Funded Restoration Projects in Anaconda-Deer Lodge City-County
Anaconda Waterline
Type: Restoration Project
Costs: $6,671,279
Year(s) Funded: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Status: Three projects completed; 2005 and 2006 underway
Anaconda-Deer Lodge City-County has received approval for five projects to replace 35,845 feet of leaking waterlines in Anaconda and to install 2,150 feet of new waterline at Bowman airport. The Anaconda area has extensive groundwater contamination (over 40 square miles) caused by historic mining activities. By fixing leaking and corroded waterlines, these replacement projects will enhance the water supply from an uncontaminated source. Anaconda intends to continue water main replacement through 2011 and seek a total of about $14 million in restoration funds.
Developing Acid/Heavy Metal-Tolerant Releases
Type: Monitoring and Research Project
Costs: $395,365
Year(s) Funded: 2001, 2004
Status: Underway
The Bridger Plant Material Center, in partnership with the Deer Lodge Valley Conservation District, is researching and developing a seed supply of native plant species that demonstrate superior adaptation to the Anaconda Uplands area and other mining-impacted areas in the UCFRB. The Plant Center will produce and maintain foundation seed releases for distribution to commercial seed growers.
Lost Creek Watershed
Type: Restoration Project
Costs: $518,382
Year(s) Funded: 2000
Status: Completed
The Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks restored approximately 27 miles of Lost Creek, a significant tributary of the Upper Clark Fork River located northeast of Anaconda. The project improved water quality and fish and wildlife habitat through activities such as riparian fencing and grazing management, development of off-stream watering facilities, streambank stabilization and revegetation.
Opportunity Groundwater Injury Assessment
Type: Project Development Grant
Costs: $309,268
Year(s) Funded: 2001
Status: Completed
Between 2001 and 2005, Anaconda-Deer Lodge City-County evaluated water quality in Opportunity area wells to determine the need for a replacement water supply. Follow-up monitoring is now being conducted by EPA/ARCO.
Stuart Mill Bay Acquisition
Type: Restoration Project
Costs: $2,000,000
Year(s) Funded: 2002
Status: Completed
Through the Conservation Fund, the state acquired the 363-acre Stuart Mill Bay property located along the southeast portion of Georgetown Lake for public ownership, use and management. The purchase, completed in 2003, acquired fish and wildlife habitat and public access for fishing, hunting, camping and other recreational uses.
Watershed Land Acquisition
Type: Restoration Project
Costs: $5,831,304
Year(s) Funded: 2000, 2001
Status: Completed
Through the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the state acquired 9,000 acres of prime wildlife habitat and recreational lands in the Garrity Mountain area between Anaconda and Georgetown Lake. The Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks now owns and manages the property. The Elk Foundation also obtained federal funding of $17.3 million to purchase an additional nearby 23,300 acres for public ownership under U.S. Forest Service management.