The Clarks Fork Yellowstone Partnership’s mission is to preserve and promote stream function and ecology to ensure optimal water use for agricultural, domestic, and recreational needs.
The Clarks Fork Yellowstone Partnership was created from the dinner table discussion of two good friends who love the Clarks Fork River and the way of life in the valley. The idea quickly grew with the support of local recreationists, conservation agencies and the agricultural community. We were awarded 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation in June 2022, and came to encompass both the Clarks Fork River drainage and the Rock Creek drainage later that summer. Although we are in the beginning stages of our development, historically watershed organizations have flourished in Montana for more than 25 years. In many areas across the state, these organizations have facilitated groundbreaking conservation strategies, and helped to build trust and discover shared values within diverse communities. The geographical area of the Clarks Fork River watershed is large, and encompasses a diverse group of stakeholders. As a non regulatory, community-driven organization, we promote communication and partnership across that stakeholder base to help promote and preserve stream ecology.