California Creek Restoration
Big Hole Watershed Committee Implementor
Project Goals and Objectives
The California Creek Restoration Project was essential due to severe ecological degradation caused by historic mining, logging, and smelting activities that left the watershed in a highly eroded and sediment-impaired state. Several key environmental and hydrological issues made this project a priority for restoration . The California Creek Restoration Project and Mount Haggin Uplands Restoration were designed to restore natural hydrological function, improve floodplain connectivity, and reduce sediment transport using low-impact, nature-based techniques. The goal was to mimic natural processes, ensuring long-term ecosystem stability and recovery while minimizing engineering interventions. Key restoration goals included: • Enhancing natural hydrology by installing beaver mimicry structures, which promote sediment deposition, groundwater recharge, and habitat restoration for aquatic species. • Reducing erosion and stabilizing stream channels through small, hand-built in-stream check structures that slow water flow, trap sediment, and encourage vegetation establishment. • Reconnecting the floodplain to allow natural sediment deposition, restore wetland habitat, and transition the landscape from upland grasses to riparian plant communities. • Protecting streambanks using slash and brush stabilization techniques, which absorb water energy, capture sediment, and create favorable conditions for native vegetation. • Restoring natural stream function by removing or realigning failing culverts, improving fish passage, reducing flow concentration, and enhancing riparian vegetation. By implementing low-tech, high-impact solutions, this project aimed to build resilience in the watershed, promote self-sustaining ecological recovery, and ensure long-term hydrologic health for California Creek and the surrounding landscape. BHWC partnered with Montana DEQ, Montana Fish, Parks and Wildlife and the Natural Resource Damage Program.
Structure Construction Elements
Wooden Posts or Live Willow Stakes: Driven into the streambed to form the base of the structure. Interwoven Branches (Willow, Alder, or Cottonwood): Placed between the posts to form a lattice that slows water flow and retains sediment. Cobble and Gravel Infilling: Added at the base to provide stability and filter water.
Project Photos
Cover Photo
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Beaver Dam Analog structures
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MCC worker building Beaver Dam Analogs
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Beaver Dam Analog structures
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MCC worker building Beaver Dam Analogs