Upper Deer Creek
Status
Complete
Location
Custer-Gallatin National Forest, South of the Upper Deer Creek Trailhead (Green Bridge)
Cost
$450,000
Project Background: The Gallatin River is being pressured from all directions, from climate change, to urban development, and the recreational access the river is famous for. The Task Force, in partnership with the Custer-Gallatin National Forest, have developed a holistic approach to recreation management and a framework for prioritizing the ecological restoration of highly damaged areas. We have an ambitious plan to restore the entire 39 miles of the Upper Gallatin River corridor with the goal of repairing existing natural resource degradation and preventing further damage from occurring to safeguard the Gallatin River, while ensuring that outdoor recreation can continue to be a staple of Southwest Montana’s vibrant economy and way of life. Check out the Moose Creek project to learn more about our work to chart the course for sustainable recreation access and restore the ecological health of the Gallatin River.
Project Description: Upper Deer Creek is the second large-scale project to restore the ecological health of the river and improve ease and safety of river access along the Upper Gallatin Corridor. The project engaged a broad spectrum of stakeholders and utilized volunteers to complete restoration activities including noxious weed management, planting, and fence building.
Before and After
Site conditions before the restoration project included unmanaged vehicle access causing damage to riparian vegetation and increasing the amount of sediment and other pollutants entering the river.
Two designated parking areas were developed which include erosion control features, a vegetated buffer between the river and the parking lot, and boulders to prevent driving along the river’s edge.
Project Results: Upper Deer Creek highlights the variety of users enjoying the Gallatin. To better accommodate anglers and whitewater rafters, infrastructural additions were introduced including a designated sustainable river access point for rafts, an accessible fishing platform, and a kayak slab launch. To continue educating the river-loving community, we installed four educational signs along 1,750 feet of new accessible trail. Given the site’s popularity, we built 2 improved parking areas that can accomodate trailers and other oversized vehicles. Volunteers helped plant 380 riparian trees and shrubs and reseeded barren areas.
Fast Facts:
- 4 educational/interpretive signs
- 2 improved parking areas
- 1,044 feet (.6 acres) riparian buffer enhancements
- 1,044 feet (.2 miles) of fencing along riparian buffer and parking areas
- 1,750 feet (.3 miles) accessible trail
- 4,323 feet (0.8 miles) of existing user-created road decommissioned
- 12 acres of treated invasive species
- 52 volunteers engaged
The new sustainable boat launch
An accessible trail and fishing platform, with interpretive signage
Thank you to our incredible partners and donors
The work we do would be impossible without your support.
Project Partners
Project Funders
Gallatin River Forever Campaign
Big Sky Resort Area District
Custer-Gallatin National Forest
National Forest Foundation
Madison/Gallatin Chapter Trout Unlimited
Yellowstone Club Community Foundation
Moonlight Community Foundation
Spanish Peaks Community Foundation
REI
Clear H2O Solutions (In-Kind Donation)