2015 Riparian Restoration Projects

This spring, Flathead River to Lake Initiative partners planted over 1,000 shrubs and trees on two properties along the Flathead River as part of an expanding restoration effort to restore riparian areas.

The restored riparian areas will help improve habitat for fish and wildlife, protect water quality from agricultural runoff, and slow down erosion of the river banks.

Over 35 volunteers helped collect willows to plant along the river banks, build fences to protect young trees from deer browsing, seed exposed soils with native grasses, and plant native trees and shrubs.

Projects will be maintained and monitored by Flathead River to Lake Initiative partners for several years to ensure success and learn what works best in this area.

The planting projects were organized through the Initiative’s Flathead River Steward program

Volunteers included landowners, Flathead Valley Community College professors and students, Big Sky Watershed Corps members, MT Conservation Corps members, and River to Lake partners – Flathead Lakers, Flathead Conservation District, Natural Resources Conservation Service, MT Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and Flathead Land Trust. Thank you!

Many thanks to Ken Louden for putting together a wonderful BBQ for the volunteers and to Lower Valley Processing Company for providing food for the volunteers!

Projects received funding and technical assistance from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Our Flathead River Steward program engages a Big Sky Watershed Corps member, Megan Stockfisch (she is our third Corps member!) who helped recruit and coordinate volunteers. To learn about volunteer opportunities contact Megan at 406-752-4242 extension 109, or riversteward15@gmail.com.

Flathead River to Lake partners and landowners work together to protect and restore our natural heritage.