Blackfeet Environmental Program

The Tribe Will Develop a Revised Wetlands Program Plan to Guide Wetland Program Development Activities That Will Increase Wetland Quantity and Quality on the Reservation. an Updated Definition of &ldquoandwaters of the Tribe&rdquoand Is Needed to Protect Wetlands That Aren&rsquoandt Protected Under Wotus or Current Tribal Regulations. Updated Maps of Surface Waters Are Needed for Better Decision-making, Management and Planning. Furthermore, the National Hydrography Dataset for Montana Often Fails to Accurately Distinguish Between Ephemeral, Intermittent and Perennial Streams. University of Montana Wetland and Riparian Mapping Lab, Utilizes Riparian Mapping Imagery From Multiple Years, Thus Allowing Identification of Surface Water Connectivity Between Wetlands. This Will Enable the Tribe to Identify, Regulate and Manage Wetlands and Waterways That Require Specific Tribal Designation for Protection and Regulation Because They Are No Longer Considered &ldquoandwaters of the U.s&rdquoand. Project Deliverables Will Include an Updated Wetland Program Plan That Specifically Addresses All Wetlands for Protection and Regulationand a Strong and Wetland-protective Definition of &ldquoandwaters of the Tribe&rdquoandand Updated Wetland Mapping That Includes Ephemeral, Intermittent and Perennial Streamsand Targeted Wetland Restoration and Protection Sitesand and Partnerships to Increase Wetland Protection and Restoration. Project Deliverables Will Lead to Increased Protection, Regulation and Restoration of Tribal Wetlands and Will Ultimately Improve Wetland and Water Quality of the Blackfeet Reservation. Project Goals, Objectives and Activities Will Support and Further Develop the Blackfeet Tribe&rsquoands Climate Change Adaptation Plan.