Category: Press Release

HELENA, Mont.—The Western Montana Conservation Commission (WMCC) has awarded approximately $2 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to support two green stormwater infrastructure projects in western Montana. Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) is a nature-based solution to manage stormwater pollution by mimicking natural landscapes to allow stormwater to soak into the ground and be filtered. Projects awarded through WMCC’s Stormwater and Septic Leachate Toxics Reduction Grant Program are designed to mitigate stormwater pollution, reduce runoff and provide ample opportunities for community engagement.

“We’re thrilled to support innovative green stormwater infrastructure projects in Montana,” emphasized WMCC Executive Director Casey Lewis. “These showcase projects exemplify design excellence, water quality protection, education and community engagement.”

WMCC is excited to announce the following awardees:

City of Missoula – Missoula Public Library Living Roof
Awarded $1,000,000

The Missoula Public Library will transform 13,000 square feet of publicly accessible and visible rooftop in the heart of Missoula into a vibrant living roof, designed to reduce stormwater runoff, filter pollutants, cool the building and lower energy use, all while demonstrating the power of nature-based solutions. This highly visible installation will promote biodiversity and pollinator habitat and engage over 500,000 annual library visitors through interpretive signage, educational workshops, and programming aligned with K–12 science and sustainability curricula. Volunteers will participate in citizen science efforts as well as planting and seasonal maintenance. The Living Roof will serve as a platform for local artists, naturalists, and educators to contribute content and lead programming, amplifying the project’s reach and impact across Western Montana.

City and County of Butte-Silver Bow – Father Sheehan Park Green Stormwater Infrastructure Revitalization Project
Awarded $1,090,000

The Butte-Silver Bow Father Sheehan Park (FSP) Green Stormwater Infrastructure Revitalization Project will address inadequate stormwater management at one of Butte’s most historic and well-loved parks. The primary goal is to develop, design and begin implementation of an economically and environmentally sustainable and efficient green stormwater infrastructure complex. This project will build on existing community stormwater partner education and improve the safety and accessibility of Father Sheehan Park and the adjacent urban trail system, while addressing longstanding stormwater management deficiencies. The community will not only protect its recreational assets but also contribute to a healthier, more resilient urban environment for future generations.

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WMCC is administratively attached to The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). Funding for this grant comes from a larger grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. WMCC will share updates on the progress of these innovative projects.

HELENA, Mont. – The Western Montana Conservation Commission (WMCC) today invited Montanans to celebrate the Fifth Annual Watercraft Inspector Appreciation Week from August 4 to 8. Watercraft inspectors protect Montana’s waters by preventing the spread or introduction of aquatic invasive species at inspection stations across the state.

“We recognize the dedication, friendliness and attention to detail the Montana watercraft inspectors deliver every day to protect our water bodies. They are our first line of defense against aquatic invasive species,” said WMCC Executive Director Casey Lewis.

Per Montana law, all watercraft, from pontoons to paddleboards, must stop at every watercraft inspection station they encounter. At the station, inspectors will ask a few questions, inspect the watercraft, and, if necessary, complete a decontamination. Inspectors are trained to ensure all watercraft are cleaned of any plants, mud, or sediment; drained of any standing water; and dried.  

Dedicated inspectors have checked over 61,000 vessels in the 2025 season so far. Inspectors have prevented 28 mussel-fouled vessels and over 325 with aquatic weeds from entering Montana’s waters. More than 30 roadside stations across the state are operated by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks and partner organizations such as the Ravalli station, managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, and the Clearwater Junction station, managed by Missoula County.

“The Clearwater Junction station sees over 25,000 watercrafts in a season and serves as a major line of defense for the Blackfoot, Clearwater and everything downstream,” says Rebecca Busby of Missoula County Aquatic Invasive Species District. “Montana is one of only a handful of states that remains mussel-free, and we’re proud to say that our program and community are helping to keep it that way.”

The WMCC, a commission attached to the DNRC, supports inspectors by bringing supplies to partner-led inspection stations as a thank you while highlighting the important efforts of watercraft inspectors in Montana. Boaters and other water enthusiasts are encouraged to stop by local watercraft inspection stations during Watercraft Inspector Appreciation Week  to  thank our friendly watercraft inspectors for their dedication and attention to detail in protecting Montana’s waters.

To protect Montana’s waters from aquatic invasive species, the WMCC encourages all Montanans to take advantage of decontamination stations, clean, drain, and dry all watercraft (motorized and non-motorized) and gear, and stop at all inspection stations.

For more information on aquatic invasive species prevention efforts in Montana, visit: fwp.mt.gov/ais.

Watercraft inspectors work to protect our waters and aquatic resources by preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) at more than 20 inspection stations across Montana. AIS can cause ecological or economic harm by outcompeting native species, damaging infrastructure and diminishing the quality of recreational experiences. Inspectors are trained to ensure all watercraft—from pontoon boats to inflatable kayaks— are cleaned of any plants, mud, or sediment; drained of any standing water; and dried. 

Inspectors work through summer heat, smoke, storms and holidays at check stations operated by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks and partner organizations including conservation districts and tribal programs. Inspectors have checked over 66,000 vessels in the 2024 season so far, preventing 31 mussel-fouled vessels and over 400 with aquatic weeds from entering Montana’s waters.  

“Watercraft inspectors are working long hours to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in Montana,” says Emilie Henry, Western Montana Conservation Commission (WMCC)’s Program Coordinator. “They’re our first line of defense. If you see a local watercraft inspector this week, stop and thank them for their service to keep our waters clean.  We appreciate their hard work and dedication.” 

During the fourth annual Watercraft Inspector Appreciation Week, the Western Montana Conservation Commission will be bringing partner-led inspection stations supplies as a thank you and supporting partner-led events. WMCC and the Montana Invasive Species Council (MISC) will also be highlighting the efforts of various stations or inspectors on outreach networks. 

For more information on aquatic invasive species prevention efforts in Montana, visit: fwp.mt.gov/ais.