Article, map, and graphics by Rich McEldowney

The primary source of hydrology at the Indreland Audubon Wetland Preserve is shallow groundwater contributions from the south and southeast. Preliminary investigations suggest that the groundwater expressed on the site originates from two sources—the East Gallatin River alluvial aquifer, and from the Gallatin Range, flowing under the Bozeman Fluviatile until it is intercepted by the East Gallatin River in this part of the valley (Hackett et al. 1960).

To better assess the site’s hydrologic conditions, groundwater elevations were measured in 2020 and 2021 at groundwater wells on the north parcel and in 2021 with piezometer devices on the south parcel (Figure 6, Appendix A). Data was collected at five piezometer devices between April and October 2021, and four groundwater wells between May 2020 and October 2021. Piezometers were installed on the south parcel instead of groundwater wells in order to better understand artesian pressures of the system, groundwater hydraulic gradients, and the aquifer’s ability to fill and maintain pond levels at design pool elevations through the growing season.

Depth to groundwater over the monitoring period for the north parcel is shown on Figure 2. Groundwater levels for the north parcel were generally highest in May and early June in 2020 and 2021, ranging from 5 to 32 inches below ground surface (Figure 2, on page 4) and declined throughout the summer and fall months.
Figure 2. 2020 and 2021 groundwater levels, measured at four groundwater wells within the IAWP north parcel.1

Figure 3 shows the piezometer monitoring results for the south parcel. In this parcel, water levels were relatively constant for all piezometers for the early part of the summer, and then dipped at the end of July/beginning of August. Water levels in piezometers 1 and 2 were much higher in late August through October 2021, ranging from 12 inches below to 21 inches above the ground surface. This increase is directly related to the occurrence of beaver on the site and their blocking of the outlet culvert. Water levels in piezometer 3 also increased slightly, and was also likely influenced by the beaver activity. Piezometers 4 and 5 occur further from the outlet culvert and appear to have recovered to their early summer levels once irrigation pumping stopped at the end of August/beginning of September.

Figure 3. 2021 groundwater and surface water levels, measured at five piezometer devices within the IAWP south parcel.2

Footnotes
<1> Wells were not continuously monitored. Lines connecting the dots are included to help show general trends in the groundwater data and are not intended to imply actual depths to groundwater.
<2> Piezometer devices were not continuously monitored. Lines connecting the dots are included to help show general trends in the groundwater/surface water data and are not intended to imply actual depths to groundwater.

Rich McEldowney is with Confluence Consulting, Inc., which is partnering with SAS to design the restoration and enhancement of the Indreland Audubon Wetland Preserve.

Spring migrants and summer residents are starting to return to the Indreland Audubon Wetland Preserve (IAWP). Large numbers of male Red-winged Blackbirds are back in force. A male Northern Harrier is making an appearance. Eight Sandhill Cranes have been spotted at the IAWP. Hopefully one or more pairs will utilize the area for nesting again this year. At any rate, birds are or will soon be making claims to nesting areas.

With the new construction project now taking place at Village Crossing, there is a resulting loss of what many people have long used as a place to exercise their dogs. So please be aware that on the IAWP, dogs must be on a leash and only allowed on the upper railroad berm and trestle.

Keep a lookout for the beavers that have built a lodge near the end of the historic railroad berm. We may soon be seeing young beavers. If so, these will be the first baby beavers seen from the berm since the wetland was drained back in 2009—even more reason to keep all dogs on leash and only on the railroad berm.

Since the beavers are active, our IAWP Busy Beavers have been out working on the beaver deceiver in further attempts to limit the extent the beavers are allowed to dam up the water at the base of the berm. If you are interested in learning about how beaver deceivers work, check out Bozemanwetlands.org for summer announcements. Sacajawea Audubon Society Board member Billy Burton will give a presentation on beaver deceivers at a yet-to-be-determined date—watch for an announcement.

Members of the Wetland Preservation Project met mid April to discuss the proposed Wetland Mitigation Bank at the IAWP with the Interagency Review Team. Construction of the ponds and berms at the IAWP cannot start until the wetland mitigation bank instrument has been finalized. Questions? Contact wetlands@sacajaweaaudubon.org

SCOUTS BUILD & INSTALL BENCHES
We encourage folks to come to the Indreland Audubon Wetland Preserve (IAWP) to enjoy and learn the wonders that this urban wetland holds. Now, with the help of Eagle Scout candidate Justin Moss and his Troop 0636, you are able to sit and view the wetland wildlife along the berm trail. Three benches have been erected alongside the Milwaukee Railroad Berm Trail and two more will be installed after restoration and enhancement construction. Each bench will have an engraved sign representing one of the wetland birds seen at the IAWP (Wilson’s Snipe, Red-winged Blackbird, Northern Harrier, Sandhill Crane, and Wood Duck).

To earn the rank of Eagle, a Life Scout must complete a meaningful service project to benefit his community while learning leadership skills. Sacajawea Audubon Society is honored to have been selected by Justin to sponsor his project.

