Rural Initiatives - Streamside Protection
Introduction
Healthy rivers and streams are valuable economic, ecological, and cultural resources in Missoula County that directly or indirectly affect all county citizens. Healthy rivers
sustain fisheries, streamside wildlife habitat, drinking water, agricultural land, and other community values. Naturally functioning rivers, because they flood and migrate, also present us with challenges. Flooding rivers and migrating channels can threaten roads, bridges and subdivisions and continually challenge planners, designers, and engineers in efforts to protect homes and infrastructure near waterways.
For several years, Missoula County residents, landowners, and interest groups have urged public officials to address issues associated with land uses in streamside areas. Streamside land uses and associated infrastructure can adversely affect the values associated with healthy streams. Infrastructure and development near streams is susceptible to damage from natural flooding and erosion processes.
Residents have also expressed concern about water quality and the health of fish and wildlife that rely on stream and streamside habitat. In response to these concerns, Missoula County is developing a Streamside Protection Program. The goals of the program include examining impacts affecting stream and riparian conditions in Missoula County; identifying ways to address degradation issues; working within and complementing existing programs; and ultimately, implementing better and more comprehensive approaches to streamside protection that work for Missoula County’s people and resources.
