Mission

Our overflight covered four rugged waterways - Rock Creek, Soda Butte, Stillwater, and East Rosebud Creeks, looking specifically at the difference in post-flood recovery for stream reaches with woody material and healthy riparian vegetation vs reaches that are mostly rock and concrete. After historic floods in 2021, it is essential to analyze these post-flood ecosystems to be better prepared for a future where flooding will become more frequent.

From the air, we could clearly see the role that woody material played in minimizing the damage caused by floods, as it slows the water and reduces flood severity. By proactively increasing the amount of woody material in these waterways, the communities and ecosystems surrounding the Beartooths will be more resilient to future flood events.

Trout Unlimited is using this aerial perspective to inform their work to increase riparian woody material and preserve healthy river ecosystems in Montana. EcoFlight is excited to be part of this process by connecting stakeholders and helping spread the word about Trout Unlimited’s important restoration work in the Beartooths! We flew members of Carbon County’s disaster response team, biologists from Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, along with journalists and other experts who are all working together to ensure that the region is better prepared to minimize the hazard posed by future flood events.

Please enjoy these photos from your flight and share them with your friends and colleagues!

Click for the photos, aerial GoPro video, audio from the cockpit, and geo-referenced photos (download then open in Google Earth)