streams & wetlands
- Overview
- About Cottonwoods
- About Wetlands
- Land Use Planning and Protection of Streams & Wetlands
- 404 Wetlands Law
- Bank Stabilization
TOOLS AVAILABLE: Below is an overview of the tools Montana Audubon has developed for protecting streams and wetlands in land use planning deicisions:
- Planning Handbook
- Science Publications
- Local Government Regulations
- NEW VIDEO: Stories and Pictures Explain Importance of Stream Protection
- Stream Setbacks: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
- Lessons Learned from Missoula and Flathead Counties
- Public Health and Safety
- Streams and Bank Stabilization
land use planning and protection of streams & wetlands
Montana Audubon focuses on the protection of wetlands and riparian because it is the most important wildlife habitat in the state, and because it is increasingly threatened by development pressures. In our work, we have developed a series of resources that can be used by government officials and interested citizens working to protect our streams and wetlands. Each publication can be downloaded by clicking on the links below:
Planning Guide for Montana's Wetlands and Riparian Areas
Montana's wetlands and riparian areas are increasingly threatened by development pressures. This guide, updated in 2008, discusses how land use planning decisions at the local level can address these issues. Learn more & Download >>.
The Need for Stream Buffers: What Does the Science Say?
In our work to protect streams, we are consistantly asked to "show the science." What does the scientific literature say? To answer this, here are three publications on the size of stream vegetative buffers needed to protect water quality, fish & aquatic habitat, and wildlife & wildlife habitat. Learn more & download >>.
Regulations Adopted by Montana Local Governments
Learn how different local governments - from Lake County to the city of Missoula, and from Choteau County to Butte-Silver Bow County - are protecting wetlands and riparian areas in local land use planning regulations. A comprehensive chart includes links to adopted regulations and policies from throughout Montana. Learn more and download > >.
NEW VIDEO: Stories and Pictures Explain Stream Protection
We recently developed a NEW VIDEO that can be used by citizens and local governments to illustrate the reasons stream setbacks should be adopted. We also have collected photographs for educational programs. To see the video and/or a sample of the photographs available, click HERE > >.
If you have any Montana pictures you want to share, please contact Janet Ellis at Montana Audubon (443-3949 or jellis@mtaudubon.org).
Stream Setbacks: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
This series of fact sheets contains some of the “frequently asked questions” raised by opponents and supporters of local government stream and wetland protection measures, from private property rights to how stream setbacks differ from other regulations. Learn more and download > >.
Lessons Learned from Flathead and Missoula Counties
In 2007, both Flathead and Missoula Counties undertook slightly different processes to adopt stream protection measures at the county level. This report documents the "lessons learned" by both local governments, with suggestions on running a land use planning campaign. Download the report and appendicies:
> Report: Lessons Learned from Two Western Montana Counties Initiating Processes to Adopt Stream Protection Measures in Land Use Regulations; and
Stream Setbacks, Public Health and Safety
As requested by a Ravalli County Commissioner, we developed a handout outlining the benefits that stream setbacks have for public health and safety: Protecting People, Property, and Montana’s Streams and Rivers, with Specific Information on Ravalli County, Montana. Download a copy of Protecting People, Property, and Montana’s Streams and Rivers, with Specific Information on Ravalli County, Montana. Download HERE > >.
Learning to Go with the Flow: Streams and Bank Stabilization
Streambank stabilization projects have a cumulative impact on waterways. This eight-page brochure describes all the common bank stabilization structures that are used in river projects. It includes descriptions of the function, materials used, and cost of each structure, as well as illustrations. Learn more and download >>
If you have further questions, contact the Montana Audubon office, or email jellis@mtaudubon