The Clearwater Resource Council (CRC) works to engage the community and facilitate efforts that will enhance, conserve, sustain, and protect the natural resources and rural lifestyle of the Clearwater Watershed for present and future generations. Learn more »

News, Information and Announcements

CRC offers Seeley Lake septic pumping reimbursement program by Karen Williams, CRC Director of Aquatic Programs

An article from the opinion section in the June 25, 2026, Seeley Swan Pathfinder. Learn about a this program to help eligible residents maintain their septic system. Read the article by Clicking Here.

Then for eligible residents of Seeley Lake, DOWNLOAD the Septic Maintenance Cost-Share Assistance Application by clicking the black APPLICATION button below. Instructions for completing the application and sending it in are on the first page. The fourth round of applications ended on October 31st and a representative from CRC will be in touch with each applicant. 

The fifth round of applications runs from November 1st through November 30st.

If you have questions, please send an email to: septic@crcmt.org

Area Lake Monitoring

Summer 2026 lake monitoring has wrapped up. Water samples have been sent to the Flathead Biological Station as well as to Montana DEQ, for analysis. Collected lake data information (dissolve oxygen, temperature profiles, Secchi disk measurements), is being reviewed and the data entered into spreadsheets for analysis and watching for any trends. The lake surveys of aquatic plants at various locations around each lake has been collect, but still needs to be organized. This all takes time and will be worked on in the coming months.

To learn more about last year’s (2025) monitoring, check out the October 9th, Seeley Swan Pathfinder article, “Summer on the Chain of Lakes” by Karen Williams by Clicking Here.

For general information about lake monitoring check out our Aquatics and AIS pages, and for specific lake information visit the Clearwater Lakes Information page. To find specific information on the six lakes CRC is monitoring, Click Here.

CRC’s terrestrial program, led by Scott Tomson, is continuing to focus on hazardous fuels reduction and forest vegetation restoration. Currently there are three hazardous fuels projects on private lands with signed agreements - two of which have on-going fuels removal and work on the other is slated to start soon. There are 4 projects where landowners are hopefully nearing selection of a contractor. To learn about additional projects that are in the works or to get a Fuels Mitigation Grant application, Click Here.

Summer Projects for 2026 have wrapped, but we can always use more help. If you’d like to volunteer or have an idea for a project you think might be a good fit for CRC, be sure to contact Jon Haufler, whose email information is listed at the bottom of the page.

Thank You to all of the volunteers who helped out with various summer projects and programs in 2026.

Clearwater Valley - Water Quality Monitoring information

Water Quality Monitoring Findings presentation - a Community Meeting

On January 9, 2024, CRC presented various findings from its years of water monitoring of the lakes and streams in the Clearwater Valley as well as the current understanding of the status of surface and groundwaters.

The informational slides titled, Water Quality Monitoring Findings which were used during the presentation can be downloaded here. (pdf format, 3.5MB)

The informational report Clearwater Valley Watershed Restoration Plan with data used in the presentation can be downloaded here. (pdf format, 3.6MB)

Thank you to everyone who attended both in person and via Zoom. Much appreciation to Tom Browder for making the Zoom option possible.

Area Fire Plan

The 2019 update of the Seeley-Swan Fire Plan is now available.

First prepared in 2004, this updated plan helps guide and focus wildfire mitigation activities in the Seeley Lake-Clearwater River watershed as well as the Swan River watershed.

The Fire Plan identifies significant wildfire risks to the communities and outlines an action plan to reduce or eliminate fire impacts. It includes resources and information to assist county residents, public and private organizations, local government, and others interested in planning for wildfire risk reduction. This includes a list of action steps that will assist both communities in reducing and preventing loss from future wildfire events. Download the plan. (3.5)MB

Learn more about CRC’s Forest Fuels initiatives and consider participating in a Forest Fuels Home Assessment and applying for a Fuels Mitigation Grant. Click here to download the application. Be sure to save the file. Then complete and return to CRC.

Many of CRC’s events have been reported in the Seeley Swan Pathfinder, the weekly local paper.
Click here for a list of articles.

Informative Reports