2023
ANNUAL
REPORT
Anne Marie Emery
Executive Director
A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
It is with great pride that the Bighorn River Alliance (BHRA) shares the many ways it works in benefit of the Bighorn River through its 2023 Annual Membership Report. While this report highlights the projects and programs that align BHRA with its mission, it also serves as testament to what BHRA members and supporters make possible through annual contributions to the organizations cause. 2023 will go down as one of best overall years for the Alliance because of the people who helped us at every turn.
The BHRA research program continues to preserve and enhance the upper Bighorn River as one of the nation’s top tier wild trout fisheries. This past year we increased wild trout habitat by restoring five side-channels, implemented intensive monitoring protocols to assess the success and usage of restored channels over time, refined our aerial drone surveillance of high-use spawning areas, funded and installed a real-time temperature gage and upheld our commitment to the river's long-term health through annual water quality and macroinvertebrate monitoring. Off the river, we had equal impact. We represented the river’s interests at numerous water management forums, reviewed and provided comments on the 2023-2026 Montana Statewide Fisheries Plan, presented at community, state and TU forums and maintained collaborative interagency relationships.
You make this possible. In fact, if you question your impact on BHRA and its work to preserve, protect and restore the Bighorn River, consider this: your collective support of the organization accounted for 77% of our total budget in 2023 - the epitome of grassroots giving.
As you wade through this report, I hope you feel tremendous pride at the scale of which BHRA works to protect the Bighorn River and its wild trout. I also hope you feel inspired to continue your support which is fundamental to our growth and projects. It is a phenomenal time to be part of the Bighorn River conservation story and I am incredibly proud of what we are collectively building for the betterment of tomorrow.
Anne Marie Emery
connecting tribal youth to fly-fishing
Part of what makes the Bighorn River special is the Crow lands through which the river flows, and the Crow people who call it home. In recognition of the rivers place within the reservation, BHRA developed Tenkara with the Tribe, a youth fishing program that connects tribal youth to fishing Bighorn waters. In partnership with the Crow Tribe and Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard, BHRA presented the program on the Little Bighorn River this past August with 12 Crow youth participating. Through integration of culture, fun and patient one-on-one instruction, Tenkara with the Tribe promotes inclusivity in fly-fishing and conservation on the Crow Reservation, while introducing the next generation of tribal leaders to the sport as a form of positive recreation that can be enjoyed, forever.
aquatic insects respond to high flows
Monitoring macroinvertebrates is part of BHRA’s commitment to assessing the health of the river. In 2023, BHRA conducted pre- and post-high flow event assessments. Before high flows, spring aquatic insect populations were dense and dominated by midges, scuds, and worms. Following the high flows, revisits showed a decrease in insect abundance but a ‘healthier’ composition, with more mayflies and caddisflies. This shift indicates that periodic high flow events clear sediment, favoring mayflies and caddisflies over silt-tolerant species. Fall sampling suggests an increase in BWO, Trico, and Tan Caddisfly hatches, especially downstream of Bighorn FAS.
reservoir data
sways management
BHRA monitors reservoir temperatures behind the Yellowtail Dam to learn how different runoff scenarios affect the stratification of impounded waters and to examine how release of impounded waters from various elevations, affects downstream river temperatures. In July and August of 2023, BHRA observed water released from the turbine outlet elevation as being 15-20 degrees warmer than in 2021 & 2022, suggesting that the rapid evacuation of reservoir water in the spring, followed by the re-filling of the reservoir with rainfall as opposed to snowmelt, affected temperature stratification. In response to this data, BHRA worked with MFWP and USBR to successfully negotiate water being released from deeper in the reservoir (from the river outlet), bringing cold water relief to the fishery during the hottest summer periods.
installing mindfulness
BHRA uses drone technology to monitor, map and measure major rainbow trout spawning complexes to understand how use and size of these habitats change over time and under variable flow conditions. In 2023, BHRA supplemented this study with an educational campaign aimed at reducing angler impact on Bighorn spawning trout. Using high-resolution drone footage, educational signs were created to inform anglers about when and where wild trout spawn on the Bighorn River. Signs were then placed at fly-shops and public access sites in hopes that education, along with appreciation for the wild trout life cycle, encourages mindful casts and careful steps into the future.
