UPDATES ON BOZEMAN’S URBAN WETLAND OASIS

Video by Ronan Donovan

Through the efforts and vision of Sacajawea Audubon Society (SAS) and the cooperation and generosity of Ileana Indreland and Mike Delaney, Montana’s largest enhanced and restored wetland is about to become reality after nearly 40 years of planning.

On December 28, 2018 SAS was gifted 31.2 acres of wetland property from Indreland and Delaney, plus approximately seven adjacent acres are in the process of being purchased. This 40-acre site has been designated the Indreland Audubon Wetland Preserve (IAWP). Once work is completed, this wetland will provide a sanctuary for birds, and will offer tranquility to human visitors who access the property from existing trail connections as well as nearby downtown Bozeman. IAWP provides the critical East Main link between the recently restored riparian corridor at the Story Mill Community Park and the upper East Gallatin/Rocky Creek drainage.

VISION STATEMENT

The Indreland Audubon Wetland Preserve (IAWP) was set aside by Sacajawea Audubon Society (SAS) to conserve and enhance a wetland community in an urban setting. The site will serve as an environmental study area offering education about wetland ecology accessible to all ages.  SAS aims to document the effect of human influence on wetland communities and inspire the conservation, restoration, and enhancement of  wetlands. SAS strives to have positive impacts on wetland conservation that extends beyond the Gallatin watershed.

GOALS

Goal 1: Create a wetland community that serves as habitat for diverse wildlife species.

Goal 2: Monitor the site to ensure that management decisions do not adversely affect the wetland.

Goal 3: Showcase the role of beaver as a keystone species in creating wetland habitat.

Goal 4: Create educational opportunities to learn about hydrology, ecology and history.

Goal 5: Create a natural laboratory for scientific investigation. 

Goal 6: Encourage critical thinking about ecology and environmental issues.

Goal 7: Provide for visitor access and infrastructure consistent with conserving the wetland resource while offering a place of respite in an urban area.

Goal 8: Explore alternative methods of weed control, with the intent of avoiding the use of herbicide.

Goal 9: Contribute to wetland conservation in the Gallatin watershed by establishing a wetland bank.

Goal 10: Develop an outreach program that extends beyond the Gallatin watershed.

Planning is underway for land acquisition, environmental restoration, design and installation of visitor improvements. This includes a future nature center, stewardship for ongoing operations, and maintenance of the IAWP by SAS with a fundraising goal to raise $7 million. The community’s help is essential to creating the largest restored urban wetlands in Montana, ensuring a better tomorrow.

View the details

Download the complete set of plans for the 70% design.