Year of Award

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Name

Environmental Studies

Department or School/College

Environmental Studies

Committee Chair

Neva Hassanein

Commitee Members

Margiana Petersen-Rockney, Hilary Faxon

Keywords

Drought, Climate Change, Agriculture, Population Growth

Subject Categories

Agricultural Education

Abstract

Water scarcity in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley is an increasingly urgent issue, driven by the dual pressures of climate change and rapid population growth. Since 1970, the Bitterroot has been the fastest-growing region in the state, with much of this growth occurring in low-density rural subdivisions that rely on individual groundwater wells. Simultaneously, climate change has reduced snowpack levels, leading to diminished springtime recharge of surface water systems that are vital for both ecological and agricultural needs. For the Valley’s agricultural producers, adapting to decreasing water availability will be essential for sustaining their operations. This research project was designed to better understand how producers are currently experiencing and responding to these water challenges. In early 2025, I conducted in-depth interviews with 20 agricultural producers from the Bitterroot Valley, including cattle ranchers, hay producers, vegetable farmers, dairy farmers, berry producers, and orchardists. All participants had at least ten years of experience and relied primarily on irrigation. Producers consistently identified water efficiency as a top priority for the future. While most reported that their operations have not yet been significantly affected by changing water availability, they expressed a high level of concern about the future. Furthermore, while population growth has not yet had a direct impact on water availability for most producers, they are concerned about the changes underway. This study contributes to the understanding of how rural agricultural communities perceive and adapt to water challenges in the context of shifting demographic pressures and climate change.

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© Copyright 2025 August W. Guenthner