The group’s annual report titled, “America’s Most Endangered Rivers,” notes what local friends of the Potomac have said for years: that urban development is funneling tons of polluted rainwater to the river; that chemical fertilizer and manure from farms make matters worse; and that wastewater overflowing from sewers, along with pharmaceuticals flushed down toilets, contribute to dead zones in which marine life dies and might cause fish to switch sexes. Some male fish in the river mysteriously have eggs.

The Potomac River, a large Chesapeake Bay tributary, supplanted another bay tributary (the Susquehanna River) as the Nation’s most endangered river.  How does a river that was ranked first last year, now fall off the list?  River restoration cannot be measured in a year, so it’s not that the Susquehanna is now fully restored. Heightening public awareness about the plight of all of our nation’s rivers is crucial, and the annual list is an effective marketing tool.

This year the Clean Water Act turns 40, and even in the face of severe threats to our water resources, Congress continues its attempts to roll back clean water regulations. Read more and find links about the rankings and the report:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/potomac-river-threatened-by-pollution-congress-new-report-says/2012/05/14/gIQAxl89PU_story.html

To learn more about American Rivers: http://www.amrivers.org/

Author Doug Pickford of Trout Headwaters, Inc. (THI), an environmental planner with 20 years of experience in the Chesapeake Bay area, follows events in the bay watershed as the tide turns from voluntary to mandatory for bay cleanup regulations and protections.   Doug’s blog series for THI will document what is likely the largest and most significant watershed clean up effort in the history of the U.S., and offer his insights into some practical ways to assist the health of this magnificent natural resource

The Washington Post reports about the plan, “If it unravels because of a legal challenge, or lack of support from the states charged with implementing the cleanup, it might take 10 years to draft another plan to stop millions of tons of pollution from flowing into the bay, according to the [Chesapeake Bay] foundation.”

Under a nutrient trading program, farmers who exceed pollution reduction goals set by the EPA would receive credits they could sell to corporations such as coal-fired power plants that fail to reach their own reduction goals.

In theory, the program would help farmers pay for expensive crop covers and buffers to soak up rain. Storm runoff from farms is a major problem because it carries nitrogen from fertilizers and phosphorus from animal waste into streams and rivers that flow to the bay.

Riverkeeper group members and others say that nutrient trading is a shell game that will allow more pollution to creep into the bay. They say that because of lax farm regulations in bay watershed states — Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware and New York — the EPA would have no sure way of knowing whether farmers have met pollution reduction goals.

The most ardent backers of the EPA’s aggressive new pollution diet — the Choose Clean Water Coalition of 230 groups, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Natural Resources Defense Council — view the pollution diet as the Chesapeake’s last hope. 

Such a splinter argument between environmental groups could be a major threat to years of limited progress in the bay clean-up effort.

Read the full story at the Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/chesapeake-bay-cleanup-groups-are-at-odds/2012/04/29/gIQAf3q5pT_story.html

 Author Doug Pickford of Trout Headwaters, Inc. (THI), an environmental planner with 20 years of experience in the Chesapeake Bay area, follows events in the bay watershed as the tide turns from voluntary to mandatory for bay cleanup regulations and protections.   Doug’s blog series for THI will document what is likely the largest and most significant watershed clean up effort in the history of the U.S., and offer his insights into some practical ways to assist the health of this magnificent natural resource

A new adventure feature film, Where the Yellowstone Goes, presented by Trout Headwaters, Inc., premiered in Bozeman to a sell-out crowd on May 19. The historic Ellen Theater was filled to capacity with 450 attendees.

Where the Yellowstone Goes follows a 30-day drift boat journey down the longest “undammed” river in the lower 48. Intimate portraits of locals in both booming cities and dusty, dwindling towns along the Yellowstone River, illustrate the history and controversies surrounding this enigmatic watershed leading to questions about its future. Viewers can connect with colorful characters, get lost in the hypnotic cast of a fly rod, and experience silhouetted moments of fireside stories on this heartfelt river adventure.

At THI the legendary Yellowstone is the river we admire every day through the windows of our Paradise Valley, Mont. headquarters. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the way the film portrays this precious resource,” says THI President Michael Sprague. “It will continue to advance understanding and conservation of theYellowstone River for many years to come.”

