Park County Flood Resilience Projects
In June 2022, historic flooding along the Yellowstone River exposed the scale of risk facing Park County. Triggered by intense rain on snow, the flood damaged homes, roads, and infrastructure while disrupting access to Yellowstone National Park, contributing to an estimated $128 million in regional economic losses. Park County again experienced record flooding in the Shields Valley in 2023. In response, local partners have advanced a range of efforts to reduce risk and better prepare for future events.
This document provides a snapshot of flood resilience efforts in Park County, highlighting current projects, shared resources, and emerging opportunities. Its goal is to improve alignment, strengthen coordination among partners, and provide a clear overview of progress.
As a starting point, we invite you to please share what is missing as we continue to learn more. National Park Service, Rivers Trails Conservation Assistance (NPS-RTCA) is kicking off a year of flood resilience work in Park County to help put this together. Reach out to Sarah to provide feedback. Sarah@pcecmt.org
What is flood resilience?
Flood resilience is the ability of a community to understand its flood risk, reduce potential damage, and recover when flooding occurs. It means learning to live with the river rather than trying to control it, allowing rivers to move and function naturally while keeping communities safe. Building flood resilience requires intentional action over time, including smart infrastructure, healthy floodplains, informed land use, and strong coordination before, during, and after a flood.
KEY CONTACTS
Sign up to NIXLE to receive emergency alert text messages, text your zip code to 888777 or sign up online at www.livingstonmontana.org or www.parkcounty.org
Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation (DNRC) Doug Brugger, Floodplain & Dam Safety Bureau Chief: 406-444-1300, douglas.brugger@mt.gov
Park County Emergency Management Greg Coleman: 406.823.0823, GColeman@parkcounty.org
Floodplain Administrators: Park County - Lawson Moorman: lmoorman@parkcounty.org and City of Livingston - Jen Severson: jseverson@livingstonmontana.org
Park Conservation District, Upper Yellowstone & Shields Valley Watershed Groups, & Upper Yellowstone River Assessment Committee (UYRAC) Ashley Lowery, Watershed Coordinator: 406-946-3008, Ashley.Lowrey@mt.nacdnet.net
Gardiner, Park County Water & Sewer District Josh Wells: 406.848.7734, gardinerws@outlook.com
Headwaters Economics Kristin Smith: kris@headwaterseconomics.org
Montana Freshwater Partners Wendy Weaver: 406.298.7642, wweaver@freshwaterpartners.org
Yellowstone Climate Analyzer (NPS/NPCA) Mike Tercek: tercek@YellowstoneEcology.com
Red Cross Winnie Lohof, SWMT Community Disaster Program Manager: 406-690-1913, winnie.lohof@redcross.org
National Park Service - Rivers, Trails, & Conservation Assistance (NPS - RTCA) Lelia Melin: lrm.nps@gmail.com