Marias Saline Wetland Restoration Site

In-Lieu Fee (ILF) | Wetland

Location

Sunburst, north of Shelby, Montana
Marias Watershed #8

Status

Proposed construction planned to begin fall/winter of 2021

Project Summary

This project involves restoring a large saline wetland basin on a working farm and ranch near Sunburst, Montana. In the 1950s, a large pit was dug into the basin to provide fresh water for livestock and irrigation. Over time, it resulted in the draining and alteration of the natural hydrology of the wetland.

The saline pit will be filled, and compensation given to the landowner to remove farming disturbance from the wetland basin and buffer area. The buffer will also be revegetated with native, salt-tolerant species.