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The Nature conservancy, mt

Climate Change Challenge: Less water, worse droughts

Grant Award: $222,920; Year Awarded: 2014

Adapting restoration practices to meet changing climatic conditions, The Nature Conservancy in Montana is focusing on headwater stream systems with the greatest potential to maintain late summer flows and cool stream temperatures. Using elevation and incoming solar radiation as driving variables, high-flow potential basins, which are resilient to climate change with respect to stream temperature and discharge have been identified and selected for restoration. By implementing a suite of proven, novel restoration approaches, this project will measurably enhance hydrologic and ecological function of streams, rivers, riparian areas, and wetlands.