By Hailey Graf, Resource Conservationist
Kent Reimer and his family have lived on their property for three generations. It’s been in the family since the early 1900’s. Kent feels ties to the land through his memories of family. He remembers fondly growing up on farm – visiting his grandmother and providing labor for his grandfather. Eventually, he bought his grandparents’ home and remodeled it to make it his own. The home where he raised his own family.
Growing up on the farm, Kent didn’t recognize that there was a problem with Haskill Creek. While not knowing what the problem was, he did know it was disheartening and overwhelming to watch the stream banks slowly erode. Those same stream banks he had clambered up and down as a youth were giving way.
Kent felt, as many fellow Montanan’s do, that the land was his responsibility. It’s an old way of thinking, he explained. “You just get it done, don’t ask for help.” In this situation, however, he was at a loss. It’s hard to fix something if you don’t know why it broke. Thankfully, an old family friend was able to offer some advice. This family friend happened to be Ronald Buentemeier, the chairman of the Flathead Conservation District. Together Ronald and Kent walked the eroding banks of Haskill Creek on the Reimer property and discussed options. For Kent, the process was a little intimidating because of all the unknowns. “There’s no free lunch,” Kent expressed. But his relationship with Ronald and his trust in the Flathead Conservation District encouraged him to move forward with a restoration project.
Not far from the Reimer property, there was another restoration project that had taken place about two years earlier. Kent was able to tour the area and see first-hand the success of having the stream come back to life.
The restoration project on Kent’s property was also a success. Now, four years after the project completion, Kent feels the project went perfectly. According to Kent,
“There’s no erosion – the water flows less milky. Visually, there’s a huge improvement with no loss of acreage from erosion and bank slumping.”
Overall, Kent is completely satisfied with the project. If he had to do it all over again, he wouldn’t hesitate. What’s more, he’d recommend the process to anyone else. If you’re a landowner interested in stream restoration projects, he recommends that you go look at projects that have already been completed and talk with that landowner. Then, be a big part of the project. Being involved with the project, in a big way, was one of the most rewarding experiences for Kent. He expressed that it felt great to have local support and to get to know the contractor and partners. After seeing the project come to fruition, he’s got a huge respect for what everyone did to restore the stream he’s loved since childhood.
This project was made possible with grant funding from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality 319 Nonpoint Source Project Program. If you are aware of problems with the natural resources on your land, and are interested in assistance to solve the problems, resources may be available to help. Flathead Conservation District offers consultation and technical assistance, landowner assistance programs, and access to other assistance and grant programs. Stop by the Flathead Conservation District office, browse our website, or give us a call!