RDG is currently assisting Montana Department of Environmental Quality in the preparation of several Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and Water Quality Restoration Plans (WQRP) for impaired waterbodies in western Montana. RDG has completed or is working on TMDL plans for streams in the Lower Clark Fork River drainage, the Flathead River drainage, and the Tobacco River drainage in northwestern Montana. Other TMDL plan collaborators include the U.S. Forest Service, watershed groups, and private landowners.

RDG applies standard watershed assessment techniques including USGS stream gaging methods and USFS stream channel and R1/R4 survey techniques. RDG is increasingly incorporating advanced remote sensing techniques that rely on high resolution spatial data. Partnering with a remote sensing firm specializing in the collection of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data, RDG deploys innovative GIS software to model and evaluate existing watershed conditions. Other analyses include assessing bank erosion hazards, sediment delivery, and woody debris recruitment to channel networks.

RDG supports master plan development for directing large scale water quality and aquatic habitat restoration efforts in target watersheds. The master plan process requires evaluating the entire watershed and prioritizing restoration projects in an effort to maximize the environmental return on each restoration project dollar spent. Master plans typically serve as the guidance document for addressing watershed impairment and developing strategies for restoring physical, chemical, and biological watershed processes.

Assessment Services

• Watershed and stream reach assessments
• Water quality planning and monitoring
• TMDL pollutant load calculation and allocation
• Geomorphic assessments
• Restoration and habitat enhancement prioritization
• Master plan development

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