John Owen Fishing Access Site

REHABitat

Location

Bank of the Bitterroot River in Stevensville at the John Owen Fishing Access Site at Stevensville Bridge

Goals

Restore riverside vegetation for wildlife habitat, river shading, riverside cohesion, and aesthetics

Reasoning

​Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks acquired this fishing access site in 2021 and was concerned by lack of riverside vegetation. The area was historically used as a dump site and has since been used heavily by the public for river access, making it difficult for plant to establish themselves along the riverside.
These riverside plants will provide important in-stream and streamsdie habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife.

Project Description

Water Partnership volunteers planted roughly 250 native trees and shrubs throughout the site in 2021.

Strategically installed fences to protect growing plants from foot traffic and wildlife browse.

Installed in 2022, a passive dripline system fed by a large water tank keeps plants efficiently watered.

If the river eventually reaches the planting area, strong roots will help absorb the forces of flowing water, slowing the erosion of this fragile bank. With the web of roots these plants create, visitors like you can continue to enjoy riverside trails at Skalkaho Bend.

Timeline

2019 – Present

Partners

City of Hamilton, Department of Environmental Quality, Bitter Root Land Trust, Bitterroot Audubon

Cost

$50,000