(Above) Aerial View of Clark Canyon Reservoir.

Welcome to the homepage for the Clark Canyon Reservoir Resource Management Plan and Environmental Assessment.

This Web site is maintained by the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) as a method to foster public involvement, and to keep the public informed about issues and activities related to the Clark Canyon Reservoir RMP and EA .

The Montana Area Office, part of Reclamation's Great Plains Region, is preparing a Resource Management Plan (RMP) for Clark Canyon Reservoir. The RMP will provide for the coordinated development and management of land and recreation resources under Reclamation's jurisdiction at Clark Canyon Reservoir and Barretts Diversion Dam.

The goal of the RMP is to develop a 10 year management framework for managing, protecting, and enhancing fish and wildlife habitat, natural resources, cultural resources, and recreational opportunities associated with Clark Canyon Reservoir.

In conjunction with the preparation of the RMP, Reclamation has drafted an Environmental Assessment (EA) in order to identify any potentially-significant environmental impacts related to the RMP, and to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The EA will identify and evaluate potential management alternatives, and environmental effects that may be associated with implementation of the RMP.

PLEASE NOTE: No changes to the water operations of the reservoir are proposed as part of this action, and water operation issues will not be addressed in the RMP or the EA. 

Public participation is an important element during the development of the RMP and environmental documentation. This Web site is one of the public outreach methods that will be utilized during this process, and is designed to inform the public of general information and to disseminate information electronically. Public participation will be an ongoing activity during development of the RMP and EA. Information about scheduled meetings, comment periods, and all other related events will be updated on this site.

Background <back to top>:

Clark Canyon Reservoir is part of the East Bench Unit of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program located at the confluence of Horse Prairie Creek and the Red Rock River in Beaverhead County , approximately 20 miles south of Dillon, Montana. The authorized project purposes are irrigation and flood control, although Clark Canyon Reservoir also provides additional benefits to the public, such as fish & wildlife, municipal and industrial water, and recreational use.

The East Bench Irrigation District performs operation and maintenance of the Clark Canyon Dam, Barretts Diversion Dam, and related works and facilities. Reclamation staff administers the lands surrounding Clark Canyon Reservoir and Barretts Diversion, including land, wildlife, and cultural resources; as well as recreational facilities.

Currently, recreation related resources at Clark Canyon Reservoir include campsites and day use areas, including restrooms, campsites, picnic tables, shelters, and hand-pump water supply. Most facilities were constructed in the late 1960s and 1970s, and some areas do not comply with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Boat launch ramps are available at three locations on the reservoir, and two river launch areas administered by Reclamation are available along Beaverhead River directly downstream of the dam.

Recreational activities at the reservoir include fishing, camping, picnic areas, sightseeing and historical interpretation, wildlife viewing, and recreational boating/jet skiing. Winter activities are primarily limited to ice fishing.

Clark Canyon Reservoir and Barretts Diversion Dam contain significant heritage resources, particularly resources associated with the Lewis and Clark expedition. Camp Fortunate, presently inundated by the reservoir, is where Captain Lewis first made contact with the Shoshone Indians. Barretts Diversion Dam is adjacent to Rattlesnake Cliffs, a recognized landmark documented in the Lewis and Clark diaries. Other prehistoric and historic resources are located in the area, including those associated with native American inhabitants and pioneers.