Other sponsors of the film include the Montana Department of Tourism, Simms, Costa del Mar, Nemo, and American Rivers.

Upcoming Screening Dates

Boulder, CO Boulder Theater Live music from SHEL and Jacob Russo plus filmmaker Q & A. 7:30pm  >Read the Review

06/06/12 Billings, MT Babcock Theatre Q&A with filmmakers and cast from the movie. Sponsor giveaways. 7:00pm

06/08/12 Mammoth, WY Mammoth Community Center Headwaters of the Yellowstone Bed & Breakfast (www.headwatersyellowstone.com) & The Flying Pig Adventure Company (www.flyingpigrafting.com) presenting in Yellowstone National Park. Q&A following with director Hunter Weeks and Producer Sarah E. Hall. 7:00pm

06/09/12 Missoula, MT The Wilma Presented by Grizzly Hackle. A special night with Q&A from cast and crew. Lots of giveaways. Pre-Film Brats and Burgers at Grizzly Hackle – 5:30PM Tickets $10 (no fees) at Grizzly Hackle.

06/12/12 Denver, CO Denver FilmCenter Presented by The Greenbacks (http://thegreenbacks.org) Q&A to follow with Colorado-based Director Hunter Weeks and Producer Sarah E. Hall. Tickets are $12, for Denver Film Society members, $10.

To see additional screening dates of purchase tickets go to: http://www.wheretheyellowstonegoes.com/screenings/

“Existing demand very clearly outstrips existing supply,” says Barry Nelson, a senior policy analyst in the water program at the environmental nonprofit Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).  “That’s the main reason we’re seeing declining storage. That simply cannot continue.”

Read the full story at National Geographic. This story is part of a special National Geographic News series on global water issues. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/warm-spring-drought-wildfires-water-shortages/

Earlier this year, the same fast-flowing reach again came to national attention, when the United States Supreme Court unanimously clarified the ownership of the riverbed beneath the Missouri and two other Montana rivers, the Madison and the Clark Fork.

In February’s 9-to-0 ruling — which overturned a previous decision by the Montana Supreme Court from March 2010 — the high court also asserted, emphatically, that states have the authority to protect the public’s use and enjoyment of rivers, regardless of who owns the bottom. In doing so, the U.S. Supreme Court confirmed a state’s authority to implement and enforce river safeguards to prevent interference with public use and environmental harms.

What might, at first glance, appear to be a loss for Montana has actually set a precedent to protect water as a public trust in the United States during an age when water is increasingly being viewed as a commodity.

Read more of this special to the Circle of Blue by James Olson:
http://www.circleofblue.org/waternews/2012/world/water-law-u-s-supreme-court-navigates-waters-of-ownership-clarifies-possession-of-missouri-river-bottomland/?utm_source=Circle+of+Blue+WaterNews+%26+Alerts&utm_campaign=cd1e9776c5-Weekly_Water_News_May_2_20125_2_2012&utm_medium=email

BOZEMAN, Montana (May 3, 2012) – A feature documentary film from award-winning filmmaker Hunter Weeks will host its world premier in Bozeman later this month. The adventure feature, “Where the Yellowstone Goes,” filmed on the Yellowstone River this summer, will debut at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 19 at The Ellen Theatre.
“After completing the film, we knew Montana was the right place to hold the world premiere. It’s a story that captures the essence of what makes this place so special,” said director, Hunter Weeks.

The crew floated nearly 600 miles in a hand-made drift boat, capturing notes of wisdom as told by the locals met throughout the 30-day adventure on the Yellowstone River. The longest undammed river in the United States, the Yellowstone’s unspoiled beauty is legendary. With elements of fly-fishing, conservation, and the type of clarity that can only be found upon slowing down, “Where the Yellowstone Goes” is more than a simple journey. It’s about people, our environment, and the harmony that exists between them.  

From the film’s river guides to the companies that got the project off the ground, “Where the Yellowstone Goes” has received tremendous support throughout Montana. Presenting sponsor Trout Headwaters Inc. headquartered in Livingston, Mont., Simms Fishing Products in Bozeman and the Montana Office of Tourism were among the first to rally behind the film.

 “We couldn’t be more pleased with the way the film portrays this precious resource, and how it will continue to advance understanding, love and conservation of theYellowstone River for many years to come,” said Michael Sprague, President of Trout Headwaters, Inc.

