Council approves final phase of South Fork Junction Creek fish-passage project

The Wildlife Habitat Council approved funding for the final phase of the South Fork Junction Creek fish-passage project (project 6899), which project staff described as the last barrier to native fish movement in the reach. Presenters said partners will supply the bulk of the estimated $265,000 (ESMF/WRI funds and US Fish and Wildlife Service fish-passage money), and they requested approximately $85,000 from the Habitat Council to complete the phase and enable later habitat treatments.

Presenters noted the project uses rotary drum screens and will require low seasonal maintenance carried by the landowner and operator; speakers emphasized that once the final barrier is addressed, Yellowstone cutthroat trout and other native species can move upstream. Council members asked about funding sources and whether this completes the conservation strategy for the basin. Staff said this is the last planned barrier in the basin and that additional monitoring and a potential treatment phase are anticipated in 2026.

After technical questions, a motion to approve the request was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote. The council directed staff to record partner contributions and follow-up on monitoring plans.

Next steps: implement final barrier removal, coordinate maintenance responsibilities with landowners, and plan summer/follow-up monitoring to inventory mussels and fish in the restored reach.