Did You Know?
Riparian Areas
- are the land that occurs along streams and rivers
- cool stream temperatures are critical for aquatic life to thrive
- provide erosion control and shoreline stabilization during flooding
- provide important habitat for most of Montana’s wildlife and many endangered and threatened species
- protect water quality by intercepting sediment and pollutants before they reach the river.
Wetlands
- provide recreational opportunities, open space and scenic landscapes
- are not necessarily wet all year
- provide flood and erosion control
- help to replenish ground water supplies
- filter out sediment and break down pollutants
- consist of only 1% of Montana’s landscape, yet provide critical habitat to 2/3 of our wildlife
- in Gallatin County, less than 38% of wetlands remain
Ponds
- that have been poorly constructed can be a source of surface water and/or groundwater contamination
- require a water right to construct if they utilize a surface water source
A Guidebook for Montana Ponds
A Landowners’ Guide to Montana Wetlands
Montana’s Wetlands and You- A Natural Partnership
Preventing Recreational Impacts to Wetlands
Representing Property with Wetlands and Riparian Areas
West Nile Virus- Wetlands & Waterways
Wetland Laws, Permits and Regulations
Wetland Inventory Project Fact Sheet
Where are the Wetlands – Wetland Inventory Project
Working with Montana’s Wetlands
MONTANA WATERSMART EDUCATIONAL VIDEO
This educational video was produced as a cooperative effort between the Gallatin Local Water Quality District, Lewis and Clark County Water Quality Protection District, and Missoula Valley Water Quality District.
Gallatin Local Water Quality District 