The Thompson Creek stream and fishery near Belgrade, Montana, was significantly affected by erosion, overgrazing, fine sediment covering the stream bed, high summer temperatures, and a lack of spawning and deep pool habitat. Pinyon coordinated with private landowners, provided consultation, surveying, design, permitting, and construction oversight services to reduce channel widths and isolate and stabilize over 35,000 cubic yards of fine sediment, reducing sediment transport to the East Gallatin River. Additionally, the team installed bioengineered bank stabilization treatments, new culverts, and livestock crossings and increased deep pool, rearing, and spawning habitat for trout. Pinyon also stabilized seasonal water temperatures, expanded floodplain and wetland habitat, restored and revegetated adjacent wetlands with native sod and seed, and improved aesthetics and wildlife habitat features.