Special musical guest , OpenRange, will kick off the event. The Livingston, Mont. band provides music for the film’s soundtrack. Immediately following the screening, the cast and crew will participate in a question and answer session. Tickets are $15 plus a $1 restoration fee for The Ellen Theater.

Contact:
Sarah E. Hall, Producer
sarah@spinningblue.com
(952) 239-3998

Presented by Trout Headwaters, Inc., Where the Yellowstone Goes is a feature length documentary film following a 30-day drift boat journey along the Yellowstone River. Filmed in August and September of 2011, the film follows a small crew down theYellowstone River from Gardiner, MT to the confluence of the Missouri River atFort Buford, ND. “Where theYellowstone Goes” is a Thoughtful Adventure from Red Popsicle films. Additional film sponsors include Montana Office of Tourism, Simms, and Costa Sunglasses. It is the 4th directorial release from Hunter Weeks whose credits also include 10 MPH and Ride the Divide.

“The goal of the project is to wipe out hybridized trout in the watershed by about 2017. That involves stocking pure genetic strains of the fish, which are being raised at the Washoe Park Hatchery in Anaconda,” reported the Tribune. 

As an advocate for healthy rivers, streams and lakes, THI opposes stream poisonings with rotenone and other systemic chemicals. In the short film, “Dead Wrong” about such poisonings in Montana’s pristine wilderness areas, one renowned biologist calls man’s attempts to manipulate species in an ecosystem “arrogance at its zenith.”

Visit www.stopriverkilling.org to view the short film that premiered on World Water Day at Toronto’s MINT film festival.

Read the full story from National Geographic: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/03/120320-grasslands-rain-forests-species-diversity-environment/

A “Johnny Willowseed” Approach

In 1995, Trout Headwaters, Inc (THI) was founded to provide service to private, non-profit, and government clients.  At a time when fewer than a handful of entities across the U.S. were providing stream, river or wetland restoration services, the company quickly became a recognized leader in “soft” biostabilization and riparian restoration strategies.  

For many years the company has teamed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and others to develop and refine these environmentally superior techniques for stream stabilization and restoration.  A state regulator, reviewing one of THI’s early landmark projects remarked that we had used a “Johnny Willowseed” approach.  Working WITH nature has indeed been a precept of the firm since its founding and one that we’re immensely proud to continue through today.  

Proven, Practical Innovation  

In 2001, THI began developing and testing proprietary technologies for river, stream and wetland inventory, assessment, design, and monitoring.  Ultimately, several of these processes were commercialized by sister company THI RiverWorks.  U.S. Patents for restoration methods, processes, and computer software were received beginning in 2006.  

So while Trout Headwaters continues to offer the same services it did when first founded, the company has constantly changed and improved its process and its products.  This commitment to improving quality, efficiency and cost-effectiveness has resulted in now more than 450 successful projects all across the U.S.  The company’s work has been featured in diverse publications including Land & Water, Erosion Control, Landscape Architect, Outdoor Life, and many others.

Customer Focus

Expect however our hallmark to remain always unchanged: A dedication to serving the nation’s most discriminating clients by delivering cost-effective and ecologically beneficial restoration products and services.

At THI our guiding principle is always to stay customer-focused. Each one of our clients has helped us achieve what we believe to be the lead position in the aquatic restoration industry.   But why take our word for it, listen to a sample of what our clients are saying:

“We have received award-winning attention for our sustainable, green design and development efforts, much of which is directly attributable to THI.” – Cielo Falls (NC)

“You and your team were nothing short of spectacular! Great communication on all projects and their status, along with an attitude that reflects your sincere care and passion for your profession consistently exceeded my expectations.” - 3 Peaks Ranch (MT)

“As you know I’ve worked with other firms on river restoration projects, prior to engaging THI.  As such, I have come to appreciate the quality of your firm’s work in an industry where many firms offer dramatic results but fail to deliver.”- River Ranch Restoration LLC (CO) 

“Simply put, Trout Headwaters, Inc. is the transition captain, adding value by enhancing natural attributes of these ecologically important ranches.”- Live Water Properties (WY)

To learn more or contact us – Visit www.troutheadwaters.com