Willow Creek Streamside Restoration

Streamside Restoration to Reduce Sediment Pollution

Location

Willow Creek

Goals

Improve water quality by reducing sediment delivery from steep eroding banks – Reduce accelerated erosion and restore naturally functioning streambank – Improve aquatic habitat and increase habitat biodiversity – Improve riparian habitat to support wildlife and support natural channel migration

Reasoning

Willow Creek is a perennial stream that flows west from the Sapphire Mountains and drains into the mainstem of the Bitterroot River. According to Montana DEQ monitoring, Willow Creek is degraded by sediment pollution and warming waters. Sediment is washing into the stream from unkempt gravel roads and eroding streamside banks. The project’s purpose is to restore the streamside to a more natural and functional state, improve aquatic habitat, and enhance streamside habitat to support wildlife and natural stream movement.

Project Description

BWP partnered with Willow Creek landowner, Maggie C., to restore 80 feet of highly erosive, steep, degrading streambanks along Willow Creek. Restoration efforts will keep 11.4 tons/year of sediment pollution (the volume of a hot tub) from entering Willow Creek and degrading aquatic habitat.

The streamside was recontoured to return it to natural structure.
A ‘brush matrix’ consisting of woody debris, rounded rocks, and willows was used to replicate in-stream features and strengthen the streamside.
Native streamside plants were seeded to jumpstart recovery.
Streamside fencing was installed to help the area recover natural vegetation and protect the stream from livestock impacts.

Timeline

2021 – 2024

Partners

Geum Environmental Consulting, LLC; Private Landowner, Maggie C;

Cost