Because of you in 2023
Hover on an Image to Read Highlights or click to expand image
RESTORING BIGHORN HABITAT
The Bighorn River Alliance expands and improves Bighorn River habitat by restoring connectivity between the mainstem river and its side channels. Over the years, and since the construction of Yellowtail Dam, side channels have become increasingly disconnected from the river due to vegetation encroachment and sediment accrual at channel entrances. Understanding the significant role side channels play in sustaining the fishery, BHRA commits to large-scale restoration efforts that restore the wild trout/complex habitat connection.
Following the successful reconnection of two side channels in 2021, BHRA leveraged grant funding and membership support to undertake the restoration of five additional side channels in 2023—marking the most extensive multi-side channel restoration effort on the Bighorn River to date. Adhering to survey design plans, and under the guidance of BHRA contractor Mike Sanctuary (Confluence Consulting), mechanical excavation was used to remove 3,600 cubic yards of sediment from channel heads, with additional work occurring within channel lengths to improve habitat and longevity of connection. Work was completed in the fall of 2023, bringing the total number of side channels restored by BHRA to 7, effectively increasing wild trout habitat on the Bighorn River by 3.42 miles.
An integral aspect of multi-side channel reactivation is to assess the long-term viability of restored side channels over time, as well as quantifying the quality of habitat they provide. In 2023, BHRA implemented intense post-restoration monitoring protocol on 2 restored channels that included geomorphic assessments, flow monitoring, fish surveys, aquatic insect monitoring, and orthophotography. Results of this assessment revealed the following:
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Entrances of restored channels remained at, or close to, original design elevations despite record high flows in June/July.
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Flow within restored channels did not mirror that of the main stem releases, potentially due to the influence of aquatic vegetation.
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Snorkeling surveys conducted during the summer indicated the utilization of the restored habitat by various species and size classes of fish, with many young-of-year trout observed.
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Aquatic insect densities within the side channels remained consistent with spring samples but decreased when compared to densities in the main river after the high flow event.
Moving forward, BHRA has plans to restore 4 final channels identified through the Bighorn Side Channel Reconnection Project in 2024, while simultaneously performing monitoring of channels restored in 2023. More information, including study designs and videos can be found here.
Rocky Mountain interns measure flow into Juniper side channel.
*Contributed Revenue = donations & matching gifts
*Earned Revenue = license plate sales, merchandise sales & boat raffle
John Sindland
Board Chair
A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR
When I first started as BHRA board member in 2008, we had approximately forty paying members in support of our cause. I remember evenings spent at the back of the Trout Shop, stuffing envelopes with other board members, talking about what we hoped the organization would become.
Fifteen years later, the Alliance has evolved in direct benefit to the Bighorn River of which it serves, and the members of which it represents. Led in service by a dedicated board of directors, put into action by a passionate two-person staff, and supported by nearly one-thousand members, we are proud to share the ways your financial support is used to protect and preserve the Bighorn River.
Most of all, it is important that we remain true to our grassroot origins moving forward. As board chair, I remain committed to our mission to preserve, protect and enhance the river that we love for present and future generations. Thank you for your support which makes it all possible.
John Sindland
you can help preserve and protect the bighorn river by exploring all the ways to give to bhra
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Stock Share Transfers helping you avoid capital gains and increasing your charitable deduction.
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Donor Advised Fund (DAF) via our website or through your grant administrator.
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IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) for those 701/2 and older, you can meet your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) & receive credit for a charitable contribution.
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Legacy Gifts by naming BHRA as a beneficiary of your estate plan
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Matching Gifts from your employer, which can double or triple your impact
Wild Trout Society
celebrating leading donors
The Bighorn River Alliance expresses its gratitude to all those who supported the organization financially in 2023 and acknowledges those who increased their annual contributions through the Wild Trout Society (WTS) program. The WTS represents a committed cohort of donors who pledge a minimum of $1,000.00 each year to bolster BHRA’s general operations and research endeavors. In 2023, WTS donations accounted for over half of the BHRA annual budget. We are eternally grateful to all donors but would like to acknowledge the generous support of the below WTS members for helping us sustain our operational and programmatic function in benefit of the Bighorn River.
