Projects will improve aquatic habitat and public access
BOZEMAN – Recreationists may see several construction and habitat-enhancement projects happening in southwestern Montana this month. Temporary closures may be in effect for some sites during construction.
This month, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff plan to install a new boat ramp and perform streambank restoration at Cornell Park Fishing Access Site along the Beaverhead River near Dillon. This work will improve river access for visitors and reduce soul erosion along 350 feet of streambank. Due to heavy equipment operations, the site will be closed starting Monday, April 21. The site is expected to reopen May 1 after the project’s completion.
As part of the streambank restoration at Cornell Park, crews will be transplanting willows from Poindexter Slough Fishing Access Site nearby. The portion of Poindexter Slough Fishing Access Site north of Highway 222 and east of the railroad tracks will be closed while crews harvest willows. This closure will impact the east parking lot and lands directly north of the parking lot from April 21 through 25.
FWP fisheries staff this month will begin a fish habitat enhancement project in other areas of Poindexter Slough, a tributary to the Beaverhead River. The goal of the project is to add large woody debris in several areas to improve spawning habitat for trout. Site visitors may see this work happening from April 22 through May 2.
Road maintenance and excavation is also planned for Cabbage Gulch Road, which is one of the entrances to Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area south of Anaconda. The road will be closed April 21 through 23. Mount Haggin WMA’s seasonal closure for wintering wildlife remains in effect. Portions of the WMA west of the Continental Divide are closed until noon on May 15, and areas east of the divide are open year-round.
Site reconstruction is underway at Ennis and Valley Garden fishing access sites along the Madison River. Both sites remain closed. These areas suffered damage from flooding this winter, including washed-out roads and significant sediment deposits. These sites will be reopened as soon as conditions allow.
For more information about temporary restrictions and closures at FWP sites, click here.
Source: FWP press release
Photo: Henneberry House/Beaverhead River Fishing Access
Photos of Henneberry house and surrounding areas by Sarah Holm
