State of the Clark Fork Report

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When it comes to the relationship between riverside communities and waterways in the Clark Fork basin, we are convinced of two things:
1. Our towns flourish when our rivers and streams are healthy; and
2. Our rivers and streams stay healthy when our towns are flourishing.

This interdependence between clean water and vibrant communities has us taking steps to expand our focus as an organization, and one of the steps along that path is the recent publication of our State of the Clark Fork report. It summarizes social, economic, and environmental indicators within the Clark Fork basin, from Butte to the Idaho state line.

We compiled and analyzed data on population, housing, education, employment, families, health, crime, land, resources, water, and wastes as a way to take a look in the collective mirror, to take stock, and more importantly, to ask the questions that naturally arise from such an undertaking. It’s in the answers, perhaps, that we’ll find and chart a robust, prosperous future for the Clark Fork River basin and all its inhabitants. Our plan is to distribute and discuss the report with citizens, community leaders, and business people throughout the watershed in the coming months.

You can download the following report sections—replete with spiffy charts, maps, and graphs—in PDF format.

Introduction and Summary Findings (PDF, 11 pages, 2.4MB)
Population and Economics (PDF, 14 pages, 1.4MB)
Social Assets (PDF, 11 pages, 1.3MB)
Natural Assets (PDF, 14 pages, 2.6MB)
Sources & Methods (PDF, 3 pages, 400KB)