This project was funded by a Big Sky Watershed Corps Project Support grant from the MWCC Watershed Fund.
Project Description
This project consists of restoration work on three separate properties owned by PPLT in the Lake Helena Watershed.
Sevenmile Creek Property: While PPLT has completed nearly 60% of the restoration on 2.5 miles of Sevenmile on the property (400 acres); rerouting the stream to its original floodplain, there is more work to complete the restoration of the creek and the connected grasslands. Through this project, we will bolster an existing conservation grazing program by installing wildlife-friendly fencing and posts for poly-wire cross fencing to help in our rest-rotation grazing system strategy. This project will greatly help in grassland restoration, and at the same time, ensure the cows stay out of restored wetlands through exclusion fencing and stock water well development. PPLT has implemented an intensive grazing program to restore the grasslands, increase water retention, organic matter, and more. To graze more than half the grasslands, exclusion fencing from the riparian area needs to be built. Additionally, we will update all of the property’s boundary fences to be wildlife-friendly.
PPLT’s goal is to have the property serve as an open space “outdoor classroom.” At the site, community members can learn about native vegetation, the importance of water as a resource, and the habitat for many terrestrial and aquatic animals. Vegetation along the stream increases shade and lowers the water temperature which aids aquatic species. The riparian area currently provides habitat for many birds, and elk and moose have been spotted on the property. It will be a great example for other landowners to follow for management and restoration practices. It also shows the community what collaborative work can do in terms of conservation.
We plan to continue restoration efforts in the form of willow and dogwood plantings, weed mitigation, and native reseeding of the grasslands. Problems that Sevenmile Creek faces are sedimentation, channelization, and streambank modification. Revegetating these areas will reduce erosion and in turn sedimentation, increase habitat, filtration, and water retention. We are requesting different types of seeders so that we can cater to different areas along the stream, the amount of seed needed to be planted, and species. Several volunteer events are planned to plant willows for streambank stabilization along Sevenmile. PPLT volunteer events often draw 15-30 volunteers. We are asking for a bulb planter to make holes for volunteer planting events.
Beaver Pond Parcel: This 10-acre property is dominated by 7 acres of wetlands fed by Sevenmile Creek and 3 acres are degraded grasslands with a multitude of dilapidated homesteads and corrals treated with creosote and other toxic materials. The goal is to continue to restore the streambank with native riparian shrubs and forb species to create a more biodiverse wetland. Revegetation of the riparian area aids in sediment and erosion reduction and reduces nutrient and metal pollutant levels. Native riparian vegetation also lowers water temperature creating better fish and macroinvertebrate habitat.
This area provides a great habitat for beavers which will be supported by these restoration efforts. Beavers altering the stream provide habitat for other birds and insects. Wetlands also filter water because of the deeply rooted systems, helping with sedimentation and pollutants.
Tenmile Creek Park: This project takes place at the 180-acre public park, west of Spring Meadow State Park and east of Fort Harrison. Over 1700 ft of Tenmile Creek crosses the property. Most of the park is converted native grassland in poor condition, heavily impacted by nonnative species. These converted grassland areas will be revegetated with native grasses, forbs, and shrubs, as well as some drought-tolerant trees. Approximately 6 acres of the property is riparian. A portion of the riparian area is in poor condition and will be revegetated with native willows and shrubs. These efforts will help significantly reduce sediments, metals, and eutrophication by reducing streambank erosion. Tenmile Creek supplies 70% of the City of Helena’s water, and PPLT’s restoration efforts along the stream will increase instream flows because it will lower water temperature.
Project Outcomes and Impacts
Project in progress