Billings Refinery Wildlife Habitat

About the Program
The ExxonMobil Billings Refinery, located in Helena, Montana, contains a vegetated wetland habitat of 110 acres. The area was formerly farm pasture and a gravel mine. The site is adjacent to the Yellowstone River, the longest free-flowing river in the contiguous United States. The company is exceeding its state reclamation requirements by restoring more acreage than required and has established the site for local conservation learning and research. The goals are to meet reclamation requirements and to monitor, enhance and restore the site as a functional wetland.

Practices and Impacts

• The company partners with the Rocky Mountain College Environmental Studies program. The curriculum specifically designates the Billings Refinery site as a study area for students. Students conduct monitoring of fish, birds, mammals, plants, reptiles and amphibians. In 2017 and 2018, students wrote wildlife overview plans.
• The Yellowstone Audubon Society conducts an annual bird survey at the site. Employees assist with surveys, fire prevention, annual bird counts and control of invasive Russian olive and salt cedar.
• ExxonMobil is exploring new partnerships with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Montana Audubon Center.
• The company is also considering ways to retain wildlife connectivity and public enjoyment amid the large road construction projects scheduled for the area.