Take it from the parent of a four year old: not everyone feels compelled to stay on the trails and designated access points of our public lands and waterways. But everyone who cares about the future of river access should aim to, because when you combine unmanaged...
The realities of life and climate change across the West, and specifically in our corner of southwest Montana, are compounding to increase the threat of wildfires, which are only predicted to grow in size and frequency. Factors like poorly planned development, warmer...
How we (literally) get to the Gallatin impacts the health and sustainability of riparian areas, streamside habitat, vegetation, and the river in general. Well-worn, and sometimes rogue, access points are prevalent within publicly accessible forest lands along the Gallatin, creating the need for a host of restoration options.
We all know that the Gallatin River has so much to offer. On top of its breathtaking beauty and critical habitat, our watershed is known for its world-class fly-fishing, rafting, and abundant access to scenic hikes through the Custer-Gallatin National Forest....
As part of the Gallatin River Task Force’s multi-year access restoration project, construction will begin on Upper Deer Creek August 31, 2020.
The upper Gallatin River is famous for its easy access. From the Yellowstone National Park boundary to the mouth of Gallatin Canyon, anglers, rafters, and kayakers enjoy almost 40 miles of public waterway and riverbank—but this convenience is not without consequence....
Work to stabilize streambanks and improve river access began at Moose Creek Flat recreation area in October 2017. The first phase of the Moose Creek restoration project, including the boat ramp, kayak launch, trails, and streambanks restoration, was completed in Fall 2017. Additional streambank restoration and fencing will be completed in Spring 2018.
Work to stabilize streambanks and improve river access has begun at Moose Creek Flat day use area. Restoration work at Moose Creek is the first of many projects lead by the Gallatin River Task Force and the Custer Gallatin National Forest that will enhance access and safety for river users and restore riparian habitat along the Gallatin corridor.
The Gallatin River Task Force buttoned up a large-scale streambank restoration project on the West Fork of the Gallatin River as if flows through the Big Sky Resort Golf Course in May 2017. The project, which broke ground in October 2016, addresses elevated nutrient and fine sediment levels in the West Fork.
The West Fork Project requires thousands of willow cuttings. Vertical “stakes” will be planted to enhance wetland areas and anchor bioengineering materials while horizontal “layers” will be installed directly into the rebuilt streambanks. Here are some tips for harvesting willow cuttings to increase survival rate and project success.