Lolo Creek Stream Restoration at Collette Mine Site B

The Lolo Creek Stream Restoration at Colette Mine Site B is the second phase of a two phase project. Phase 1 (Site A) was completed in summer of 2015. Phase II (Site B) was completed in 2017. Project actions for phase II included the following:

Instream C.4 Metrics:
1) Re-contoured and removed legacy placer mine waste on 300 feet of berm to reconnect 3 acres of historic floodplain and wetlands. A total of 18,684 cubic yards of waste was removed. Surface roughness features were installed on the floodplain using brush and slash.
2) Approximately 0.23 miles of stream was treated which increased stream length approximately 500’.
3) 8 large logjam structures were installed to improve channel complexity and 8 pools were excavated.
4) Approximately 0.06 miles of off-channel habitat was created.

Riparian C.5 Metrics:
1) Approximately 0.23 miles of riparian streambank was treated over 3 acres. This is only one side of the creek as the other side is bordered by a road and the vegetation is fairly intact. Approximately 0.2 miles of vegetated wood and brush fascines were installed.
2) Riparian planting occurred over approximately 3 acres. Native species including container plants, cuttings, root plugs, and seed; a total of 12,402 plants were used.
3) Invasive plant removal using mechanical and herbicide techniques occurred over approximately 1 acre of the project area.
4) Approximately 0.44 miles of livestock exclusion fencing was installed to enclose the entire project site.

Wetland C.8 Metrics: Approximately 4.5 acres of wetland restoration was done using planting salvaged wetland plant clumps, 4,500 additional rooted plants, and seeding of other native species.

Project goals are to improve streambank, instream, and riparian conditions that will increase shade and instream habitat complexity where these conditions are currently impaired. Channel meanders will be added to increase stream length and slow water, instream structures will be constructed to increase complexity and to create pools for ESA-listed spring/summer Chinook Salmon and steelhead. The riparian area, which has been compromised by extreme livestock grazing will be completely restored and livestock excluded for at least three years.