Yaak River Restoration Project Along Lap Creek and the South Fork Yaak River

BSWC member Niah Brass’s project involved three components: 1) conducting bank erosion hazard (BEHI) surveys and private landowner outreach along the South Fork Yaak River to identify a site in need of restoration, as well as potential future project sites; 2) revegetating an eroding section of the South Fork Yaak; and 3) watering and maintaining a restoration project carried out in 2022 by YVFC’s previous BSWC member. In all, Niah and her host site supervisor conducted BEHI surveys along nearly seven miles of private land along the South Fork, providing YVFC with a wealth of information for their private landowner outreach efforts and future projects. Niah partnered with a private school along the South Fork to complete a bank restoration project, harvesting and planting 1,900 willow stakes along with 25 river birch and cottonwood trees. Niah also weeded the Lap Creek restoration site and replaced several trees that had been girdled by rodents.