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....
So far, this season has been a mild one. While the Natural Resources Conservation Service is reporting a Gallatin watershed snowpack that’s 121 percent of normal, it didn't feel much like winter until the last week of storms. Even with snowfall, temps have remained...
At the Gallatin River Task Force, we feel that this past year was filled with phenomenal growth. We partnered with the Custer Gallatin National Forest to complete our first large-scale restoration project in Gallatin Canyon, hired two staff members, and recruited volunteer talent to our board of directors. In case you missed the action, we present the top ten stories from 2018, according to Google Analytics. Thank you for your connection to the Task Force!
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.
The Gallatin River Task Force staff attended a Streambank Stabilization Workshop hosted by the Madison Conservation District (CD) and facilitated by Jo Christensen, United States Forest Service. The workshop combined classroom time with a work project on the Jack Creek. Here are seven new things we learned about streambank stabilization.
Want to learn more about how to restore a river? Join us for the Moose Creek Après Q & A, March 3rd, 4 to 6 PM, Lone Mountain Ranch Saloon.
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