Justin would like to thank his Troop 0636 members: Justin M, Bailey K, Aidan B, Liam B, Amelia B, Jack N, Sam N, Dalton K, Eli C, Tessa C, Nick H, and the support of all the parents that made everything possible. He also thanks Kenyon Noble for donating all the supplies for this Eagle Scout project.

ABOVE: Eagle Scout Troop 0636 poses next to one of three benches they installed along the IAWP Milwaukee Railroad Berm Trail. Photo by Loreene Reid.

BUSY BEAVER UPDATE
The IAWP Busy Beavers ended the season with 41 active members and engaged in multiple restoration efforts. At the Preserve, groundwater was monitored weekly throughout the season, multiple cleanups were held, and invasive weeds were eradicated to encourage native plant growth. The IAWP Busy Beavers extended their efforts to the rest of the Lower Gallatin Watershed, as trees were planted along Matthew Bird Creek, various tributaries and trails were combed for trash, and reaches of Kelly Creek were prepared for an upcoming beaver mimicry project. In return, three educational workshops were held to provide volunteers with knowledge on our Valley’s vital resources and biodiversity.

Free educational workshops and trainings will resume again in 2022—keep an eye out for upcoming event dates! To join and to stay up to date on all upcoming events, visit gallatinwatershed.com/volunteer.

Questions? Contact Loreene at loreener5@gmail.com or Heather at bswc@gallatinwatershedcouncil.org

Wetlands are some of Gallatin County’s most valuable real estate. Protecting them is essential to the longterm health and prosperity of our communities. Sacajawea Audubon Society (SAS) is shining a spotlight on the role wetlands play in a sustainable Gallatin Valley future. Almost 50 years ago, Congress passed many of the nation’s federal environmental laws. One of the hallmarks of these laws is the growth of permitting programs. Acknowledging that a halt to all pollution and development was both impractical and undesirable, governments developed programs to minimize, monitor, and mitigate environmental harms. Mitigating wetland harm falls under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, allowing permittees permission to alter wetlands in exchange for promises to mitigate harm from that wetland alteration.

Unfortunately, many of the wetlands in Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley have been harmed or lost to development. As it stands, the lion’s share of mitigation for our destroyed wetlands are replaced in a private “wetland bank” that is in a watershed outside the Gallatin Valley. Whenever this happens, the Gallatin Valley community forever loses these critical natural resources and the economic value they hold. 

SAS’s goal is to contribute to wetland conservation in the Gallatin watershed. The Indreland Audubon Wetland Mitigation Bank will help us reach this goal in three ways: 

Economical

• Creates an economic incentive for restoring, creating, enhancing, and conserving wetlands
• Ensures the dollar value is retained within the community of the impacted watershed
• Maintains natural drought, flood, and water quality protection within our community
• Contributes to a vibrant cityscape that makes Bozeman an attractive place to live and visit
• Supports the health of a Blue Ribbon Fishery, a cornerstone of Gallatin Valley’s economy  

Ecological

• Promotes diverse habitat and wetland functions to create a more sustainable ecosystem
• Protects a wildlife corridor through an urban environment
• Contributes to aquifer recharge and late-season instream flows to the East Gallatin River
• Sequesters carbon in saturated wetland soils 

Educational 

• Encourages critical thinking about clean water
• Promotes understanding of the importance of wetlands
• Promotes understanding of mechanisms that protect wetlands
• Inspires future sustainable urban planning
• Cultivates a love of nature 

 SAS continues to move forward in creating a local “wetland mitigation bank.” Currently, we are in Phase II. The Army Corps of Engineers submitted the IAWP Prospectus for public comment on July 23, 2021; the comment period ended on August 23, 2021. SAS’s Wetland Preservation Project Committee will be reviewing the comments. 

YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS! Please consider a donation to the Indreland Audubon Wetland Preserve. To arrange a tour of the IAWP with one of our wetland experts, contact Loreene at loreener@sacajaweaaudubon.org or (406)600-6666.

Top photo: Loreene Reed

The IAWP Busy Beavers are going strong! With 38 current members, the volunteer team has had a successful first season. Learn more about what we’ve been up to and how you can join!

WHAT IS IAWP BUSY BEAVERS?
IAWP Busy Beavers is a long-term volunteer team operated by Sacajawea Audubon Society and Gallatin Watershed Council (GWC). Becoming an IAWP Busy Beaver is a great way to take care of rivers and streams within the Lower Gallatin Watershed, meet community members, receive free educational workshops, deepen your understanding of watershed health, and get outside! No prior experience necessary; all ages are welcome. You will receive training in all volunteer areas of interest.

