Year of Award
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
Master of Science (MS)
Degree Name
Geography
Department or School/College
The W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation
Committee Chair
Anna E. Klene
Commitee Members
Anna E. Klene, Sarah J. Halvorson, Ben P. Colman
Keywords
Pattee Creek, Missoula, Montana, Mapping, Water Quality, Interviews
Publisher
University of Montana
Subject Categories
Environmental Health and Protection | Environmental Monitoring | Hydrology | Natural Resources Management and Policy | Other Earth Sciences | Water Resource Management
Abstract
Pattee Creek was once a free-flowing stream that meandered across the Missoula Valley, but has been channelized, piped, and degraded by logging, mining, agriculture, and urbanization. This thesis used a mixed-method approach to examine the impact of human activities on the Pattee Creek watershed. Beginning with a historical overview, the story of how the creek has been utilized and why it was buried was told. An analysis of historical photos from 1937 to 2019 revealed drastic changes in the land cover of the watershed and the channel of lower Pattee Creek. Developed land increased dramatically, while open land decreased and forested land fluctuated due to fire, logging, and regrowth. Lower Pattee Creek was heavily channelized and eventually buried underground to accommodate agriculture and urban development. Data acquired from the Missoula Valley Water Quality District (MVWQD) and the Missoula Stormwater Utility (SWU) of Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Nitrogen (TN), and Total Phosphorus (TP) revealed impaired water quality. Results showed that all three pollutants were elevated in Pattee Creek compared to both the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) nutrient standards and the other creeks of Missoula. Additionally, these pollutant parameters were strongly correlated to the amount of developed land, indicating the impact of urban areas on water quality. The human dimension of Pattee Creek was explored through participatory observation and interviews (public intercept and key informant). Some residents and government officials who interact with the creek refer to it as a “ditch” or a “stormwater conveyance” which may aid in justifying the degradation of Pattee Creek. Simultaneously, other residents and officials are spearheading an effort to recover the ecological wealth of Pattee Creek by protecting water quality and conducting ecosystem restoration. Recently, monitoring, outreach, restoration, and environmental law enforcement has increased along the creek. This study supports efforts to work towards a revitalized Pattee Creek. By learning from the past and respecting the creek, Missoulians can bring Pattee Creek back to its original place in the physical landscape of Missoula and in the collective consciousness of Missoulians.
Recommended Citation
Butterfield, Carver D. (2024). From Creek to Ditch and Back Again: The History and Future of Pattee Creek, Missoula, Montana. University of Montana.
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© Copyright 2024 Carver Edward Butterfield