Work to protect the banks of the Clark Fork River in the urban core and remediate the impacts of a defunct mining site on the Bitterroot River are expected to begin this summer.

Members of the Missoula City Council this week approved funding for both projects, including the Clark Fork River restoration effort, which is funded largely by the 2018 Open Space bond.

The city's Parks and Recreation Department has long voiced concern over increasing erosion along the Clark Fork River, caused largely by “user-made” trails.

The concentrated use has damaged riparian vegetation and increased sedimentation, which has degraded water quality and now threatens public infrastructure along the river.

“This is coming off the heels of the completion of the Caras Park project,” said Garrick Swanson. “Thi

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