Welcome 2014 Flathead River Steward

Aaron Clausen is joining the Flathead River to Lake Initiative as our new Flathead River Steward.  This is the second year partners are hosting a Big Sky Watershed Corps (associated with AmeriCorps) member to help initiative partners and interested landowners restore riparian areas along the Flathead River and the north shore of Flathead Lake.

Aaron will serve as the River Steward for one year. He will be assisting River to Lake Initiative partners, including landowners, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Flathead Conservation District, and the Flathead Lakers with restoration projects, such as riparian fencing, planting, and weeding, and education projects, such as sharing information with landowners about programs that provide financial assistance for restoration and conservation projects.

Aaron will also coordinate volunteer river restoration and other activities. Watch for new volunteer opportunities next summer!

Aaron recently graduated from the Eastern Washington University with a Masters of Science, Biology focusing on riparian ecology. Aaron loves rivers and outdoor activities including biking and kayaking. Aaron is looking forward to engage with river landowners to learn about their concerns and help with restoration challenges.

This is the second year of our Flathead River Steward pilot program. The Flathead Lakers submitted a successful proposal to the Montana Watershed Coordination Council for a Big Sky Watershed Corps member to pilot the River Steward position in 2013. Funding for the program is shared by all partners and a grant from the Department of Natural Resource Conservation.

Aaron is based at the Natural Resource Conservation Service office in Kalispell. He can be reached at 406-752-4242 extension 109, or riversteward13@gmail.com.  Welcome to the Flathead and the River to Lake Initiative, Aaron!