2022 wild trout society
$20,000 +
Sam & Barb Jampolis
$10,000 - 19,999
James & Josie Chalmers
Jim Lyon
Allen Neelley
Dee Rolph
$5,000 - 9,999
Jim Brownlie
James Greene
Holdfast Collective
Donald Jackson
& Beverlee Nelson
Jim & Chris Scott
Douglas Unruh
$2,500 - 4,999
Tim Hanks
Wink & Libba Hartman
Ryan Majerus
Harry Miller
Courtland Palmer
Mike Parnell
Randy & Alice Randolph Jr.
Simms
Mike Stabolepszy
Dave & Barb Thomas
Michael White
$1,500 - 2,499
Carolyn Chalmers & Eric Janus
John & Michelle Chalmers
Jerry Connolly
Frank & Delores Corbett Charitable
David Cost Jr.
Bob & Terry Dickens
Mary Emery
Doug Gouge
Thomas Hansen
Ryan Hertzberg (Big Horn Valley Ranch)
Steve & J.J. Hilbers
Thomas Holtz
Mike Kelly
Steve Lerner
Matthew Nicoll
Jack & Pat Shelton
Toby Swank
Stuart & Danny Tanner
Mark & Karen Thomas
Dan Vermillion (Sweetwater Travel)
Tom Welsch & Stephanie Dubravac
$1,000 - 1,499
Brian Aamlid
Richard Allgood
Craig Armstrong
William Barrett
Brad Bischoff
Brad Boone
Pat Cathey
Shane Colton
Jay Coulter
Clay Crawford
Jeff Deter
Anne Marie Emery
Michael Engel
Paul Fitzgerald
FJ Freenor
Jacen Hamilton
Patricia Hamman
Roger Hile
Charles Jaffe
Sam & Carol Mavrakis
William McMaster
Paul Mesack
Scott & Jeff Minnich
John Morris
Bob Phillips
Larry Pollard
Edward Rossi
John & Debbie Sindland
Steven Smith
Edward Spalty
Dan Stockton Jr.
Michael & Shirley Trapp
Steve Whisler
Steven Zuckerman
Thank you to everyone who has shown support for the Bighorn through their contributions of ideas, concerns, and both physical and financial resources.
2023 sponsor ($500-$999)
Joel Alsup
David Aubrey
Peter Bachman
Bradley Benson
Paul Boero
Stephen Born
Steve Buterbaugh
J. Mike Chalmers III David Cleary
Stephen Connolly
Dave Cottengim
Tom Curlin
Chris & Jessica Dobbins
Jenny Emery Davidson
Donald F. Foley
Jim Foley
Timothy Garvin
Rick & Cheryl Gehweiler
JP Hayes
Drew Hedrick
James Holton
Eric Jacobsen
John Karpan
Gordon Keane
Raymond Kozen
G. Thomas Lang
Leo Larson
Terry Law
Marc Maassen
Dan Maher
William McDowell
Douglas McElveen
Gil Merckel
Ray Pearson
Duncan Peete
Randy Pharo
Harry Piper
Don & Elizabeth Rogers
Michael Rothfarb
Tom Scherting
Emerson Scott
Barry Selle
Paul Shibley
Floyd Smith
James Smith
Ronald Smith
Richard & Beatrice Stevens
James Summerfelt
Michael Thomas
Robert Tripicchio
Tom Walls
David Ward
Conrad Williams
2023 business ($250-$499)
Scott Adamson
Patrick Ames
Tim Anderson
David Bashaw
Jeff Boggs
Jim Bowen
Nathan Brock
Ilene Carver
James Cherry
Carl K. Croft
Tom Curlin
Jeff Dahl
Walter Dec
Mike Dewey
Harold Dittmer
Anne Marie Emery
Nancy Emery
Kevin Erdman
Dan Fazendin
Nick Forrester
Joel Funk
Michael Gula & Terri Mauk
John Hartnett
John & Amy Hazel
Doug Hoerr
Justin Hossfeld
Robert Ingrisano
Chad Jacoby
Bradley Kastner
Jeff Kembel
Robert Kembel
Bruce Kennedy
Nick Kennedy
Andrew Kicinski
Robert Kutz
Gayle Lammers
Jim & Joyce Laughery
Rick Law
Robert Leasure
Ira Levine
Joe Loendorf
JW Maloney
Phil Martin
Cody Melgaard
Ralph Merlo
Chris Meyers
Marilyn Moffat Salant
Glen Moss
Mario Pallone
Paul & Peggy Pettit
Philip Pier
Ken Pieri
Ted Price
Sarah Rekas
Jemuel Ripley
Paul Rockar Jr.
