streams & wetlands
- Overview
- Land Use Planning & Wildlife Habitat
- About Wetlands
- 404 Wetlands Law
- Bank Stabilization
- Land Protection
- Oversight
A Planning Guide for Protecting Montana's Wetlands and Riparian Areas
A Planning Guide for Protecting Montana’s Wetlands and Riparian Areas was published in June 2003 to address the impacts of new buildings and related development on wetlands and riparian areas. Montana Audubon’s Program Director, Janet Ellis, was the principal author of the publication. The project was a cooperative venture between Montana Audubon, Montana Watercourse, and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.
The Planning Guide is an example of a unique approach Audubon is taking to try to influence management on private land. We started with an objective to protect the most important bird habitat in Montana (wetlands and riparian areas). We realized, however, that local government officials were not going to protect these habitats solely because of birds. Therefore, we developed the Planning Guide to help local officials understand all of the reasons that these habitats are important, with an emphasis on issues that impact their pocketbooks (flood control), public health (clean drinking water), the quality of life of citizens (parks, recreational opportunities, and open space), and local wildlife. In our work to protect important habitat at the local government level, citizens will be the winners—but so will birds.
How to Order the Planning Guide
If you would like to receive a copy of the Planning Guide, please download the PDF version here. If you would like to obtain a copy by mail, order your FREE copy by sending your name, address, and the requested item to Montana Watercourse, P.O. Box 170575, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717-0575; (406) 994-6671.
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