The importance of collaboration on the North Fork

The North Fork Blackfoot River is an iconic Montana River. Flowing through the heart of the Blackfoot Watershed, the North Fork is a stronghold for native bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout owing to its crystal clear and ice-cold waters. Even if you don't cast a fly, you will find yourself mesmerized by the kaleidoscope of river rock framing the river bed.

This river is not only important to trout, it is also very important to the landowners living nearby, many of whom are sixth generation ranch families in the valley.

Gary and Sharon Jacobsen own a ranch on the North Fork. Over the past...