This project restored a historic irrigation system to create critical habitats for Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. A large volume “ditch” was structurally altered, stabilized and vegetated. Restoration efforts included eliminating historic annual disturbance to the high value habitat in the system mainstem and the creation of a sustainable management plan.

THI designed and installed a stable turnout, sediment traps, log/stone low drop weirs, large woody debris, bridges, wetland vegetation, and water data loggers. Dormant plant materials, used in combination with coir materials and erosion contol blankets were used to reduce erosion and sedimentation of the channel system. Spawning, fry and juvenile habitats were created to enable self-sustaining and balanced fishery. THI restoration work included baseline assessment, riparian inventory , permitting, hydraulic and hydrologic modeling, design, installation and monitoring. Left: THI sediment trap and wetland 1 year post-construction;

Center: THI installation of gravels and boulders for diverse habitats; Right: THI restoration included historic irrigation ditch.