HOW TO VOLUNTEER
All volunteers must attend a mandatory training session. Beyond that, the minimum commitment to be a 2021 volunteer will be 10 hours of volunteer service per year. Volunteer activities will vary year to year but may include:
A. Restoration Projects: Wetland restoration (cleanups, invasive species removal, native plantings), river cleanups, dog waste cleanups, willow collecting and planting, tree planting, beaver mimicry projects, and more.
B. Project Monitoring and Maintenance: Invasive weed extraction, bird nest counts, tree watering and wrapping, mulching, fence repair, photo point monitoring, and more.
C. Watershed Ambassador and Watershed Educator: Conduct science experiments and lessons with children, act as a host at trailheads, provide wetland tours at the Indreland Audubon Wetland Preserve, etc.

GWC, SAS, and other partner organizations offer free educational workshops throughout the year for IAWP Busy Beavers and community members to gain a greater understanding of the watershed we all call home.

ONGOING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: RSVP: Email outreach@gallatinwatershedcouncil.org
Piezometer Monitoring. Mondays from 8:00 AM–11:00 PM @ IAWP. 
Tree Watering at McLeod Park. Tuesday evenings @ McLeod Park (behind 3330 Sundance Drive). 

To learn more and to apply, visit: www.gallatinwatershedcouncil.org/volunteer

Sacajawea Audubon Society (SAS) and Confluence Consulting, Inc. (Confluence) are excited to announce
that the Indreland Audubon Wetland Preserve (IAWP) 70% design has been completed and approved by the SAS board of directors. The purpose of this article is to provide a general description of the basis of design and some of the innovative design features that will make this project a success for wildlife and the community. When reviewing this article, please refer to the map (above) that illustrates the design features.

The IAWP was set aside by SAS to conserve and enhance a wetland community in an urban setting. The site will
function as an environmental study area offering education about wetland ecology that is accessible to all ages. SAS aims to document the effect of human influence on wetland communities and inspire the conservation, restoration, and enhancement of other wetlands. SAS strives to have an impact on wetland conservation that extends beyond the Gallatin watershed.

This 70% design will showcase the role of beaver as a keystone species in creating wetland habitat. The interspersion of open water areas, marshlands, wet meadows, willow, and alder dominated areas— as well as cottonwood and aspen forest habitat—create numerous niches to support a diverse array of flora and fauna that maximizes the productivity of the site at numerous trophic levels.

The design provides a significant improvement in wetland function, particularly with regard to general wildlife habitat diversity, water quality improvements, short and long term surface water storage, food chain support, and groundwater discharge. The design also provides for visitor access and infrastructure consistent with conserving the wetland resource while offering a place of respite in an urban area.

The Indreland Audubon Wetland Preserve is comprised of two parcels—the North Parcel and South Parcel—which occur north and south of the railroad tracks, respectively. Proposed wetland enhancement activities differ considerably between the two parcels.

North Parcel
The North Parcel contains a few small wetlands but is currently dominated by smooth brome (an upland grass
species) and is located between Interstate 90 on its north and east sides and the railroad on its south and west sides. An historic railroad berm occupies the northwestern boundary. Onsite investigations of groundwater depths in 2020 revealed that groundwater is relatively shallow. Analysis of the limited data set suggests that excavation of approximately two feet of soil will be sufficient for the establishment and development of approximately six acres of emergent wet meadow. This type of wetland will be seasonally wet in the spring and early summer, and then be expected to dry out over the course of the summer months. Persistent open water or complex habitats are not proposed for the North Parcel.

The conversion of the North Parcel to a more diverse, seasonally wet meadow provides several ecological
improvements for sensitive wildlife species, general wildlife habitat, short and long term surface water storage, production export/food chain support, and site uniqueness.

South Parcel
Proposed habitat improvements on the South Parcel are designed to increase habitat diversity and interspersion on the site, thereby increasing ecological niches and associated flora and faunal diversity. Perhaps the biggest change is the addition of 3.3 acres of open water habitat, ranging in depths from two to 16 feet across seven ponds. The design includes the bottom release of cool water from a 16-foot-deep pond that, because of its depth, causes the water column in the pond to stratify into temperature bands with the coldest water occurring at the bottom of the pond. During late August and September when water temperatures can be their most lethal for cold-water fish and aquatic organisms, this cool water discharging from the site will provide refuge from extreme water temperatures. Experience with this design in Montana has demonstrated a consistent reduction of 5-10° F between water temperatures flowing into a site and the water being discharged from a bottom release pond such as intended for the South Parcel.

Shrubby thickets and forested areas add structural complexity and habitats sought after by numerous neotropical migrant species. Their proximity to open water, wet meadow, and marshy habitats makes these habitats even more productive and appealing to a variety of species, leading to increased biodiversity and abundance of individual species found on the site. The addition of the forested area, particularly along the southwest portion of the South Parcel, adds a visual buffer for resident and migrant waterfowl from development along East Main Street and from planned visitor trails in that part of the Preserve.

Next Steps
The next steps in this project are to complete the 100% design, submit the design to regulatory agencies for review, and prepare permit applications for regulatory approval. Once we have the permits in hand, we will solicit bids for construction, and hopefully begin construction in the Fall of 2022 or Winter of 2023. Future newsletter articles are planned to keep SAS members up to date on the project and will be posted here.