Recreational floaters should avoid construction areas

NorthWestern Energy, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in partnership with River Design Group (RDG), have begun a project to improve habitat conditions for trout in an area of the lower Madison River.

Trout numbers in the lower Madison River are at historic lows due in part to low population recruitment and limited spawning and rearing habitat. The collaborative project will focus on creating better spawning and rearing habitat for trout, enhancing stream complexity and reducing streambank erosion.

Crews will modify existing islands and construct new ones to enhance side channel habitat complexity and improve flows for the maintenance of gravels used by trout for spawning. The project will also include riparian vegetation restoration and erosion control along the riverbank.

The project area is about 11 miles downstream from Madison Dam, between the BLM’s Warm Springs Day Use Area and the Highway 84 bridge at Trapper Springs recreation area. Construction is scheduled to happen throughout October and November.

Impact on recreationists

This area is a popular destination for river floating, fishing and other recreational activities. While efforts will be made to minimize inconvenience for recreationists, some areas of the river may be temporarily inaccessible. This will include temporary access changes due to construction and equipment staging, as well as detours within the river. Recreationists are asked to avoid the construction area on the river-left side and to heed posted signs near the site for their safety.

Warm Springs Day Use Area and river access sites downstream of the Highway 84 bridge will remain open during the project.

Project partners

NorthWestern Energy, FWP, the BLM and RDG appreciate river users for their understanding and cooperation as the project gets underway.

“Fish are part of what makes the lower Madison River so extraordinary, and this project aims to strengthen that resource,” said Matt Jaeger, FWP’s hydropower, native species and Beaverhead-Ruby program manager. “We look forward to working together on solutions for the health of the river and the benefits it provides.”

“We are proud to support this project and improve fish habitat in the lower Madison River,” said Jon Hanson, NorthWestern Energy’s hydropower compliance specialist. “Working with our partners on enhancing this fishery is an exciting opportunity and will assist NorthWestern Energy in our responsibility to mitigate effects from our hydropower operations.”

For more information and updates about the project, click here.