streams & wetlands
- Overview
- About Cottonwoods
- About Wetlands
- Land Use Planning and Protection of Streams & Wetlands
- 404 Wetlands Law
- Bank Stabilization
- On-the-Ground Projects
- Oversight
Wetlands and riparian areas make up less than 4 percent of Montana’s land base, yet remainthe most important wildlife habitat in our state (SEE About Cottonwoods and About Wetlands). Unfortunately, thesame places that attract wildlife are also attractive to people. The protection and enhancement of Montana's remaining wetlands is a priority issue for Montana Audubon. Because of this, we have initiated a series of projects, described below, that are designed to provide citizens and local government officials with the information they need to protect these important areas.
Land Use Planning and protection of streams & wetlands
Wetlands and riparian habitat are critical to the health and survival of Montana’s wildlife. Yet these same areas are often the sites for new homes and development pressure. Many conflicts with—and adverse impacts to—wildlife could be avoided by land use planning decisions made at the local level. More >>
bank stabilization
Because of the volume and scale of river projects being constructed many of our states streams and rivers, Montana Audubon completed a fact sheet that describes all of the common bank stabilization structures being used (for example: riprap, bendway weirs, jetties, barbs, etc.).
More >>
404 Wetlands Law
Montana Audubon recently completed a layman’s guide to how wetlands are protected under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and why wetlands are important. The information collected will help everyone to better understand federal wetland protection laws—and how those laws are carried out on the groundin our state. The publication was completed in August 2005. More >>
on-the-ground projects
Owen Sowerwine Natural Area
Montana Audubon has a license on a 442-acre parcel of school trust land located at the confluence of the Flathead and Stillwater Rivers. It is the first—and only—state natural area designated on school trust land. More >>
Picotte Property Wetland
Montana Audubon facilitated the purchase of a 2.5-acre wetland in the Helena Valley near the County Fairgrounds. This was a cooperative project with Last Chance Audubon, Mikal Kellner Foundation, Prickly Pear Land Trust and the City of Helena. The City of Helena now owns the parcel, and Montana Audubon holds a permanent conservation easement on the property. Montana Audubon continues to work with cooperators on a conservation plan for the area.
Oversight
The Army Corps of Engineers
The Army Corps of Engineers
regulates all activities that fill wetlands under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The 404 program also regulates the placement of bank stabilization structures along our rivers and streams. Montana Audubon is the leading conservation organization in the state commenting on 404 permits, including keeping other conservation organizations involved and informed about individual projects. This is an acre-by-acre approach to protecting these resources.