Event Details
On June 2-3, 2025 the Flathead Lake Biological Station and MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks will conduct a 2-day aquatic invasive species training event including AIS identification and sampling methods, eDNA sample collection, and equipment decontamination. An integral portion of the training will be spent overviewing and using Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), a “point of use” technology capable of real-time presence/absence detection.
Training time will also be spent in the field collecting specimens following MTFWP all taxa protocols. Upon completion, participants will be provided access to additional AIS training resources, equipment loans, and sampling events. Lunch for both days will be provided, and lodging at FLBS is available upon request.
For more information or to RSVP (by May 20), please send an email to phil.matson@flbs.umt.edu
Once funding is awarded, effective management is essential. This comprehensive workshop covers key aspects of grant administration- including compliance, financial reporting, and strategies for ensuring successful project implementation from an expert grant trainer, Dr. Ericka Harney, from Grant Management USA. Hosted by Montana Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) with support from DNRC and WMCC, this normally $500, comprehensive two-day grant management course is ideal for both beginners and experienced grant managers looking to refine their skills.
Eligible Entities: Conservation Districts, Watershed Groups, Tribes/Tribal Conservation Groups, Municipalities, Counties, State Agencies, Special Districts, Local Conservation NGOs
Join WMCC at the Montana State Capitol Rotunda to learn about the work agencies and organizations do to improve and protect water quality across Montana. Participating groups include Montana Department of Environmental Quality, U.S. Geological Survey, Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, Missoula Public Works & Stormwater, Prickly Pear Land Trust, and more!
Lunch & Learn: lunch will be served at noon.
If your organization is interested in participating, there are a limited number of tabling opportunities. Please contact Stephanie Murphy for more information.
WMCC is tentatively releasing application materials at the beginning of January and opening applications for submissions in the middle of January. Join us in the time in-between to discuss questions specific to your Stormwater and Septic Leachate Grant Program application. Grant staff will be on hand to answer any of your application questions or discuss related grant information.
Register for Zoom meetings here:
Coordinated by Montana Association of Conservation Districts with support from WMCC and Montana DNRC, Grant Writing USA is offering two-hour, one-on-one grant writing training sessions for Columbia River Basin (western Montana) applicants to help with starting, reviewing, or answering questions about the grant writing and submission process.
Only 1 more session is available! The application will remain open until all appointments are filled.
Do you have questions about your septic system? Do you support a healthy watershed? Join us on October 30 from 6-8 PM at the Polson Library to learn more about maintaining and extending the life of your septic system! Top septic do’s and dont’s! Available $$ resources! See if you can save $200* off your next pumping! *eligibility screening done for all interested attendees. Food & drinks provided – walk-ins welcome.
WMCC’s EPA-funded Stormwater and Septic Leachate Grant Programs are on the horizon; we anticipate applications opening in the beginning of January 2025. Join grant staff to discuss specific considerations for federal funding and your projects. The four grant programs are 1) Residential Septic System Education & Maintenance Program, 2) Septic System Replacement & Sewer Connectivity, 3) Showcase Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project, and 4) Residential & Community Green Stormwater Infrastructure Program.
For the first time in Montana, WMCC is bringing a virtual, Community-Based Social Marketing (CBSM) Workshop with Dr. Doug McKenzie-Mohr, the founder of CBSM. Learn how to enhance your outreach campaigns to establish social norms and positive habits. The workshop is full, but WMCC staff may be contacted to join the waitlist.
The annual Flathead Waters Cleanup is a volunteer event to clean up trash in and around the waterbodies of the Flathead Watershed. Trash can cause harm to aquatic ecosystems and can prevent us from enjoying our favorite places. Our goal is to keep our favorite natural areas clean – for us and for the fish! Take as much or as little time to clean your site as you want!
After-Party & Prize Giveaway – 4 PM to 8 PM
After the cleanup, join us at Sacred Waters Brewery in Kalispell for food, drinks, and chances to win amazing prizes!
An evening stroll through downtown historic Kalispell to learn about rain gardens and the benefit they provide to our watershed!
