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Bear Creek Riparian Restoration

Gallatin Conservation District logo

This project was funded by a Big Sky Watershed Corps Project Support grant from the MWCC Watershed Fund.

Project Description

BSWC member Bea McNamara worked with a private landowner to revegetate a 600-foot stretch of Bear Creek, a tributary of the Lower Gallatin River. This work will cool water temperatures, reduce erosion, and reduce nonpoint source pollution. The landowners had recently sold their cattle and wished to restore previous impacts to this section of stream. With the landowners and eight volunteers, Bea planted 186 native trees, shrubs, and pollinator species. She shared project progress on social media and in the CD’s monthly newsletter, using these posts to also plug the CD’s landowner cost share assistance programs.

Project Outcomes and Impacts

  • 10 Community Partners engaged
  • 6 Conservation Practices implemented
  • 59 Acres made more resilient to changing conditions
  • 1 Mile of stream bank restored
  • 60 Volunteer Hours contributed
  • 186 Trees and Shrubs planted

Become part of MWCC’s NEW 406 Water Crew!

We aren’t at 406 members yet, so we’ll keep going! Joining at just $5 a month is one of the most impactful ways to convene and connect Montana’s community of water conservation practitioners from around the state. By joining the Crew, you will be contributing directly to Montana Watershed Fund initiatives, like professional development funding that provides stipends for travel, food, lodging, and registration for trainings and conferences.
“As a small nonprofit with limited funds, attending the Montana Annual Water Resources Association Conference is not an opportunity I would have had without a professional development award. Attending this conference helped me make connections that have helped me grow the Sun River Watershed Group and provide better benefits to our community.” -Tracy Wendt, Sun River Watershed Group Executive Director
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