Rattlesnake Dam Removal Tour: Bring On the Trout!

Date: Thursday, September 5
Time: 12:30-2:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Rattlesnake Greenway Trailhead and parking area at the north end of Duncan Drive - click here for map.

In 2020 the Rattlesnake Creek dam was removed and the floodplain restored, creating a functional and natural connection between the headwaters of Rattlesnake Creek and the Clark Fork River for the first time in 115 years. That project resulted in more than 10 stream miles reconnected for native fish; 5 acres of wetland and floodplain restoration and preservation; .5 miles of stream reconstruction; 45 acres of new open; and 16,000 planted trees and shrubs.

Take a tour with Rob Roberts, Trout Unlimited’s senior project manager, to learn about the history of Missoula’s water supply, the results of the lower dam removal, and future work to improve the fishery and recreation through the removal and management of 10 dams in the Rattlesnake Wilderness Area. This is your chance to find out how those cool alpine waters benefit our westslope cutthroat trout, bull trout, and so much more!

About the instructor: Like many Trout Unlimited staff, Rob followed a nontraditional path in his career development, graduating from college with a degree in psychology and then honing his community development skills in the Peace Corps in Madagascar. Rob initially spearheaded TU’s national youth education program before moving west in 2004 to start TU's growing western mine reclamation and watershed restoration program. Rob has worked as a project manager for TU out of the Missoula office for almost 20 years, with one hiatus to sail across the Pacific Ocean. Rob is typically responsible for overall project management and stakeholder coordination and takes the lead role in grant development, contracting for planning and investigation, permitting and stream restoration design. When not at work, you’ll find him paragliding, hunting for wild mushrooms, and scuba diving in Montana’s lakes and rivers.

Activity Level: .8 mile walking each way. Moderate.

What to Bring:

• Clothes appropriate for changing Montana weather conditions - layers are good!
• Water & snacks
• Walking shoes or boots
• Sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Anything you need to be comfortable walking and standing outside for 1.5 hours

Cost: $15 members / $20 non-members