Montana Freshwater Partners is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Livingston, MT that works to preserve and restore streams and wetlands throughout the state of Montana.  We do this through our innovative programs including our Channel Migration Easement ProgramYellowstone River Stewardship Campaign and our In-Lieu Fee Mitigation Program.  We also offer technical services to partners and landowners including watershed planning, regulatory expertise, wetland delineations, stream assessments and more.

OUR VISION:

Healthy and resilient aquatic ecosystems— today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

OUR 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.

Download 2023 Impact Report PDF

Yellowstone Train Derailment

Call to Action for Asphalt Cleanup

MFP recently performed an informal site survey downstream of the train derailment and contamination site on the Yellowstone River near Columbus, Montana. This survey revealed numerous patches of tar-like asphalt and oil deposits. We believe that more cleanup is urgently needed.

Give Back to the Yellowstone

Yellowstone River Stewardship Campaign

An easy, community-based way for all river users who live and enjoy spending time on the Yellowstone River to show their support.

The Shape of a River

Learn about the story of one man’s journey to leave a legacy to his children and on the the longest free flowing river in the lower 48 states.

A collaborative cinematic effort between Montana Freshwater Partners and Ocean Media Institute, this film has been featured nationally and internationally at FILM festivals listed below.

“Living here every day and experiencing the Yellowstone River every day you start getting more of 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 life blood of this land.”

— Larry Rau, rancher and landowner:

Why Our Work is Important

Montana Freshwater Partners exists to enhance and preserve the vitality and resilience of Montana’s aquatic ecosystems. Our 501c3 nonprofit organization specializes in science-backed and creative technical solutions that benefit people, communities, industry, and our shared natural environment. We think outside the box and pursue market-based and traditional funding sources to find solutions that benefit landowners, conservationists, the public, and the natural world.

Since 2011

Montana Freshwater Partners has protected and restored …

feet of riverbank

acres of wetlands

acres of floodplain

What We Do

Explore the science and impact of our innovative programs and projects

Donate

Your generosity makes a big difference for Montana’s rivers, streams, and wetlands