Jerry Ryan
Robert Sahl
Patrick Schelle
Ben & Jen Shipp
Dan Short
Clark Smyth
Mark & Ashli Spencer
James Spies
Mike Stevens
Chad Svacina
Hal Tearse
Michael Thome
Chris Thoms
Neil Trask III
Steve Verrette
Dave Wales
Gregory Waterfall
Herb Webb
Sheena Wilson
Joseph Zell
2023 supporter ($100-$249)
Allan Abshez
Patrick Akers
Bob Albright
Andrew Althoff
Steve Anderson
Dennis Armstrong
Jim Arthur
Burdick Baker
Dirk Bal Jr.
Russell Barcey
Judy Bard
Justin Barnes
Chris Basden
Richard Battistoni
Barry & Cathy Beck
James Benepe III
Jimmy Bennett
Samuel Bergman
David Best
Ashley Blake
Dave Blaschak
George Boero
Steven Bogden
Kory Boggess
Michael Boguski
Dante Bonanini
Sara Bonanini
John Bonya
Wally Bothner
Jim Bradbury
Zach Brehm
Eric Brentlinger
Todd Buchanan
Bruce Burger
Greg Burke
Bryan Burns
Ronnie Burows
Michael Buthe
Jacob Butt
Seth Byler
Paul Cannon
Jonathan Caruthers
Brian Caudle
Geoff Chalmers
Joshua Christenson
Robert Christenson
Lynch Christian
Bob Christofferson
Justin Clark
Sarah Clark
Stephanie Clifton
Curt Collins
Stephen Colodny
R.G. Colson
Hal Corbett & Katie Curtiss
Greg Cross
Jack Cumming
Jackson Curlin
Kit Darrow
Patrick Davies
Brenton Davis
Russell Davis
Kip Dean
Jurgen Degroot
Ed Delaney
Eric Devault
Tommy Devlin
Ken Diamond
Terry Dickens
Adel Dimian
Rocky Diorio
Timothy Doll
Grant Doorn
Fern Driftwood
Holland Duell
Erik Duisenberg
James Dunn
Tim Dye
Paul Dykstra
Dale E. Rumph
Eddie Edmonson
Jarrett Eggers
Steve Elsoe
Jeff Evans
Pat Evans
Mark Feigal
Jim Fellows
John Femino
Paul Finkle
Mike Fisher
John Fleisher
Andrew Forauer
Ron & Beth Ford
Adam Fornear
Dan Foss
John Fox
Michael Fox
Scott Fransen
Helen Freedus
Robert Fults
Ron Funk
Timothy Gablehouse
Robert Gardner
David Genter
Emil Gercke
Raymond "Skip" Gibson
Chad Gillespie
Josh Gimpelson
Kostas Giourtis
Vincent Goes Ahead
Doug Gouge
Holly & David Grainger
Dave Granger
Dan Gray
Barbara Green
William Griffiths
Adam Grill
Staci Grimm
Gena & Marcus Grinestaff
Lee Groom
Maureen Haller
Hale Harris
Fred Harter
John Hartnett
Cecil Hash
Matthew Hayhurst
Devon Hedin
Todd Heggestad
Wendy Heigel
Walter Heinz
Harry Hendricks
Timothy Hennessey
Euel Henry
Darin Hilliker
Terri Hogan
Mike Hoiness
Colten Holdorf
