Projects

Lower Big Hole Streambank Stabilization and Riparian Enhancement Project

A Big Hole Conservation Fund Project

1% for the River

Impairment: Severely eroding streambanks that lead to large inputs of sediment into the river annually; increased water temperature due to lack of riparian vegetation, and lack of aquatic habitat.

Proposal: Stabilize, restore and enhance approximately 460 linear feet of stream bank. The project will fix the landowner’s previous stabilization attempt constructing professionally engineered streambank stabilization treatments for the benefit of native fish and angler experience.

Benefits: Decreased sedimentation, reduced water temperature, and improved riparian habitat.

Calendar: Implementation – November 2021

Estimated Cost: $15,000

Big Hole Conservation Fund Goal: $1,500

DONATE TO SUPPORT THE LOWER BIG HOLE STREAMBANK RESTORATION PROJECT

Project Description

The focus of this project is to protect, restore, and enhance approximately 460 linear feet of streambank along 2 reaches of the lower Big Hole River, on private land near Glen, MT. This project will reduce a major sediment and temperature concern along this section of the lower Big Hole River. The landowner has attempted to restore the banks on their own, but the effort was not properly designed for a sustainable solution.

Without intervention, these streambanks will continue to erode excessively, further degrading riparian function and instream fish habitat. The source of these impairments originates from historic grazing and haying impacts, and significant loss of riparian habitat.

Additionally, this project seeks to improve riparian vegetation conditions and restore vegetation composition by removing juniper from riparian areas along the property. Land use practices related to ranching and historic fire suppression have shifted riparian vegetation conditions to allow upland conifer species to grow that compete with precious natural resources. Removing juniper from the floodplain will increase water availability to riparian species and enhance wildlife habitat over 21 acres.