$12 Million for Yellowstone River Conservation
A Natural Resource Damage Program settlement with ExxonMobil Pipeline Company related to effects of a pipeline spill in 2011 is providing $12 million to address natural resources along the Yellowstone River, primarily in the area downstream from the spill.
The Damage Assessment and Restoration Plan identifies the following project areas:
- Conservation easements and control of invasive woody species
- Channel migration easements and river function restoration
- Fish passage improvement, soft bank stabilization and restoring riverine habitat
- Fencing and water level management for predator controls at National Wildlife Refuges
- Improve recreational human use sites
MARS programs, including our Yellowstone River Channel Migration Easement Program, align with many of these goals and we intend to partner with other organizations and agencies to help mitigate the effects of the oil spill.
Channel Migration Easement Program Video
 MARS in collaboration with Ocean Media Institute and MARS' other Yellowstone River partners will release a film in 2017 showcasing the importance of the Yellowstone River Channel Migration Easement Program. The video will tell the story of the river and those who depend on it- including Buster the donkey! Stay tuned for a sneak preview.
MARS Welcomes New Board Members
Marcus Pearson is an environmental attorney and brings nearly a decade of land and water conservation experience to the board. He has worked on complex real estate and water rights transactions and with state and federal environmental and land-use regulations.
 The MARS board is hosting two MSU students through the MSU Leadership Institute Bobcat Boardroom program. Hilary Lemen and Liz Wilk will be serving with MARS for the 2016/2017 academic year. Hilary is from Barrow, Alaska and is currently working towards a Bachelor's degree in economics and entrepreneurship. Liz is  from Chicago, Illinois and is currently working on her Master's of Fine Arts in Science and Natural History Filmmaking.
Seeking New Board Members!
Do you want to be part of of an exciting group of watershed professionals working towards improving aquatic resources in Montana? MARS is seeking new board members to join our team. Please email info@montanaaquaticresources.org for more information.
Join us for Blue Drinks
MARS is hosting an informal social gathering with our staff, board members and the water resource community and you're invited! Join us for a lively discussion on how we can work together to protect Montana's water resources.
When: Wednesday, November 16th, 5:00 PM
Where: MAP Brewing
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