Over the last two decades, drought has impacted the Blackfoot watershed more summers than not – more than 60% of the years in recent history. Recurring drought and uncertainty about future water supply have inspired community actions centered around coordinated water stewardship.

Local landowners, irrigators, anglers, conservation organizations, and state and federal agencies share a commitment to work together through the Blackfoot Drought Response Program. Individual landowners also work to benefit water resources and agricultural production through efficient irrigation water management practices and a growing understanding of soil health. New strategies for investing in long-term stream health and drought resilience are taking shape as landowners and partners look to beavers and beaver dam mimicry-style restoration techniques to sustain water quantity and quality year-round.