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Missoula County signs three‑year MOA for River Ambassador program, approves one‑year contract with Clark Fork Coalition
Summary
Commissioners approved a three‑year memorandum of agreement to support the Missoula Valley River Recreation Ambassador Project and a one‑year professional services agreement with the Clark Fork Coalition to hire and supervise ambassadors; the MOA adds ASUM Transportation and Missoula Conservation District as partners.
Missoula County commissioners approved a three‑year memorandum of agreement to formalize the Missoula Valley River Recreation Ambassador Project and separately authorized a one‑year professional services agreement with the Clark Fork Coalition to hire and oversee River Ambassadors for the 2025 summer season.
The MOA commits Missoula County, the City of Missoula, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, ASUM Transportation and the Missoula Conservation District to a three‑year partnership for program administration and outreach. County staff said ASUM Transportation’s participation is new and will provide river shuttle management expertise; the conservation district’s participation is intended to strengthen natural‑resource outreach.
“It's fantastic that we got ASUM and the conservation district to sign on and bring their expertise,” a county presenter said during the meeting. The presenter also noted the three‑year MOA will provide stability and allow the program to grow beyond annual agreements.
Separately, commissioners approved a one‑year professional services agreement with the Clark Fork Coalition to handle hiring, supervision and managerial oversight of the River Ambassadors. County staff explained the county collects funds from partner organizations and holds a single contract with the non‑profit Coalition, whose status allows flexibility in seasonal staffing. Staff said the county intentionally approved a one‑year services agreement even though the MOA runs three years so the parties retain year‑to‑year flexibility.
Program details shared at the meeting: the program will hire four people for the season—a paid coordinator, Tammy McDaniel, and three seasonal ambassadors who will work in pairs in the field. Lily, identified as the Clark Fork Coalition’s permanent supervisor for the program, will remain involved and the new coordinator will free her to expand outreach to downtown businesses and volunteers.
Commissioners voted “Aye” to approve both the MOA and the professional services agreement.
