Shields River streambank restoration

Shields River Streambank Restoration

Program

Give Back to the Yellowstone

Watershed

Shields River

Montana Freshwater Partners (MFP) is partnering with a local working ranch along the Shields River to restore roughly 300 feet of highly erosive riverbank.

Over the past eight years, this fast-eroding riverbank has contributed about 600 tons of fine sediment into the river, contributing to elevated sediment levels that have landed the Shields on Montana’s official list of impaired waters. This severe erosion was triggered by historic removal of riparian vegetation which removed the deep-rooted native plants that normally hold soil in place and allow the river to erode at more natural rates.

Bank erosion over time

Restoration Techniques

Bank Reconstruction and Stabilization

Riparian Vegetation Restoration

To restore this riverbank, MFP is designing a restoration project that will reestablish riparian vegetation and function, reduce sediment inputs to the river and work with the adjacent land-use. In 2026, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality awarded MFP funding to hire an engineering firm to map out detailed design plans. Once these plans are ready, MFP will seek additional funding to permit and construct the project.