Reviving the Swan River Wetlands: GIS-Driven Restoration of Hydrology and Ecosystems

The Swan River National Wildlife Refuge faced significant ecological challenges due to historical agricultural practices and invasive species. Spanning 1,568 acres in Montana's scenic Swan River valley, the refuge was dominated by reed canary grass, which displaced native wetland vegetation and degraded wildlife habitats. Historical drainage ditches, excavated in the early 1900s to support agriculture, further altered the refuge's natural hydrology.

To address these issues, the US Fish and Wildlife Service initiated a collaborative wetland restoration project led by River Design Group (RDG). The project aimed to restore 655 acres of wetlands by strategically filling drainage ditches, enhancing groundwater levels, and reestablishing native vegetation. Using GIS technologies, RDG conducted a comprehensive landscape assessment that included LiDAR, bathymetric surveys, and vegetation mapping. Groundwater modeling simulated hydrological responses, while machine-grade GPS files enabled precise construction of ditch fills using 25,000 cubic yards of on-site materials.

The project also incorporated community engagement and regulatory compliance, aligning restoration efforts with public use goals such as fishing, wildlife observation, and environmental education.