Gallatin River Task Force
Subscribe
Donate
Become a Member
Subscribe
Donate
Become a Member

Gallatin River Restoration

Buffalo Horn Creek to Six Shooter

Thraets
Status
Implementation planned for 2026
Location
Five Gallatin River sites in the Custer-Gallatin National Forest, between the Yellowstone National Park boundary and Big Sky.
Cost
$462,000

Why restoration?

If you’ve fished, floated, or even just glimpsed it from your car window, you know that the Gallatin River is special. It’s the vital lifeline that defines southwest Montana, sustaining our wildlife, supporting the recreational activities we Montanans love, and representing the very essence of our home. A healthy river is a reflection of a healthy watershed and aquifer, the systems our community relies on for clean water. But the Gallatin faces challenges—from unmanaged access to climate change.

Our Gallatin River Restoration Strategy identifies and prioritizes projects that center the river’s long term health without compromising public access. It’s a win-win.

The Problems

Years of heavy recreational use, land use decisions, and a changing climate have impacted the Gallatin River in visible and invisible ways. Flows are decreasing, riverbanks are eroding, and critical fish and wildlife habitats are disappearing, degrading water quality and reducing the river’s ability to withstand environmental pressures like drought, flooding, and wildfire. 
Greek Greek, Restoration, Bioengineered Streambank
Degradation from decades of informal, unmanaged access. 

THE SOLUTIONS

Part of the larger Gallatin River Restoration Strategy, this multi-phase restoration work is designed to stabilize riverbanks and create healthy streamside habitat within the Custer-Gallatin National Forest—from the Yellowstone National Park boundary to the confluence of Spanish Creek near Bozeman. To prevent further damage, we’ll add designated parking and clearly mark access points so visitors can experience this beautiful corridor without harming it, ensuring the Gallatin stays wild and accessible for generations to come.

In the fall of 2025, we’re restoring five sites—Park Boundary to Covered Wagon— along the Gallatin River between the Yellowstone National Park boundary and the Taylor Fork.

In 2026, we’ll restore five additional sites between Buffalo Horn Creek and Six Shooter, bringing the total area for this section of river to 15 acres of restored streamside habitat. Future restoration work is planned between Elkhorn Creek and Spanish Creek.

Greek Greek, Restoration, Bioengineered Streambank
Greek Greek, Restoration, Bioengineered Streambank

This rendering of the planned restoration area along the Gallatin River shows native vegetation buffers, designated parking—to encourage river users to “stay on the trail”—and stabilized riverbanks designed to reduce erosion, improve water quality, and maintain public access.

The Benefits of Restoration

W

Protects Clean Water

Healthier banks naturally filter pollutants, providing cleaner water for our community and wildlife.
W

Restores Thriving Habitats

Revitalized habitats will support flourishing populations of our native fish, birds, and diverse wildlife.
W

Builds River Resilience

A healthier river system will better withstand climate challenges like drought, flooding, and wildfire, safeguarding our future.
W

Provides Sustainable Recreation Access

Designated parking will ensure enjoyable and sustainable river access for our anglers, rafters, and other visitors for generations to come.
W

Creates a Lasting Legacy

This project’s 50 to 100-year estimated lifespan ensures enduring benefits for our river and community.

Background

In 2022, the Gallatin River Task Force and Custer-Gallatin National Forest launched the Gallatin River Restoration Strategy, a collaborative plan to restore all 39 miles of the Upper Gallatin River corridor—repairing degraded habitat, preventing future harm, and ensuring the river remains a vital part of southwest Montana’s heritage and outdoor economy. Explore our Moose Creek and Upper Deer Creek projects to see how we’re creating a sustainable future for the Gallatin River—where healthy ecosystems and world-class recreation thrive.
Moose Creek Raft Launch Site
Before restoration at our Upper Deer Creek site, unmanaged vehicle access caused damage to streamside vegetation. Two designated parking areas and a vegetated buffer were installed, helping to curb erosion and pollutant runoff. Boulders were also added to prevent driving along the river’s edge.

Partners and Donors

This work is made possible thanks to the following supporters.

Project Partners

USDA Forest Service

Project Funders

Gallatin County Open Lands Program