May Steward of the Month: Amie Kusch

Introducing our Steward of the Month for May, Amie Kusch! Amie is always one of the first to jump on our volunteer events, and is a fantastic team leader! Amie is also the founding president of the Montana Inland Ocean Coalition, an organization that strives to create an inland movement that builds land-to-sea stewardship. She is also a recent graduate from Montana State University with a degree in Fish and Wildlife Management within the Department of Ecology. We appreciate you Amie, thank you for everything you do!

Here’s a little Q & A with our Steward of the Month:

1) What is your favorite thing to do within the watershed?

This summer I hope to learn how to fly fish, however, for now my favorite activity is to float the Madison with friends on a hot summer day. 

2. What excites you most about GWC's mission?

I have always believed it is important to involve the community when it comes to any sort of restoration efforts. Gallatin Watershed Council does an amazing job connecting with other organizations within the community, such as the Inland Ocean Coalition, in order to better tackle the issues facing the Lower Gallatin Watershed. I also believe that education is key to protecting our natural resources. It is an amazing feeling to gather with other individuals who share a connection to our watershed. When we come together to restore the health of our rivers and other water sources, we are also gaining valuable knowledge provided by GWC that helps empower individuals to continue their work in protecting the natural resources in their own backyard. 

3. Where is your favorite spot to spend time with friends and family in Gallatin Valley?

My favorite spot to spend time with friends is at MAP Brewing. Drinking a beer while watching all the wildlife activity around Glen Lake can’t be beat! 

4. What's your favorite book? (Or favorite band?)

My favorite book is In the Shadow of Man written by the primatologist and anthropologist, Jane Goodall. My favorite band is Vampire Weekend! 

5. What do you want the Lower Gallatin Watershed to look like within 5 years?

I hope that with the work done by GWC, volunteers and other organizations we will see that the fifteen streams that are currently considered ‘impaired’ by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality will be healthy, pristine water sources once again. More specifically, I am excited to see these streams return back to their original state free of excess levels of nutrients and sediment, enhanced riparian vegetation, and as a suitable habitat for fish and other aquatic animals. I’m excited to keep putting in the work to see these changes happen!! 

As mentioned above, Amie plays an important role in the Montana Inland Ocean Coalition. About the IOC:

“Inland Ocean Coalition began their work in the state of Colorado, however, over the years Inland Ocean Coalition has chapters in 13 different states. In 2019 myself along with Regan Nelson, Senior Ocean Associate for Natural Recourses Defense Council and Ivy Fredrickson, Staff Attorney for Ocean Conservancy, began the Inland Ocean Coalition Montana Student Chapter. Our chapter focuses on three important issues surrounding our oceans that has strong ties to our mountainous state: ensuring sustainable fisheries, reducing plastic pollution and addressing climate change. We do this through advocacy, outreach and volunteer work, and policy. We are always looking for new volunteers to be stewards for our ocean to help with creek clean up, tabling events and more! An easy way to begin your work as an Inland Ocean steward is by downloading the app ‘Plastic Score’ on your phones to help reduce the amount of plastic you receive at your favorite restaurants here in Bozeman!”

To find out more, check out their website!