Projects

Eastern Pioneers Wetland Restoration and Conifer Reduction

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, Browns Gulch, and Lost Creek — both on public and private 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

Estimated Cost: $50,000

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 and Post-assisted Log Structures 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.