Decision Notice_SPA 124 Permit_BNF Tolan Creek Restoration FWP-DN-FSH-124-R2-25-013

The Bitterroot National Forest has applied for a Montana Stream Protection Act 124 permit to restore a meadow reach of upper Tolan Creek, a tributary to the East Fork Bitterroot River. The 2022 Trail Ridge Fire burned at high intensity in the headwaters of the Tolan Creek drainage. Subsequent heavy precipitation events in 2023 caused debris flows in several tributaries to Tolan Creek.  Debris deposition into Tolan Creek and onto its floodplain has led to complete channel reorganization at several locations and widespread sedimentation issues. The fire and resulting debris flows caused severe habitat degradation by significantly reducing pool habitat, disconnecting channels from floodplains, destabilizing stream banks, introducing fine sediment that causes embedded substrate in spawning reaches, and removing virtually all riparian vegetation necessary for providing cover and shade. Most notably, the post-fire impacts drastically increased summertime maximum temperatures in Tolan Creek to levels that are suboptimal for the resident bull trout population (> 20°C). Post-fire electrofishing surveys indicate reductions in both bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout populations.

The proposed project is designed to reestablish the former ecological and watershed processes in the meadow reach of upper Tolan Creek by using low-tech process-based restoration (LTPBR) techniques. Beaver dam analogs (BDA) and large wood structures (LWS) will be installed using hand crews (with chainsaws, untreated wood posts, hydraulic post-pounders, shovels, buckets, loppers, and winches). Willow cuttings and slash to thread through wood posts will be salvaged locally. BDAs will be placed at sites below head cuts, in deep incisions, and below bifurcations to promote floodplain connectivity, channel sinuosity and a multi-channel configuration. BDA locations will be planned holistically, such that they work in concert with each other. BDAs will be constructed to span the bankfull width (20 feet) and require an average of thirteen posts. LWS will be installed into Tolan Creek and/or tributaries using non-mechanized felling techniques (i.e., chainsaws), to enhance aquatic habitat, promote substrate sorting, simulate naturally occurring log jams, and improve floodplain connectivity on an as-needed basis. All materials used for LWS will be sourced on-site, and unburned trees will not be felled so they continue to provide shade. Planting of native trees and riparian vegetation will occur on an as-needed basis on bare soils and banks, using hand crews. Tree seedlings and riparian plantings will be sourced commercially, with an option to salvage willow cuttings locally.  The project is expected to commence in mid-July 2025 and will be completed by the end of August 2025.

Given the timeline for natural recovery is likely over a decade, the purpose of this project is to expedite and facilitate the recovery of a meadow complex that historically provided wetland and riparian habitats at the headwaters of Tolan Creek. Restoration actions are necessary because the observed temperatures, sedimentation, and embedded substrate are hindering cutthroat and bull trout habitation and reproduction.

Based on the environmental review provided in the Draft EA, and, to the greatest extent possible, in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies, FWP determined the proposed action (Alternative 2) will not have significant adverse impacts on the human environment and constitutes a reasonable and appropriate strategy to achieve identified objectives. Therefore, preparation of an environmental impact statement or EIS is unnecessary.  

FWP hereby adopts the Draft EA as final and approves Alternative 2, the Proposed Action.

Related Documents: 
 FWP-CEA-FSH-124-R2-25-013
 FWP-DN-FSH-124-R2-25-013