The Clark Fork Coalition believes that recovery of this amazing river is within reach. One board member, Dan Keily, wanted to see for himself what needs to be done.
This summer, Dan and fishing guide John Havlik floated the length of the Clark Fork River, starting at Racetrack Creek near Butte, and taking out 320 miles downriver at Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho.
Using the words of the Clark Fork Coalition: Long abused and neglected, the Clark Fork River is poised to make a tremendous comeback over the coming decade, and the dream of watershed-wide restoration we’ve been working toward for years is now a little closer to reality. We’re using this historic float to launch our Vital Rivers Initiative, the Coalition’s new stream restoration program that will repair damaged tributaries of the upper Clark Fork River.
During their month-long float, Daniel and John will be joined by Coalition members, political guests, scientists, writers, youth, and sportsmen– and, maybe, by you. This hard-working river is coming back to life, and the Clark Fork 320 will showcase what this restoration means for all Montanans.
Jack participated in this float with many, many other dedicated people. Below are some photos that Jack took. After that, see a video and a map of projects that need to be done. Visit Clark Fork Coalition 320 for more information.
I am catching up on blogposts after my trip/native camp with the Me-Wuk tribe and others in northern CA. In this post Ray Gillette is fishing with Jack. Jack grew up in Chicago and Ray lives there. They fished together some years ago and were able to hook up again July 11 and 12 on the Blackfoot and Bitterroot Rivers. It was a great time.
Jeff Rogers is a friend, neighbor and one of our favorite clients. We have been fishing for years. On July 10, he brought his son, Alex, for the first time. Talk about a happy face… see the photos.
We love fishing fathers and sons, mothers and daughters. I need to make this a category, “Take Your Kids Fishing” posts.
On July 3 Jack and two other guides fished with Tore, Sandra and friends. Sandra created this slide show and sent it to us. I also put her photos in our original slideshow with the original blog entry. See it at Fly Fishing with Sandra and Tore.
This was a special day on the West Fork of the Bitterroot with Irv and Rachel. They were all remembering friends and family, but that is another story. By special graces, they caught beautiful fish and had a wonderful day.
Jeff and Jamie Jones fished and camped with Jack. I am posting two slideshows. One is of photos we took and the other is of photos that Jeff sent us. They all had a great time. It was hot, but who cares when you are on the river. They caught fish, saw spetacular scenery from dusk to dawn, swam, and just had fun.
Thanks Jeff and Jamie! When we come to Missouri to visit Jack’s Mom and Sister, maybe we can “hook up”….excuse the pun.
See the photos Jack and I took in the slideshow below. Jeff’s are the next slideshow down. We are so glad he shared them!
