Trailhead
closed early August
CUSTER
GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST
Custer
Gallatin National Forest anticipates the closure of Leverich Canyon Trailhead,
located just south of Bozeman, Aug. 5-19 for a project improving native
fisheries habitat. The project is part of larger ongoing effort on the Custer
Gallatin National Forest to improve fish passage. The road leading up to
Leverich Trailhead will receive a much-needed new culvert, making fish passage
easier and ultimately improving a native cutthroat trout population.
“This
project is important because it secures a native westslope cutthroat trout
population,” said Jake Chaffin, Watershed Program Manager for the Custer
Gallatin National Forest.
Cutthroat trout
are designated as Montana’s state fish and currently are recognized as a U.S.
Forest Service sensitive species.
“Given
the entire Gallatin River drainage, aboriginal nonhybridized westslope
cutthroat trout occupy less than 1 percet of historical stream and river
miles,” Chaffin said. “The Leverich Creek project improves habitat for
this species by replacing a culvert that is a physical barrier to migration
during some flow episodes.”
The project
will also provide a secondary benefit: road repairs to improve road conditions
and drainage, and reduce sediment input into the stream. It will be a win for
all trail users, and the aquatic habitat.
The work is
slated to take approximately two weeks to complete. Additional delays of up to
15 to 20 minutes may occur before and after the replacement of the culvert, as
equipment accesses the area and road work occurs. Users should also be aware
that accessing the Leverich area via other trail systems will not allow for
egress via the Leverich Trailhead.
“We
realize Leverich is a very popular hiking and mountain biking trail close to
town, but we encourage trail users of all types to seek out another trail
opportunity such as Sourdough, Bangtail Divide, Hyalite—including Moser or Lick
Creek—or Johnson Canyon,” said Corey Lewellen, Bozeman District Ranger. “The
benefits to aquatic habitat, as well as to bike riders and hikers, will be well
worth the short-term impact in the long run.”
For more information on the project contact Custer Gallatin National Forest Public Affairs Specialist Mariah Leuschen-Lonergan at (406) 548-1174. For general information on trails around the forest visit fs.usda.gov/custergallatin or call the Bozeman Ranger District at (406) 522-2520.
