East Fork Roots Against Erosion

Streamside Restoration

Location

The banks of the East Fork of the Bitterroot River near Sula, MT.

Goals

Stabilize eroding stream banks, reduce sediment loading, and restore riverside vegetation for wildlife habitat, river shading, riverside cohesion, and aesthetics.

Reasoning

In 2021, Ravalli County replaced the old Edwards Road Bridge that crosses the East Fork of the Bitterroot River and addressed bank erosion upstream.

Project Description

The BWP secured funding for additional vegetation-based bank work on the south bank, on an eroding section that frequently floods the road and contributes sediment to the river. The project will also include livestock fencing and grazing management in the area surrounding the bank treatments and dispersed planting plots in the riparian area upstream. Project completion is expected in the Fall of 2023.

Timeline

2022-Present

Partners

Rocky Mountain Aggregates, Shining Mountain Ranch, Ravalli County

Cost