Title
Restoration Activities in the Upper Clark Fork River Basin funded by the Montana Natural Resource Damage Program
Abstract
Decades of mining and mineral processing operations in and around Butte and Anaconda released substantial quantities of hazardous substances into the Upper Clark Fork River Basin between Butte and Milltown. These hazardous substances extensively injured the area’s natural resources. In 1983, the State of Montana filed a natural resource damage lawsuit against the Atlantic Richfield Co. to recover damages for these injuries to the water, soils, fish and wildlife in the Basin and for the public’s lost use and enjoyment of these injured resources. The State settled several portions of the lawsuit in 1999, receiving $215 million. About $130 million is earmarked to restore or replace the injured natural resources in the Upper Clark Fork River Basin between Butte and Milltown Dam near Missoula.
In 2000, the State initiated an annual grant process, administered by the Montana Natural Resource Damage Program, whereby entities can apply for funding for projects that will improve water, fish, and wildlife resources and related public drinking water and recreational services. To date, the State has completed five grant cycles and awarded about $29 million of restoration funds for 42 projects. This poster presentation provides summary information on the projects funded to date.
Start Date
1-4-2005 1:00 PM
End Date
1-4-2005 3:00 PM
Document Type
Poster
Restoration Activities in the Upper Clark Fork River Basin funded by the Montana Natural Resource Damage Program
Decades of mining and mineral processing operations in and around Butte and Anaconda released substantial quantities of hazardous substances into the Upper Clark Fork River Basin between Butte and Milltown. These hazardous substances extensively injured the area’s natural resources. In 1983, the State of Montana filed a natural resource damage lawsuit against the Atlantic Richfield Co. to recover damages for these injuries to the water, soils, fish and wildlife in the Basin and for the public’s lost use and enjoyment of these injured resources. The State settled several portions of the lawsuit in 1999, receiving $215 million. About $130 million is earmarked to restore or replace the injured natural resources in the Upper Clark Fork River Basin between Butte and Milltown Dam near Missoula.
In 2000, the State initiated an annual grant process, administered by the Montana Natural Resource Damage Program, whereby entities can apply for funding for projects that will improve water, fish, and wildlife resources and related public drinking water and recreational services. To date, the State has completed five grant cycles and awarded about $29 million of restoration funds for 42 projects. This poster presentation provides summary information on the projects funded to date.