Greek Creek
Before Restoration: Aerial view of severe streambank erosion at the Greek Creek Campground along the Gallatin River.
Status
Complete
Location
Greek Creek Campground, Custer-Gallatin National Forest
Cost
$350,000
Project Results
The Greek Creek Restoration Project restores the beauty and reslience of the Gallatin River using natural solutions that combine the strength of engineered design with the power of plants to stablize the riverbank, reduce erosion, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, and improve water quality.
Project implementation began in October 2024 with willow harvesting.
19 volunteers participated in willow harvesting.
4,100 willow clippings were harvested to use in the bioengineered streambank.
697 feet of bioengineered streambank was installed.
2 post assisted log structures were installed.
6 beaver dam analog structures were installed.
1 rock terrace was installed providing low impact river access.
In May 2025, 21 volunteers helped complete the project.
Volunteers planted native trees and shrubs at our Greek Creek Campground restoration site in May.
198 native trees and shrubs were planted.
Volunteers installed fencing to protect the plants.
Project funders, partners, and volunteers attended a project tour and celebration.
Signage at the site informs visitors of the restoration efforts.
Background
The Gallatin River faces growing pressure from climate change, rapid development, and heavy recreation use. In response, the Gallatin River Task Force and Custer-Gallatin National Forest have launched a collaborative, science-based strategy 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 natural 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 can thrive together.
Project Description
Located right on the banks of the Gallatin River, Greek Creek Campground is a popular destination for campers, anglers, and river enthusiasts. But during the spring runoff of 2022, severe flooding worsened existing streambank erosion, putting both the river and public access at risk.
The Greek Creek Restoration Project is focused on stabilizing the riverbank, improving habitat, and protecting this well-loved recreation site. Key improvements and benefits include:
Bioengineered Streambank & Riparian Plantings
Installation of a bioengineered streambank and riparian plantings reduce sediment, improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat, reduce water temperature through shading, and improve soil quality. Read more about the willow harvesting process.
Beaver Dam Analogs (BDAs)
Installation of BDAs slow water flow during spring runoff and flood events, trap and convert nutrients and other pollutants, and increase the amount of habitat variety and water surface area, leading to more biological diversity.
Hardened River Access
Installation of a rock terrace provides designated sustainable river access.
Raised Outhouse
Installation of a new vault toilet and site grading ensures proper drainage.
Post Assistant Log Structures (PALS)
Installation of PALS promotes the accumulation of wood, which is a natural process that’s critical to the health of rivers. PALs create upstream ponds, force flow to split, create eddies, alter erosion and deposition patterns, increase channel-floodplain connectivity, improve ecosystem function, and increase biodiversity.
Overview of Greek Creek Restoration Project Designs.
Thank you to Our Partners and Donors
The work we do would be impossible without your support.
Project Partners
