event_title: Antelope Creek Stream Restoration Project

event_time_zone: America/Denver

event_start: July 16, 2022 09:00

event_duration: 2160

event_end: July 17, 2022 21:00

event_address: Drummond, MT 59832, United States

event_description: Join MT BHA as we work to restore a headwater spring creek and boost habitat for reintroduced sharp-tailed grouse, trout, and a whole bunch of other critters we all love! In partnership with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP), Trout Unlimited (TU), and Five Valleys Land Trust, we will be working on the initial stage of a stream restoration project along Antelope Creek, near Drummond, on the Peterson Ranch. The spring creek is in the headwaters of Antelope Creek, a robust westslope cutthroat trout fishery and spawning tributary to the Clark Fork River, supplies cold water downstream and provides habitat for amphibians, songbirds, and other wildlife. The goal of the project is to build Beaver Dam Analogue structures (BDAs) to restore wildlife habitat, increase water storage, and bolster late-season streamflows in Antelope Creek and the Clark Fork River.This project will take two days to complete - Saturday, July 16th and Sunday, July 17th. Snacks, lunch, and cold drinks will be provided both days. All are welcome to show up for both days or one day, but please RSVP with your intended availability so we can plan for food and drinks. We will be shuttling folks to the site from the ranch house. Those who want to drive to the project site will drive through the ranch will be required to wash their vehicle first to prevent the spread of noxious weeds. For those interested, we will camp onsite on Friday night and Saturday night, tent camping only. If camping, dinner and breakfast will be on your own.We are looking for about 25 volunteers to help with a variety of tasks to build and install BDA structures. Tasks include cutting and transporting willow stems, felling small Douglas fir trees, pounding posts, weaving willows and brush between posts, and moving rock, mud, and sod. Volunteers with their own chainsaw and competent saw skills are encouraged to attend! Please bring big sharp front teeth, work clothes, work gloves, sturdy footwear and muck/rain boots if you have them, and hat, chainsaw or hand saw, shovels, sunscreen, water, and anything else to keep yourself comfortable while we work. Please RSVP by 7/11 to ensure we can order enough lunches. An email with specific information about the work day will be sent to everyone who RSVPs!