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Miller Creek - Oxbow Cattle Company Restoration

Location

Miller Creek in southern Missoula, on the Oxbow Cattle Company Ranch

Goals

Reduce sediment pollution and hazardous high water temperatures on Miller Creek

Reasoning

​Temperature pollution, in this case high temperatures, threaten native fish survival. Sediment pollution decreases clarity of our beloved clear waters and also degrades habitat for insects and fish, ultimately disrupting the whole ecosystem and the fisheries we love to enjoy. 

 

Native streamside plants:

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  • Form thick webs of roots that hold land together, reducing erosion and resulting sediment pollution

  • Improve water quality by filtering pollutants

  • Create shade to keep waters cool for thriving native fish and other aquatic life

  • Help refill our underground water supply

  • Provide important habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife

Project Description

  • Water Forum volunteers and partners planted over 450 native trees and shrubs along a 2,000 foot stretch of Miller Creek.

  • Six reaches of the creek were fenced to prevent degradation from cattle traffic and wildlife browse. 

Timeline

2018 - 2022

Partners

The Morrises have a passion for their work and a vision for the landscape.

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Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Bart & Wendy Morris (Oxbow Cattle Co.), Great Bear Native Plants

Cost

$65,000

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