Three water-user groups, several conservation districts, and state and federal agencies across Musselshell, Golden Valley, Wheatland, Garfield, and Petroleum Counties comprise the coalition. 

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The watershed coalition has a three-part goal to achieve a desirable quality of life for

both water users, the residents of the Musselshell Valley, and the river itself:

 

Goal 1: Water Quantity

• Meet decreed and contract water rights obligations by sustaining sufficient water in the Musselshell through cooperative flow management and a well-maintained irrigation infrastructure system.

 

Goal 2: Water Quality

• Pro-actively work with State agencies to meet State Water Standards using a volunteer local approach.

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Goal 3: Provide Governance, Planning & Outreach for the Coalition.

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MWC operates thanks to the time volunteered by its members. The watershed coalition works to create volunteer opportunities for youth and adults throughout the basin. In 2013 these included streambank stabilization, tree planting, photo point monitoring, salinity monitoring, and more. MWC operates thanks to the time volunteered by its members. These include the Upper Musselshell Conservation District, Lower Musselshell Conservation District, Petroleum County Conservation District, Garfield County Conservation District, Upper Musselshell Water Users Association, Deadman’s Basin Water Users Association, Delphia-Melstone Canal Users Association, Mosby-Musselshell Watershed Group, MT DNRC, MT DEQ, NRCS, and always local landowners and residents.

 

Click here for the Musselshell Watershed Coalition Informational Brochure.

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The Musselshell is surrounded by a tight-knit community. Nothing shows just how strong a group of neighbors can be more than disaster. Through floods and fires the community has stood the test of time. Strength in Neighbors explores this idea as it tells the story of some of the Musselshell's hardest years.