HiLine Riparian Tour

Story by Thomas Probert, Hydrologist, Glasgow Field Office; and Abby Hall, Range Technician, Havre Field Office

On July 19, several folks came together to walk a couple riparian areas, share thoughts, ask questions, and swat mosquitos together.

Thomas Probert, hydrologist in the Glasgow Field Office, arranged a field meeting with a riparian inventory contractor, Ecological Solutions Group (ESG). Over the past couple of years, several new faces have joined the BLM HiLine teams of the Glasgow, Malta, and Havre field offices. Participants on this outing included range specialists, wildlife biologists, managers, natural resource spe

cialists, hydrologists, a variety of BLM seasonal hires, Paul Hansen and Tom Keith of ESG, and even a couple folks from Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS).

Getting together in the field with a large Interdisciplinary Team and a contractor who is conducting riparian field work in Chouteau County and the northern part of Blaine County this summer was a great learning opportunity for everyone.

The day started with brief introductions and discussion. The group’s first stop was Milk Creek to walk and talk along the reach. Next, they traveled north to a second reach called Dodson Creek. As the group trudged along Dodson Creek, Paul shared his thoughts while observing the riparian area.

The day closed with a large circle discussion about both Milk and Dodson creeks, speaking about the 17 questions on the Lotic Proper Functioning Condition Form, Rosgen Classifications, and so much more.

On the way home, talk turned to conducting a similar event next year and maybe including some Upland Health Assessments in the mix. What a great way to spend a July Day!