Publications
Montana Watercourse provides a variety of publications. Most are offered free of charge and are available by PDF document below. Contact us via email or by phone at (406) 994-6690 if you would like a hard copy of the documents.
Outside of a workshop, educational resources related to Project WET: Discover a Watershed series, Healthy Water, Healthy People, KIDS series and other educational guides may be purchased through the national Project WET organization. Please note: The Project WET Curriculum Guide is only available through workshops. Call (406) 994-6690 with questions or to set up a Project WET workshop.
Water Basics Video Modules
Water Basics are five video modules that provide basic and introductory material about Watershed, Water Quantity, Water Quality, Water Culture and History in Montana, and Water Resources.
Watch one or all of them. The PDF document contains all of the web resource sites that are discussed in the modules.
Water rights and Historical Beneficial Use video module
Are you curious about water rights? Or historical beneficial use of water? Then check out this easy read on the topic we created with DNRC! You can also check out this great video on the topic.
Guide to Montana Water Management: Who Does What With Water Resources?
Introduction to the role of federal, state and local governments in managing Montana's water resources. This guide also examines the basics of water law and water quality. This information helps Montana citizens and decision makers to understand the complexities of managing our state's most valuable natural resource. (For best viewing, please download in Internet Explorer.)
A Landowners' Guide to Montana Wetlands
This guide provides wetlands information to help landowners make informed decisions about managing, protecting and restoring wetlands.
Contents include:
- Information about the value and functions of wetlands
- Profiles of partnerships among landowners, agencies and organizations to manage wetlands/grasslands for enhancing environmental and economic values of the land
- Resource information for help with wetland management
- Information on state, federal and tribal laws, permits and regulations
A Guidebook for Montana Ponds - What You Need to Know About Ponds and Alternatives
See also the 2011 update information sheet
Before deciding on developing a pond landowners should consider:
- What is the purpose of the pond?
- Where will the water come from?
- How will the pond affect local water resources, wildlife, soils, and vegetation?
- What permits are needed?
- How will I maintain the pond?
- What alternatives are there?
- Contacts for more information
Volunteer Water Monitoring Guidebook - 2015 Edition
This guidebook is designed to serve both community and educational groups who are either initiating volunteer monitoring programs or expanding a well-established program. The guidebook supports the Montana Watercourse's Volunteer Water Monitoring program to promote knowledge and stewardship of aquatic resources by teaching local citizen volunteers the skills needed to gather accurate, non-biased water quality information.
The Guidebook is provided free to individuals and groups who complete a Montana Watercourse Volunteer Water Monitoring training. Otherwise, the book may be downloaded, or hard copies may be purchased for $15.
Representing Property With Wetlands and Riparian Areas - A Guide for Montana's Realtors
Realtors have an important job of welcoming and educating new landowners moving to Montana. While many people are moving here to enjoy Montana's unspoiled natural beauty and recreational opportunities, most are unaware that the future health of these areas depends on responsible landowner stewardship. This publication is designed to inform Montana's realtors about the essentials of wetlands and riparian areas, their regulations, and landowner responsibilities.
Water Fact Sheet
This short document provides a brief overview and answers many common questions about water in the state of Montana on the following topics:
- Who Owns the Water
- Who Mangages the Water
- How Much Water is There and How is it Used
- Can Groundwater Meet the Demand for New Water Uses
- History of Water Planning
- How Water is Managed During Water Shortages
- Water Rights Adjudication
- Instream Flows
- Federal Reserved Water Rights
- Water Terminology
Headwaters to a Continent
This guide reviews:
- Hydrologic cycle and history of water use in MT
- Who uses Montana's water and how
- Quality of the state's surface and groundwater
- Profiles of the Yellowstone, Missouri and Columbia river basins
- Water management responsibilities for federal, state and regional agencies
- Ways you can become involved in local water management
Dam Safety Fact SheeTS
Do you own a dam? These 19 Fact sheets provide education and resources for you and any private dam owners. Topic covered include: Dam Inspection, Animal and Rodent Control, Dam Failure, Earthquakes and Dams, Outlet Erosion Control, and many others. Each topic will give you the information needed to do proper maintenance of your dam, and identify potential current or future problems.
Understanding Nonpoint Source Pollution
Nonpoint source pollution is the leading cause of water impairment in Montana. Learn about the major types of nonpoint pollutants and their effects. Find out what you can do to help minimize this kind of water pollution.
Riparian Best Management Practices
The land bordering streams, rivers, wetlands, ponds and lakes are unique ecosystems called riparian areas. This brochure for landowners describes how riparian areas function, and the best practices for managing this type of land.