Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Elk Creek Barrier Construction FWP-FSH-DN-R3-24-077

Nov 19, 2024 3:28 PM

Westslope Cutthroat Trout (WCT) are recognized as "species of special concern" due to declining population numbers and habitat. As such, it is the management goal of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to protect and restore WCT to 20% of its historical distribution within the Madison sub-basin. The construction of a migration barrier will eliminate further upstream invasion of Brook Trout and protect about 8 miles of habitat for the expansion of the core WCT population in Elk Creek. This section of Elk Creek has a bankful width of 10’, a 12 – 14” bankful depth, and a slope near 2 – 4%. The channel is most similar to the Rosgen B3 channel type (B3; Rosgen 1994). Vegetation species composition includes Carex vescaria, Salix lemmonii, and Alnus incana.

Project sponsor: Travis Lohrenz, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks

Schedule: Fall 2024 and Spring 2025