RISING FROM THE MADISON RIVER floodplain near Ennis are the headwaters of O'Dell Creek, one of Montana's most famous trout streams. The Granger Ranch encompasses much of the Headwaters area, a unique hydrogeologic feature which creates a wetland over 1,000 acres in size. The wetland complex, which was partially drained by ditching decades ago, is now being restored, benefiting both the immediate area and the entire Madison River ecosystem.
RESTORATION OF THE O'DELL CREEK HEADWATERS will occur in several phases and will include protecting the area in perpetuity through a conservation easement being developed with Granger Ranches LLP.
THE GRANGER RANCH is a traditional Montana cattle ranch owned by one family for five generations. In addition to securing the future of fish and wildlife habitat and the wetlands themselves, the Granger Ranch easement will facilitate continuation of livestock production and other traditional agricultural uses of the ranch. Partners in the O'Dell Creek Headwaters project include Granger Ranches LLC, Montana Land Reliance, The Trust for Public Land, PPL Montana, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Farm Service Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. These and other partners are working to secure a North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant for the property.
