Watershed Restoration Coalition PROJECT BRIEF

Montana’s Upper Clark Fork Valley represents a new crossroads in grizzly bear connectivity. Perched between the Northern Continental Divide, Greater Yellowstone and Bitterroot ecosystems, the area is experiencing an uptick in grizzly traffic, meaning conflict prevention on the agricultural lands around the valley will be vital to the eventual reconnection of these three ecosystems and their grizzlies.

Led by the Upper Clark Fork’s Watershed Restoration Coalition, a big step forward in the area’s bear-aware effort is the construction of a new composting facility for livestock carcasses in the community of Deer Lodge. By encouraging the removal of these major bear attractants from area ranches and processing them safely, the new facility equips this crucial connectivity area to welcome a greater grizzly presence in a safer fashion for everyone.