Montana Freshwater Partners

A thriving river starts with a caring community. 

Mission: To restore, enhance, and protect Montana's rivers, streams, and wetlands through science-based and innovative solutions that benefit people, communities , and our shared natural environment.

In the heart of Paradise Valley, the Yellowstone River is the thread that connects our community, Montana's landscape, culture, and identity — and it's under pressure. Record-breaking floods, extended drought, and encroaching development are reshaping a river that generations have called home. That's why the Montana Freshwater Partners team, driven by years of witnessing the rapid degradation of our aquatic resources, created the Give Back to the Yellowstone Stewardship Program — a community-driven effort to restore and protect the precious river and it's watershed that defines Park County.

Montana Freshwater Partners harnesses the power of the community to generate funds for on-the-ground projects, ensuring that the river they love remains a vibrant and thriving ecosystem for generations to come. With a blend of science, commitment and compassion, Freshwater Partners promotes tolerance for coexistence and win win solutions while safeguarding the ecological balance of the land. We're working hard at not just preserving rivers and streams - but preserving a way of life.

The Give Back to the Yellowstone Program channels the power of community into on-the-ground action. Every dollar raised goes directly toward meaningful, measurable restoration and stewardship — ensuring this river stays wild, vibrant, and thriving for generations to come.

Your support funds the following efforts and more:

💙 Yellowstone River Ambassador Program: Training and engaging community stewards to monitor, advocate for, and protect the Yellowstone year-round. Our Ambassadors are the eyes and ears of the river — neighbors, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts who show up season after season because they know this place is worth protecting. 

💙 Park Co. Water Initiative:  Water stewardship in Park County is a team effort — and MFP is proud to help lead it. Through the Park County Water Initiative, more than 25 partners collaborate on restoration projects, planning, and community education to build a healthier future for the county's water, wildlife, and people.

💙 Annual Yellowstone River Clean Up: A hands-on, community-powered effort to remove trash, waste, and invasive species from the river corridor we all share. Guided by local knowledge and ecological expertise, this annual tradition brings people together around a simple but powerful act: leaving the Yellowstone better than we found it.

💙 River Restoration Projects:  Science-based habitat restoration that rebuilds eroded stream banks, improves water quality, and supports the return of native species. Every project is shaped by what the river needs most — and carried out by people who have dedicated their lives to making it thrive. 

💙 Guides for the Yellowstone: Connecting fishing guides and outfitters directly to on-the-ground restoration efforts that protect the river they depend on. Because a healthy Yellowstone isn't just good for wildlife — it sustains the livelihoods, traditions, and outdoor experiences that make Montana extraordinary. 

In gratitude, thank you for your support from the Montana Freshwater Partners team 💙

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Testimonials:

Larry Rau, landowner: "Living here every day and experiencing the Yellowstone River every day, you start getting more of a feeling that this is so much bigger than me. There is so much more going on here that is out of my control. And when you embrace that notion that it's not about control, it's about respect and really start to appreciate the Yellowstone for what it is, it's the lifeblood of this land."

Katie Smith, Wild Path Consulting: “Montana Freshwater Partners is a true force for our rivers and communities. Their work makes a significant difference, and it’s been incredible to see the impact grow over the years.”

Tony Thatcher, DTM Consulting: "I've had the pleasure of working with Montana Freshwaters Partners on a variety of river mapping projects over the past decade. They are important leaders in protecting Montana's rivers, streams, and wetlands and are always striving to raise the bar with innovative projects, outreach, and education."