Habitat Project

UmaBirch Floodplain Restoration and In-stream Enhancement (Project Area-3)

The goal of the project is to improve instream habitat for Endangered Species Act (ESA) listed and non-listed fish reestablish natural channel morphology and instream processes, protect existing infrastructure along Birch Creek, and restore upland habitat conditions impacted by a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO). This will be achieved by decommissioning the CAFO along the east bank of Birch Creek, constructing a new main channel, floodplain benching, pond and prairie pothole, flood relief bridge, and terrace fill. Excavation and fill quantities have been designed to balance locally. Imported material includes large woody material (LWM), boulders, and grade stabilization material. LWM structures will be placed on the new channel and across the floodplain. Finally, planting and seeding will be performed by CTUIR and others to initiate revegetation of the site and promote restoration of the riparian community. The areal extent of disturbance is 53.6 acres. Construction is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2026 and be completed in late 2027.