East Fork Roots Against Erosion

Streamside Restoration & Grazing Management

Location

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

Goals

Stabilize eroding stream banks, reduce sediment pollution into the Bitterroot, 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. This section of river around the Bridge is lacking adequate streamside vegetation and roots to hold the bank together. The land continues to erode, dumping sediment pollution into the River, and threatening the structure of the bridge. This section of River is also threatened by warming stream temperatures, so re-establishment of streamside plants will help shade the stream to keep waters cool for aquatic life.

Project Description

In 2023 BWP planted roughly 1,500 native willow shoots along 750 feet of riverside.
In 2024 we expanded the restored area by adding 400 native plants across 500 feet of riverside.
In 2025 we will support Shining Mountain Ranch operators with fencing and cattle crossing structures to protect 1/4 mile of the East Fork.

Timeline

2022-Present

Partners

Rocky Mountain Aggregates, Shining Mountain Ranch, Ravalli County

Cost