Clark Resource Council: Issues

CRC Petition Drive for a Clark's Fork River Watershed Plan

Clarks Fork Canyon

Members of the CRC are coordinating our efforts to protect the Clark's Fork River watershed by developing an integrated watershed planning process. This watershed begins at the northeastern boundary of Yellowstone National Park and incorporates large drainages in the Shoshone and Custer National Forests and Wyoming BLM—arguably some of North America’s finest mountain waters. Although funding is always problematic, watershed planning is desperately needed NOW!

Present and future threats to the watershed include:

Oil and gas development

Aquifer (groundwater) contamination from gas well blowout on Line Creek.
Transport and disposal of drilling fluids from drilling operations.
Surface runoff - road and trail damage from oil and gas exploration.
Produced water discharges
Lengthy storage of produced water and drilling fluids in pits

Subdivision development in headwaters and basin

Increased water well density resulting in lower yields
Increased septic field densities and potential water quality degradation

Historic Mining

Acid drainage from mine tunnels
Leaching from mine tailings
Small dam failure on high elevation reservoirs
Flood events through tailings

Agricultural Operations

Dewatering of stream channels from diversions
Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs or feedlots)

Forest and Range Fires

Increased soil erosion and sediment delivery

The Clark Resource Council has developed a petition requesting protection of the Clark’s Fork Watershed. If you want to support the CRC in its efforts, please download the petition, print a copy, sign and mail to the CRC.