The Lolo Watershed Group is hosting a community discussion regarding the movement of Lolo Creek. This conversation will focus on the history and impact of this creek movement, as well as ways in which individuals have attempted to address impacts on their properties. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 27at 7 p.m. at the Lolo Community Center.
Physical processes of rivers can cause channels in some areas to move laterally, or “migrate,” over time. Channel migration occurs naturally as banks erode and deposit sediment but can also accelerate due to unpredictable flood or high flow events or from human interference with natural processes. Both natural and human induced changes to channel migration can have adverse or unintended consequences on certain land and water uses. Increased or changed flooding can accelerate sedimentation and erosion, which adversely impacts riparian habitat as well as stability of shoreline infrastructure.
In an effort to better understand the issues and needs associated with channel movement, the Lolo Watershed Group is hosting a public discussion to explore the following topics:
• Learn how Lolo Creek has moved over time and why.
• Share your stories and concerns about the movements and changes of Lolo Creek.
• Brainstorm ideas with your neighbors and fellow residents of Lolo watershed on how to best address this creek movement, while protecting both your property and Lolo Creek.
Members of the Lolo Watershed Group and Kascie Herron, a graduate student at the University of Montana, will facilitate the discussion. Kascie will assist the group in collecting information through research and outreach to landowners and will help organize and lead community meetings.
All interested Lolo Watershed residents are encouraged to attend and participate in this important discussion. The Lolo Community Center is located at 12345 Highway 93 S in Lolo. For more information e-mail Kascie at kascie.herron@umontana.edu or Lolo Watershed Group President Bobbie Bartlette at lolotrailbritts@gmail.com.