Montana Watershed and Wetland Stewards to Be Honored at Helena Awards Ceremony

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Watershed Coordination Council, in collaboration with the Montana Wetland Council, will recognize three influential groups in watershed and wetland conservation at an awards ceremony hosted by Lieutenant Governor Kristen Juras on Thursday, March 13, 2025. The event, set for 5:00 PM at The Lobby at the Anchor G in Helena, is open to the public.

“The Watershed and Wetland Stewardship Award winners are making a real difference on the ground in Montana and have all demonstrated long-standing commitments to improve the health of Montana’s watersheds and wetlands,” said Aaron Clausen, World Wildlife Fund Sustainable Ranching Initiative Manager and Board Chair of the Montana Watershed Coordination Council. “Their leadership and commitment have built strong partnerships in each of their communities, bringing people together with a shared goal of protecting the land and water resources we all depend on.”

2025 Award Winners:

• Constanza von der Pahlen: Critical Lands Program Director for the Flathead Lakers, Constanza has spearheaded various watershed improvements since 2000 through restoration projects and conservation easements, particularly along the North Shore of Flathead Lake and Flathead River.
• Gallatin Water Collaborative: Since 2021, this group has unified local efforts in the Gallatin Valley to protect and enhance water resources, involving a diverse array of stakeholders.
• Montana Beaver Working Group: Supported by the National Wildlife Federation and Clark Fork Coalition, this group promotes sustainable beaver management, facilitating cooperation among various local and national entities to bolster watershed health.

The awards ceremony will be preceded by a social and networking hour with light appetizers and a cash bar. Members of the press are encouraged to attend. For more information, visit Montana Watershed Coordination Council.