners as well as recreationalists using the Stillwater River and surrounding areas. In attendance were many local landowners interested in identifying and controlling noxious weeds on their properties. Matt Wilhelm, with the Center for Aquatic and Nuisance Species in Livingston, talked about the importance of preventing the introduction of aquatic invasive species, most notably Zebra Mussels, to our waterways. Keeping tributaries clean by thoroughly washing water vessels, equipment and clothing prior to entering new waterways will help to prevent this potentially detrimental occurrence. Vince and Kathy Thomas from Redds Fixit Shop LLC in Billings gave a demonstration on the use of the new Datalogger GPS mapping units donated to the watershed. Two units, which are designed to make GPS mapping weeds very time saving and user-friendly, were generously given by the Stillwater Mine. A big thank you goes out to the mine for the many benefits these GPS units will provide to the community. These units are available on loan through the Weed District office for landowners in the Stillwater River's watershed. Also on hand at the BBQ were Cleve Schuster from Fish Wildlife and Parks, Lee Schmelzer from the Extension Office, and Jim Visser from the Weed District. Thank you to the volunteers who organized the event made the day possible.