Thomas Hollingsworth
Chris Holt
Jim Holton
Brian Holum
Tom Honig
Graham Horen
Jacob Housman
Everett Hoyt
Josh Hulbert
Kevin Hunt
Ryan Hutt
LaMoyne Hyde
Charlie Johnson
David Johnson
Van Jones
Larry Kavouras
Karl Keener
Paul Kelker
George Kelly
Bob Kestner
William & Barb Kice
Marshall Kilduff
Jon Klaczkiewicz
Kramer Klaubau
Lawrence Klee
Kenneth & Marcea Kligman
Ryan Knight
Matthew Konopa
Jeff Kroeger
Tina Krueger
Bob & Carol Krumm
Toby Krutz
Richard Laird
Kevin Lapp
Grant Larsen
Sheila Law
Mike & Lucia Lee
Jason Leinbach
Mark Levin
Matt Lindley
Jeff Lindstrom
cliff linster
Ed LoCricchio
Ed Loiselle
Pat Loiselle
Benjamin Lombardozzi
Christopher Long
John Lookabill
Mike Loop
Craig Lund
Troy Lutes
Tom Lynn
Chris & Tammie Madson
Phillip Mahoney
Stephen Maksimowicz
Scott Manhart
Arthur Martin
Daniel Martin
Steve Martindale
Daniel Massaviol
Rob Mathews
Deb Mattern
Benjamin May
Allen McCall
Charles McLoughlin
Robert McQuade
Craig McVicker
Kris Miller
Robert Miller
Sandy Moffett
Ken Moore
LeaAnn Moore
Ron Moore
Phillip Morin
Greg Mueller
Dennis Mulvihill
Peggy Neale
Glen Nephin
Donna Neu
Brad Newcomb
Ron Oldaker
Seth Oppelt
Russell Pagano
Millie Paini
Philip Parr
Matt Paulson
Stuart Pavlik
Jeffrey Peete
Mark Peterson
Fritz Pierce
Jay Pillard
Dan Pirner
Tom Polinko
Ryan Poquette
Bill Powers
Rick Powers
John & Janice Przonek
Don Putnam
Peter Rajcic
Eric Rhein
Mark Rhinerson
Frederick Richards
Sydney Rick
John & Julie Riordan
Frank Roberts
John Roberts
J Stephen Roberts Sr.
Tim Rote
Eric Rudrud
Chad Rydberg
Joan Saindon
Alex & Lois Sansosti
Hank Sauer Jr.
Kellie Saville
Kristopher Schamber
Brett Schneider
Douglas Schulz
Paul Scott
Dick Seal
G. Barry Shanly
William Shipley
John & Rebecca Shirley
LS Shuman
Steve Simpson
Lance Skjeret
Oliver Snelling
Dale Spartas
Gary Spencer
Kerry Sprouse
Randy St. John
Justin Stauder
James Stavosky
Doug Stevenson
Robert Stockton
Leo Storniolo
Nick Stratos
Robert Sullivan
Stephen Sundberg
Jon Swearer
Daron Swire
Stanley Takami
Robert Tallman
William Thoms
Stuart Tiegel
Matt Trapp
Scott Trefny
Jaime Tuozzolo
Emery Udvari
Jake VanBinsbergen
Brad Vassar
Gene Wade
Richard Wall
Mark Wallace
Kirk Weinert
Ed & Sue Weinman
Karl Weyand Jr.
