Tester secures $900,000 for fish passage projects in Western Montana

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BIG SANDY — U.S.

Senator Jon Tester announced today he has secured more than $900,000 from his bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) for Montana fish passage projects. This funding will help open and improving more than 66 miles of rivers and streams in western Montana through barrier removals, culvert repairs and replacements, and other stream improve-

Tester negotiated the IIJA and helped pass it into law last year, and he was the only member of Montana’s Congressional delegation to support the bipartisan legislation.

“Restoring our watersheds and improving the resiliency of our native species is good for Montana’s rivers and our state’s recreational economy that relies on them,” Tester said. “That’s why I’m proud to have secured this funding to expand critical infrastructure for wildlife and support the small businesses that power Montana’s outdoor economy.”

This funding will go toward projects across Beaverhead, Lewis and Clark, Missoula, and Powell Counties, and will benefit fish and recreation opportunities by improving access to habitat, providing colder water, restoring stream function, and reconnecting floodplains. These projects will contribute significantly to local watershed restoration efforts and economic develop- ment.

A longtime champion for fish and wildlife preservation, Tester secured more than $1.5 million from IIJA for fish passage projects in Montana last April. And in September of 2021, Tester helped secure $1.3 million to help Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks (FWP) acquire over 100 acres of land along the north shore of Flathead Lake for a new state park, and an additional $472,500 to help FWP clean up and renovate Westside Park in Mis- soula.

He was also a strong supporter of President Biden’s nominee for Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montana’s own Martha Williams, and pushed for her swift confirmation last year, citing the importance of balanced oversight and masterful management of the nation’s fish and wildlife recovery.

Since 1999, the National Fish Passage Program has worked with over 2,000 local communities, Tribes, and landowners, providing financial, engineering and planning assistance in order to reopen access to 57,736 miles of upstream habitat and 193,783 acres of wetland habitat for fish and other animals.

Smart investments to improve developments help restore fish while ensuring Montanans can continue making a living on the same footprint.

The IIJA includes $200 million over five years for this program, allocating nearly $38 million for 40 fish passage projects in this announcement alone.

Arlee CDC holds community dinners

News from the Arlee CDC

ARLEE — A series of community dinners are bringing families, friends and neighbors together in Arlee. “We’ve all been through a period of isolation recently,” said Shelly Fyant, Food Sovereignty Coordinator at the Arlee Community Development Corporation. “The Arlee CDC is focusing on ways that we can gather and connect with each other again. We hold a community dinner every three months, and they’ve become very popular.”

The dinners are held in conjunction with a series of cooking classes offered by the Arlee CDC. Students attend a series of three classes taught by chef Addie Steele, then assist her in preparing a dinner with a focus on fresh, seasonal food. “We use local ingredients and follow the Salish calendar whenever possible. The dinner brings people together to share food and share traditions handed down through the generations.”

All residents of Arlee are welcome to attend the next community dinner on Monday, May 8, 6-8 p.m. at the Arlee Indian Senior Center. The dinners are sponsored by the Arlee Community Development Corporation and No Child Hungry Share Our Strength.

First Saturday events return to Ninepipes Museum

News from Ninepipes Museum

CHARLO — Ninepipes Museum

welcomes the summer season with a special First Saturday event on May 6 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy live music with Richard Tobel, frybread (The Frybread Ladies), artisans Lori Parr (Lavender Lori), and Tracy Tevis (Designs by Tracy). Historian and artist Steve Lozar will show his work, and Bob Bigart and Joe McDonald will chat about their latest book, “Salish & Kootenai Indian Chiefs Speak for Their People and Land 1865-1901 ” Check out our website ninepipesmuseum.org, Facebook or call 406-644-3435 for details. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Student Volunteer Award recognizes civically engaged college students across Montana

News from Serve Montana, Gov. office of community service

HELENA — The Montana Student Volunteer Award is presented through a partnership between the Governor’s Office of Community Service and Montana Campus Compact campuses. Honorees of this annual award are college students across the state who demonstrate dedication to service in their communities while pursuing a college degree or certificate.

“Montana’s college students contribute meaningful service that makes a difference in our communities and adds value to their education” says Sarah R. Sadowski, Director of the Governor’s Office of Community Service. “These students are glimmering lights in our bright future, each one is well deserving of a Student Volunteer Award.”

This year, 12 student volunteers across Montana were recognized by their school during a virtual ceremony on Wednesday, April 26. Additionally, each winner will receive a certificate signed by Governor Gianforte and their college president.

Local 2022 Montana Student Volunteer Award Winners: Nadine Kemp of Flathead Valley Community College, Jade Dempsey of Salish Kootenai College, and Sam Sullivan of University of Montana.