After years of public engagement, environmental analysis, and interagency collaboration, Missoula Parks & Recreation and project partners have released the draft West Broadway River Corridor Master Plan for community review. The plan outlines a new vision for the Clark Fork River corridor between McCormick Park and the California Street Bridge, aiming to improve river safety, expand recreation access, restore critical habitat, and enhance long-term ecological resilience.
The full draft plan, drawings, project background, and a public survey are available on Engage Missoula at:
www.engagemissoula.com/west-broadway-river-corridor
Community members are encouraged to review the draft and provide feedback during the public comment period, which runs through December 14, 2025.
A Community-Driven Vision for the Clark Fork
Over the past several years, the project team completed feasibility studies, site assessments, and extensive public outreach to identify long-term needs and opportunities along this section of the river. The resulting draft master plan proposes improvements that balance recreation, ecological restoration, and public safety.
Major elements included in the plan include:
- Riverbank stabilization, restoration, and revegetation
- Improved river access points for safer entry and exit
- Removal of concrete and metal debris from the river channel
- Decommissioning an abandoned irrigation ditch
- Expanded recreation and trail improvement opportunities
“This project provides a unique opportunity for our community to reenvision a major section of the Clark Fork River through downtown Missoula,” said project coordinator Morgan Valliant. “The draft master plan depicts new parkland, important trail connections, enhanced river recreation, and improved wildlife habitat. As we move from planning to implementation, continued collaboration will be essential.”
How the Plan Was Developed
Creation of the draft master plan was led by Missoula Parks & Recreation’s Ecosystem Services Division, with project management from Trout Unlimited and funding support from the Missoula Redevelopment Agency through tax increment financing (TIF). Additional support came from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the City’s Public Works & Mobility Department.
A consultant team—including SWCA Environmental Consultants (formerly River Design Group), Morrison-Maierle Engineering, Field Studio Landscape Architects, and Recreation Engineering & Planning—provided technical analysis and design work.
The draft plan consolidates years of research, including:
- Hydrology, hydraulics, and river morphology studies
- Trail and mobility assessments
- Habitat and riparian ecosystem surveys
- Infrastructure and feasibility analyses
- Preferred and alternative design concepts
- Cost estimates, permitting considerations, and projected timelines
This foundational work ensures the project aligns with community goals and positions Missoula to compete for future state and federal funding.
Key Design Features in the Draft Plan
The draft West Broadway River Corridor Master Plan includes several major upgrades and restoration efforts:
Silvers Park Boat Ramp Reconstruction
The existing boat ramp will be rebuilt to improve safety and ease of use, with a wider, downstream-angled ramp, improved loading eddies, new stone terracing, and enhanced pedestrian access.
South Bank Grading, Stabilization & Vegetation
Using natural channel design techniques, the south bank would be rebuilt and extended to create a narrow floodplain bench planted with native riparian vegetation.
Main Channel Debris Removal & Class II Rapid Construction
Hazardous concrete and metal debris would be removed, and a new Class II rapid would be built to improve recreation, fish passage, aquatic habitat, and flow routing into a restored side channel.
Irrigation Ditch Removal & Downtown Lions Park Expansion
A defunct concrete irrigation structure and abandoned ditch would be demolished and filled, formally connecting Downtown Lions Park to the riverfront and increasing usable park space.
Side Channel Restoration & Overflow System
A new perennial side channel along the north bank of West Broadway Island would provide habitat, safe floater passage, and a new recreational wave feature. Overflow channels would manage high-water events and protect the channel from flood impacts.
North Bank Improvements & Trail Expansion
Regrading the north bank between Burton and Hawthorne Streets would create space for natural-surface trails and extend Ron’s Riverfront Trail to Scott Street with better protection for pedestrians and cyclists.
West Broadway Island Habitat Protection
The plan prioritizes ecological restoration and limited public access to protect riparian habitat. Access to the island would become float-in only, reducing impacts on wildlife and migratory bird nesting.
Recreational Wave Feature
A fixed wave feature is proposed at the downstream end of the side channel, designed for river-board surfing and compatible with a range of watercraft.
Sustainable River Access Points
Both riverbanks would receive thoughtfully designed access points that protect vegetation, minimize erosion, and connect directly to paved commuter trails.
Project Goals
Adopted in 2023, the project’s goals include:
- Restore floodplain and riparian habitat through debris removal, native plantings, and natural channel design.
- Enhance recreation access by improving trails, river entry points, and park connections.
- Increase public safety with erosion mitigation, safer ramps, and improved visibility in parks.
- Improve instream river conditions by restoring flows, recontouring the riverbed, and protecting aquatic habitat.
- Ensure sustainable, long-term project design through collaborative planning, equitable access, and responsible maintenance strategies.
Public Review Timeline
- Nov. 17 – Dec. 14, 2025: Public review period and presentations to City boards.
- Early 2026: Public feedback incorporated into a final draft; review by MRA Board and Parks & Recreation Board before recommendations to City Council.
- Fall 2026–2027: Design development, permitting, and initial fundraising for construction.
- 2028–2029: Phase 1 and Phase 2 construction, dependent on funding.
- June 30, 2031: Missoula Redevelopment Agency Urban Renewal District II sunsets.
Project Area
The planning area includes the Clark Fork River, West Broadway Island Natural Area, nearby riparian corridors, and connections to Downtown Lions, Silvers, and McCormick Parks. The plan aims to support both ecological function and current and future recreation patterns.
How to Participate
Residents can explore the full draft plan, view maps and design concepts, and complete the community survey at:
www.engagemissoula.com/west-broadway-river-corridor
