FROM CREEK TO DITCH AND BACK AGAIN: THE HISTORY AND FUTURE OF PATTEE CREEK, MISSOULA, MONTANA

Author

Carver Edward ButterfieldFollow

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

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.