STEWARDS OF THE SMITH

WE DON'T JUST FLOAT IT. WE PROTECT IT.

BY THE NUMBERS

$138,242.36

cumulative volunteer value delivered to FWP & USFS since 2019

177

VOLUNTEERS THAT HAVE WORKED ON THE SMITH RIVER SINCE 2019

148

MILES FLOATED IN 2026, ACROSS THREE FLOATS

Four people working on a riverbank, with a large exposed soil and rock face behind them, surrounded by a forested area.

THE WORK

BANK STABILIZATION & BIOENGINEERING — Hauling rock, stabilizing eroding banks at priority sites, working alongside FWP and GEUM Consulting on long-term corridor health.

CAMPSITE RESTORATION — Replacing fire rings, clearing waste, removing hazards so the sites stay usable for everyone who comes after us.

TIMBER CLEARING — Cutting and hauling downed timber to keep float access open to the public.

LANDOWNER & AGENCY SUPPORT — Moving material, staging wood, doing the unglamorous work that keeps the partnership with FWP and USFS strong.

WILLOWS BEING BURIED. WILLOWS CAN ONLY BE HARVESTED AND PLANTED DURING SPECIFC TIMES OF THE YEAR. FUN FACT: ANY CELL ON THE WILLOW CAN TURN INTO A ROOT CELL, SO WE BURY THEM TO SPROUT THE MOST NEW STEMS.

WE REMOVE TREES FROM CAMPGROUNDS THAT ARE A POTENTIAL DANGER FOR CAMPERS. FUN FACT: THESE TREES ARE CALLED WIDOW MAKERS.

Person wearing protective gear holds a chainsaw outdoors, with safety helmet nearby, and fuel and chainsaw oil containers on grass.

OUR PARNTERS ON THE RIVER

MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE & PARKS (FWP) — Project identification, coordination, and oversight along the corridor.

U.S. FOREST SERVICE (USFS) — Logistics, materials, and technical collaboration.

GEUM CONSULTING — Technical partner on bioengineering planning and site work.

STIHL — Donates safety equipment, chainsaws, fuel, and more for the crews doing the work.

NRS — Gives MVP a discount on river gear, keeping every trip properly equipped.

A person in a wheelchair wearing camouflage clothing and a green beanie, holding firewood, outdoors among trees with logs stacked nearby.

WHAT RESILIENCE LOOKS LIKE.

CAMERON — Promoted to Team Leader for his leadership and dedication on the Smith River. Started as a volunteer. Earned the role.

LEWIS JOHNSON — A Montana veteran and former Highway Patrol Trooper, paralyzed in the line of duty. Worked the crew moving rock and clearing timber like everyone else.

GUNNERY SERGEANT DORIAN GARDNER — Legally blind. Helped cut timber. Rowed a raft.

Every volunteer on that river gets reminded what resilience actually looks like.

Aerial view of a river flowing through a forested valley with boats docked along the shoreline and rocky cliffs on one side.

A group of people fishing in a river in a forested area, some in waders and one with a fishing rod, with trees and green foliage in the background.

Pursuing "Friends of the Smith" designation for long-term stewardship recognition
Expanding bioengineering work at priority sites with FWP and GEUM
Building better reporting tools to track and prove the impact
PURSUING GRANTS TO HELP FUND THIS MISSION.

WHERE WE GO FROM HERE

An aerial view of a river running through a green landscape, with boats parked along the shore and trees on the cliffs surrounding the river.

A person in a blue jacket taking a photo of a Bald Eagle perched on rocks near a river.

DONATE TO THE MISSION

FIND YOUR PLACE IN THE MISSION.

However you found us, there's a path here for you. Whether you're a veteran, here to learn more, ready to donate, or looking to partner, pick the path that's you and we'll point you toward what matters next.