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The NPS Pollution Prevention Program works with landowners, special interest groups, and community organizations on projects to reduce non point source pollution. These projects include: bank stabilization, riparian restoration, and the development and implementation of BMP's for area farmers and ranchers. Through cooperative projects we work to protect one of our most precious resources, water.
Wolf Creek Riparian Pasture Project:
The Wolf Creek Riparian Pasture Project is an example of a cooperative project in which we are working with the landowner to re-establish riparian vegetation and improve water quality and habitat through fencing and alternative stock water sources. Years of overgrazing and unlimited stock access to the creek had led to loss of vegetation along the creek, increased sedimentation, and water quality concerns along the creek as it flowed through the active pasture.
In 2003, native trees and shrubs were planted along the creek corridor and the creek was fenced off to create a riparian pasture that will be opened up to grazing after the vegetation has become established. Additional water sources have also been developed within the other pastures to allow for rotational grazing and better utilization of the entire range unit.
Poplar River Bank Stabilization Project:
Located just north of Poplar, the Bank Stabilization Project addresses a number of non point source concerns. Uncontrolled urban runoff from the town has caused localized head cutting along the southern bench, this combined with poor soil conditions has accelerated the rotational slide of the bench some 40 feet above the active channel and contributes large amounts of sediment to the river itself.
Water quality concerns along the reach indicate additional source problems within the watershed, but include sedimentation, temperature, and elevated bacterial levels.
Alternative Drainfield Design Project:
The NPS Pollution Prevention Program also is working to address ground water pollution from onsite septic systems. Improperly functioning septic systems can release nitrates and bacteria into the ground water and excess nutrients to nearby surface waters.
On the Fort Peck Reservation the most common reasons for septic system failure are improper function as a result of design, or inadequate maintenance of the system. The Tribes are working to develop systems that are specifically designed for the site conditions and stressors typically encountered in Northeastern Montana.
Christa Tyrrell
Environmental Scientist
tyrrell@nemontel.net
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