Projects

Eastern Pioneers Low-tech Process-based Restoration (LTPBR)

Impairment: The streams in this region have been anthropogenically disturbed by past land use and management (mainly the extraction of beaver and overuse by livestock), resulting in straightened and entrenched channels. Streams in this state exhibit elevated levels of sediment, restricted floodplain access, and lowered water tables. Additionally, conifers are spreading far beyond their historic borders (i.e. riprian areas), causing decreased forage for wildlife and livestock, increased wildfire intensity, and loss of habitat for species like sagebrush and mule deer.

Proposal: The overall goals for this project area are to improve stream function and improve instream and riparian habitat conditions. This will be done by installing 120 Low-tech Process-Based Restoration (LTPBR) structures over four reaches in the Eastern Pioneers and implementing at least 5 acres of riparian conifer encroachment. Stream reaches will be restored in Trapper Creek and Browns Gulch, all on public land.

Benefits: The proposed LTPBR structures will reduce water velocities, in turn capturing sediment, aggrading the channel, and elevating the water table. Among many ecological benefits, cutting conifer trees in riparian areas leads to better water availability (trees need a lot of water), improved wildlife habitat, and decreased wildfire intensities.

Calendar: Fall 2022-2023

Project Description

BHWC is partnering with the Southwest Montana Sagebrush Partnership (SMSP) and the BLM to restore aquatic and riparian resources in the Eastern Pioneer foothills. We will be working together to restore stream reaches in Trapper Creek, Browns Gulch, and Lost Creek — both on public and private land. The work will mainly consist of the installation of low-tech, processed-based, in-stream structures such as Beaver Dam Analogs (BDAs) and Post-assisted Log Structures (PALS) as well as the removal of conifers from riparian areas. This project aims to improve stream function and both instream and riparian habitat conditions. Project work will continue into 2023.

Results

Major 2022 project accomplishments include:

Installation of 30 LTPBR structures in Browns Gulch Tributary 519- .35 miles treated to help kickstart recovery trends.
Installation of 30 LTPBR structures in Trapper Creek Tributary 516- .45 miles treated to help kickstart recovery trends.
13 volunteers with the University of Montana Western engaged.
1 wetland delineation and training conducted.

More work, including ~80 LTPBR structures and 23 acres of riparian conifer encroachment (both in Browns Gulch) are planned for 2023.