Beartooth Highway reconstruction plans have raised concerns among conservationists due to several environmental and logistical issues.
The highway, which traverses a rugged and ecologically sensitive area, poses challenges related to its impact on wetlands, wildlife habitats, and cultural resources. Conservationists are particularly worried about the potential disruption to sensitive wildlife crossing corridors and the overall ecological balance in this high-altitude region.
The Beartooth Highway is a significant scenic route that connects Montana and Wyoming, providing access to Yellowstone National Park.
It has been a subject of inter-agency cooperation involving the National Park Service (NPS), the Forest Service, and state departments of transportation due to its complex maintenance and ownership history. The highway’s maintenance has been complicated by its location across state lines and its passage through national park and forest lands.
Environmentalists are concerned that reconstruction efforts might not adequately address the preservation of the surrounding wilderness areas, such as the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.
This area is protected under various acts, including the 1964 Wilderness Act and the 1984 Wyoming Wilderness Act, which aim to preserve its natural state for recreation and wildlife movement. The highway’s reconstruction could potentially lead to increased human activity, which might threaten these protected areas.
Moreover, there is an ongoing discussion about balancing motorized and non-motorized recreational use in these regions. The increase in motorized use, such as snowmobiles, has led to conflicts with non-motorized users like skiers, raising further conservation concerns.
Conservationists advocate for careful planning to ensure that any development or reconstruction does not compromise the ecological integrity of this unique landscape.
So far, there are several measures being looked at and/or being taken to minimize the Beartooth Highway’s impact on the natural landscape during its reconstruction.
Here are a few of the environmental considerations:
Fish Habitat Protection:
The project is incorporating recommendations from conservation groups to provide fish habitat at the base of slopes near Rock Creek. This collaboration aims to ensure that construction does not damage the natural environment and potentially improves existing conditions.
Erosion Control:
Concerns about erosion into the Rock Creek fishery have been raised, particularly regarding the planned 300-foot slope excavation above the creek. To address this, the project is working with environmental groups to implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
Wetlands and Wildlife:
The reconstruction efforts are addressing issues related to wetlands, wildlife habitats, and sensitive wildlife crossing corridors. These considerations are crucial for maintaining the ecological balance of the area.
Various certain construction techniques are also being considered:
Material Reuse:
An innovative feature of the project is the reuse of material from blasting and debris flow excess. This approach helps minimize the need for new materials and reduces waste.
Slope Management:
The project includes plans to excavate and stabilize slopes between the highway and Rock Creek to address safety concerns and prevent future erosion.
There is also a great deal of inter-agency cooperation involved in this project:
Collaborative Planning:
The project involves cooperation between various agencies, including the National Park Service, Forest Service, and state departments of transportation. This collaboration helps ensure that environmental concerns are addressed from multiple perspectives.
Permitting Process:
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is working through the permitting process for construction components that will modify the stream bed and banks of Rock Creek. This oversight helps ensure that environmental regulations are followed.
By implementing these measures, the reconstruction project aims to balance the need for improved infrastructure with the preservation of the unique and sensitive ecosystem surrounding the Beartooth Highway.