Jim & Cindy Wilkins
Vince Williams
Robert Wilson
Steven Wilson
Basil Witt
Dustin Woodall
Ken Wooley
Bill Woratyla
Allan Wulfstat
George Young
Dorothy Zinky
2023 Individual ($30-$99)
Donald Albrecht
Don Alweis
Tom Anderson
Paul Ayers
Art Barz
William Beam
Tom Becker
Bill Belden
Jim Benson
George Berzonski
Brian Betta
Tom Bick
Marc Billett
William Bocks
Dan Bonanini
Albert Booble
Bryce Bowman
Gene Bratt
Ross Bricklemyer
Karl Brogren
Hunter Brown
Jack Brown
Kathy Brunner
Damian Budzinski
Craig Buehler
Bob Buhr
Donald Burkley
Mike Bush
Tyler Buterbaugh
Thomas Cantwell
David Childs
Bart Christiansen
Matthew Clawson
Paul Clemens
Rick Collins
Bryan Cormack
David Crespo
Edward Czaja
Jan Czechowski
Brian Davis
Eugene Skip Davis
Brendan Dawe
Cynthia Dawson
Hudson DeCray
Janet & David Dill
Shaun Donnellan
James Doudna
Steve Eaton
Linda Emery
Ty Fisher
Scott Frandsen
Bob Frey
Thomas Gedko
Cheryl Gehweiler
Mark Gervase
Gerry Godzwon
Jim Good
Mike Gordon
Tom Gorrell
Bob Grant
Susan Gross
Brandon Haggard
Clay Hall
Brad Harlan
Douglas Harthan
Lloyd & Lori Hautajarvi
Larry Hawkins
Darin Hilliker
Gordon Hoffner
Mike Hoiness
Mel Honda
John Hutchinson
Jack & Mary Innocenzi
Bill Jennings
Thomas Karazsia
Dave Kaucher
Gary & Reenie Kavalar
Philip Kee III
Gregory Keener
Grover Keeney
Mark Keeney
Dave Kendrick
Jim Kettler
Carter Klatt
Scott Kleven
Ken Knapp
Bette Korber
James Krewatch
Ashlee Law
anonymous
Rob Lowe
Joe May
Joe McCreery
Paul Minetti
Carl Morehouse
Patric Nephin
Jeff Null
Kathleen O'Connor
Alfred Oertli
Blair Ogle
Dana Ono
Frank Park
James Park
Steve Patton
Robert Penland
Ian Peppel
Maynard Petersen
Tim Pinto
Ali Pistora
Van Pittack
Richard Proctor
Bill Pruitt
Sandy Rains
Darrel Reinke
Jim Reinke
Steven Rice
Bert Rosado
Gary Roulston
Thomas Rudolph
Milton Sams
Mike Sansom
Sharon Scharosch
Rodnie Schillreff
Guy Schoenborn
Liza Scott
Ty Seader
Pete Shanafelt
Hugh Sheridan
Donald & Marilyn Shurr
Mike Sikora
Stephen Skvarka
Richard Smiga
Gary & Carol Smith
Robert Smith
Thomas Sobolewski
Jamie Sonsini
Scott E. Stevenson
Walter Stevenson
Susan Suria
Chad Swanson
Tonya Taylor
Peter Templeton
Stephen Trammel
Greg Trewitt
Terry Tucker
Joe & Colter Urbani
Warren VanderHill
Bryen Eric Venema
Rick Wallace
Steven Waller
Mike Ward
John Wetherbee
Timothy Whalen
George White
Michael Williams
Reid Wood
Tony Woodward
Russell Yamanaka
Dan Zavadsky
2023 Corporate Sponsors
Adipose Boatworks
Angling Destinations
Bighorn Fish LLC
Bighorn Fly and Tackle Shop
Bighorn River Lodge
Copy Right Printing
DeYoung Studios
Eastslope Outfitters
Forrester's Resort
Grundens
Holdfast Collective
Montana Fly Company
Patagonia
Price's Producers, Inc.
R.L. Winston Rod Co/Bauer Fly Reels
Simms
The Big Horn Sportsman's Club
Thirsty Street
Tightline Property Brokers
Yeti Coolers
If you notice an error on this list, please contact Melissa at 406-534-2915 or melissa@bighornriveralliance.org
ADDRESS:
3333 2nd Ave N #170
Billings, MT 59101
PHONE:
(406) 534-2915
EIN #36-5177006