COLUMBIA FALLS — The Flathead National Forest and local partners have officially completed the Blankenship Bridge erosion prevention project.
The $750,000 project was completed to help stabilize the bridge while enhancing habitat for native cutthroat and bull trout.
A 1965 flood collapsed the bridge, making it more susceptible to damage and erosion over time.
Crews installed woody debris to provide a habitat for fish, planted native willows to stabilize the riverbank, and employed more modern stabilization techniques.
The two-month project also adhered to strict seasonal timing to protect migrating bull trout.
