Coming Soon - West End Reservoir Project

The Yellowstone Conservation Area stands as an integral part of the 300-acre West End Reservoir and Water Treatment Plant currently being planned and developed by the City of Billings that ensures a safe and clean water supply for the Billings area while offering regional conservation and recreation opportunities. 

The project is located less than 5-minutes from the Interstate 90/Zoo Drive exit and less than 2-minutes from ZooMontana and is contiguous to the Shiloh Conservation Area, a 76-acre stormwater open space facility making it one of the most accessible urban conservations areas in the State.

The Yellowstone Conservation Area serves to protect and store nearly 8-months of water reserve for the Billings Area that will be utilized for domestic use as well as rural fire protection ensuring smart and safe community growth for generations to come.  It is anticipated that of the 300-acres, 160-acres will be open water spread between two reservoirs with the remaining 140-acres providing urban conservation opportunities.   

Planning and engineering for the project has been ongoing for nearly 4-years and in that time the configuration of original plan has changed due to opportunities and constraints identified through the process.  Because of these changes, an updated master plan is needed to ensure a current vision of the Yellowstone Conservation Area.

With the City of Billings being focused on the engineering of the water plant and associated utilities necessary for the project, the Yellowstone Conservation District (YCD) realized the potential the area has for conservation, education, and recreation.  Recent discussions between the YCD and the City led to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the YCD and City that was approved by the Billings City Council ensuring the project reaches its full potential as a functional community amenity with a unique focus on conservation. 

 In addition to providing a dependable water source for the City of Billings, Conservation education will be available to all users of the area including an interactive water conservation area, handicapped accessible conservation areas 

The project will be led by the YCD Board of Supervisors and coordinated with the City of Billings and community stakeholders.  It is also anticipated that a joint YCD/City of Billings Yellowstone Conservation Area Committee will be utilized to finalize the Master Plan and Community Outreach.