The Jocko River Bison Range Reach Restoration Project, managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT), is moving into Phase Two of its efforts to restore a 2.8-mile stretch of the river. The groundbreaking on March 2 emphasized the cultural significance of the river, with community involvement highlighted by songs from local schoolchildren.
The project aims to reverse decades of channelization, reconnect floodplains, and improve habitats for bull trout and other native species. Previous efforts were hampered by limited funding and fragmented land ownership, but recent water rights settlement funding has enabled progress.
Phase One was completed in December, and Phase Two is set for completion in 2027. Restoration includes removing outdated infrastructure and installing monitoring wells to track groundwater levels, indicating early signs of ecological recovery. Community engagement and education will continue throughout the project’s duration.
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