lower shields riparian restoration

Over the years, the trees, shrubs, and plants along this stretch of riverbank have thinned out due to historic land clearing, invasive weeds, and heavy browsing by deer, elk, and livestock. These conditions limit bank stability, sediment retention, floodplain roughness, and shading, contributing to nonpoint source sediment inputs and degraded aquatic habitat for fish and wildlife.

To bring this section of the river back to life, MFP is planting native trees and shrubs to revegetate the banks and create cooler, cleaner water. We are also replacing aging livestock fencing and moving it farther back from the river. This gives the new plants room to grow while helping the landowner move livestock between pastures without damaging the riverbank. With funding support from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality Nonpoint Source Program, we look forward to starting construction in 2027.