Flathead Creek

Flathead Creek, a tributary of the Shields River, suffered from vertical, eroding banks, sedimentation, and lack of riparian area surrounding the stream. Flathead Creek also contains a valuable population of native Yellowstone cutthroat trout, making it a high restoration priority. The project was designed to improve stream-floodplain connectivity, instream fish habitat, and riparian vegetation surrounding the creek. The outcome provides benefits to fish, wildlife, and the greater Shields River watershed. 

In 2024, Montana Freshwater Partners worked with private landowners, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, and Restoration Engineering to restore ~2 miles of Flathead Creek. As a result, floodplain connectivity was restored at over 40 severely-incised bank locations and fencelines were set back to allow for the recovery of riparian areas. Additionally, a series of Beaver Dam Analogs (BDAs) were installed to further restore floodplain connectivity and trap sediment from being transported downstream.