#45 - John Muhlfeld - Removing Dams, and Restoring Rivers & Wetlands

Texas+Water Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Todd Votteler, talks with John Muhlfeld, Principal Hydrologist for the River Design Group and Mayor of Whitefish, Montana. John Muhlfeld was raised along the Connecticut coast, just a few short miles from Long Island Sound and a mere 40-minute train ride to New York City. His family spent the summer months in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York sailing, fishing, snorkeling, and diving for crawdads. Over the course of 15 years, the once pristine Caroga Lake where Muhlfeld spent his summers deteriorated due to the introduction of aquatic invasive species, acid rain, and septic leachate. Observing his childhood lake change dramatically motivated him to pursue a career in water resources. In his 22 years of professional experience, Muhlfeld has worked for the United States Forest Service and as a Forest Hydrologist with the State of Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. With River Design Group, he has been the Project Manager and lead Restoration Hydrologist for numerous large-scale restoration projects in Montana, including the O’Dell Spring Creek wetland restoration project and the Upper Blackfoot Mining Complex involving the headwaters of the infamous Blackfoot River. In addition to his work at the River Design Group, Muhlfeld volunteers his time as Mayor of Whitefish, Montana, a popular vacation destination in Northwest Montana that is experiencing dramatic growth.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making waves.