Milk River water diversion issues could affect fisheries in Fresno, Nelson and the Milk River

The Milk River is the lifeblood of north-central Montana. Not only does it provide essential irrigation, it provides important fisheries and wildlife habitat. However, recent failure of the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) water delivery structures on the St. Mary Canal near the North Fork of the Milk River may mean reliable water flow is in jeopardy this summer. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is working with BOR to monitor this situation and its potential impacts to Fresno and Nelson reservoirs and the Milk River drainage.

On Sunday, May 17, the concrete drop structure number 5 failed on the St. M...