SINCE THE FIRST PHASE OF THE O’DELL CREEK HEADWATERS wetland restoration was completed in 2005, a remarkable transformation has occurred. Just as miles of 1950’s-era drainage canals were closed and a like amount of stream channels restored, a wetland believed to have once been thousands of acres in size began to awaken. In response to this multiyear ecosystem restoration, a vibrant community of fish, wildlife, and wetland vegetation is again thriving. Due to newly narrowed and meandered stream channels and prolific growth of bank-stabilizing woody vegetation, water temperatures are moderating while stream flows are increasing. An estimated 600 acres of re-wetted soils are now fulfilling nature’s intent to store, clean, and then steadily release cooler, cleaner water into O’Dell Creek and the Madison River. Stream habitat improvements have fostered increased fish populations notably rainbow and brown trout as well as improved nesting, wintering, and migratory habitat for birds. In 2009, the University of Montana’s Avian Science Center tallied over 90 bird species now using a 400-acre monitoring site within the project area. Surveys by Montana Natural Heritage Program botanists have begun to reveal the presence of rare vegetative features such as fens, including several plants found only in peatlands, the rarest of the state’s wetland types. As this landmark project continues, its increased ecological functioning is expected to exponentially increase benefiting all those downstream who rely on these waters for their many uses.
THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF THE PROJECT’S Montana Wetland’s Legacy Partners including PPL Montana, U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, restoration of the O’Dell Creek Headwaters wetlands has linked ranching and resource conservation in a very sustainable way. In addition, the O’Dell Creek Headwaters is now permanently protected from development by a conservation easement crafted by the Trust for Public Lands, the Montana Land Reliance, and the Granger Ranches. Through the combined efforts of these many project partners, 6,000 acres is now permanently protected, setting the stage for continued restoration and enhancement of the area for the benefit of future generations.
