Title
Missoula’s Riparian Resources—Condition, Risks, Potential
Abstract
In fall 2003, an inventory and assessment of the condition of riparian resources within the Missoula city limits was conducted by the University of Montana Watershed Health Clinic for Save Open Space (a Missoula nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving open space in the greater Missoula urban area). Nineteen sites were surveyed within five areas: Grant Creek Area, Rattlesnake Creek Area, Clark Fork River/Downtown Area, Pattee Creek/South Hills, and Bitterroot River Area. Sites were categorized by quality (high, medium, or low) and by degradation risk (high or low) and restoration potential. Eight sites were identified as high priority for restoration, and four sites were identified as high priority for preservation. An education program focused on communicating to private landowners the value of maintaining/ restoring natural riparian vegetation was recommended for long-term protection of riparian resources.
Start Date
1-4-2005 1:00 PM
End Date
1-4-2005 3:00 PM
Document Type
Poster
Missoula’s Riparian Resources—Condition, Risks, Potential
In fall 2003, an inventory and assessment of the condition of riparian resources within the Missoula city limits was conducted by the University of Montana Watershed Health Clinic for Save Open Space (a Missoula nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving open space in the greater Missoula urban area). Nineteen sites were surveyed within five areas: Grant Creek Area, Rattlesnake Creek Area, Clark Fork River/Downtown Area, Pattee Creek/South Hills, and Bitterroot River Area. Sites were categorized by quality (high, medium, or low) and by degradation risk (high or low) and restoration potential. Eight sites were identified as high priority for restoration, and four sites were identified as high priority for preservation. An education program focused on communicating to private landowners the value of maintaining/ restoring natural riparian vegetation was recommended for long-term protection of riparian resources.