Steel Creek Project

The purpose of this project was to restore critical fluvial Arctic grayling spawning, rearing, and pool habitat by restoring and protecting riparian vegetation and improving channel stability and sediment transport regimes along a 1.5-mile stretch of Steel Creek in the upper Big Hole Basin.

This was accomplished by enhancing the willow community through willow transplants, seeding, and protecting the riparian corridor with fencing.  Mature willow came from those dug out of county road rights-of-way in Beaverhead County. 

A final component was the removal of an unused and unsafe bridge which was constricting the natural movement and configuration of the stream.

This project was completed in 2003 and already we have seen improved bank stability, improved channel configuration, and reduced fine sediment loads.