East Fork of the Bitterroot - Revegetation
Location
East Fork of the Bitterroot River on HWY 93 near Sula, MT
Goals
Reduce sediment pollution and high water temperatures by revegetating a 5,000 foot section of riverside
Reasoning
The East Fork of the Bitterroot River has endured a long struggle with thermal pollution (high temperatures) and excess sedimentation that impairs a 5,000 foot river reach. Healthy riparian habitat can mitigate these challenges.
Native streamside plants:
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Form thick webs of roots that hold land together, reducing erosion and resulting sediment pollution
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Improve water quality by filtering pollutants
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Create shade to keep waters cool for thriving native fish and other aquatic life
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Help refill our underground water supply
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Provide important habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife
Project Description
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With the help of volunteers and Ravalli County Resource Advisory Council, we completed five separate projects to revegetate 5,000 feet of riverbank.
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Across six years the entire bank side was revegetated with native plants such as Chokecherry, Redosier Dogwood, Black Cottonwood, Serviceberry, and Quaking Aspen.
Timeline
2010 - 2016
Partners
Ravalli County Resource Advisory Council
Cost
$7,500
