Cameron Creek – 2025

Streamside Restoration & Protective Fencing

Location

Cameron Creek, Tributary to the East Fork of the Bitterroot

Goals

Lower water temperature of Cameron Creek by creating shade with a healthy riparian habitat

Reasoning

Cameron Creek is one of the warmest tributaries entering the East Fork of the Bitterroot River. Temperature is an important component of water quality, since most native fish species require cold, clear water. Cameron Creek has been historically de-vegetated, creating a lack of sufficient shading over the creek from streamside trees and shrubs – leading to warmer water and increased streambank erosion. The eroding streambank delivers fine debris and sediment to the stream, clogging up important breeding habitats and muddying waters.

The plants planted here will form thick webs of roots that hold land together, reducing erosion and sediment pollution. Importantly, they will also create shade to keep waters cool for thriving native fish and other aquatic life.

Project Description

BWP Staff coordinated with this streamside landowner to install protective fencing around an approximate 0.75 miles of Cameron Creek, effectively keeping cattle from grazing on the streamside and preventing critical streamside vegetation from thriving. Then, volunteers harvested and transplanted roughly 9,000 willows to this length of streamside, giving it a jumpstart in recovery.

(Pictures of the restored section coming soon!)

Timeline

2025 – 2026

Partners

Private Landowners, Montana DEQ

Cost