Bangtail Creek

MFP first assessed Bangtail Creek in 2024 and noted that it had a relatively intact riparian area that would benefit from protection and adjustments in grazing management. However, there are several eroding banks and areas of the Creek that would benefit from hands-on restoration work such as riparian planting, bank reconstruction and floodplain reconnection, and more.

MFP is working on protecting and restoring Bangtail Creek in two phases. Phase 1 involves installing riparian fencing and 2 water gaps to improve grazing management in and around Bangtail Creek. These actions will allow for the riparian area to rest and regenerate. Additionally, the water gaps will allow for cattle to cross the Creek at specific, hardened locations to prevent further sediment transport and erosion in the Creek. After completion of the fencing and water gaps, MFP will also target specific areas of the project reach with planting live-staked willows and dogwood to encourage recovery of the riparian area.

Phase 2 of the project will involve hands-on restoration to address degraded areas of the Creek that are contributing high levels of sediment to Bangtail Creek and the downstream Shields River. The goals of restoration actions would be to 1) prevent sediment entrance to the Creek, 2) trap sediment as it moves down the Creek, 3) reconnect the Creek to its floodplain where possible, and 4) improve riparian and instream habitat.

This project is underway and is funded through the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) 319 Program, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program (WHIP), and the Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART Program. MFP is also partnering with Geum Environmental on the Project.