The forces of nature continue. With the help of lightning, high winds, heavy spring snows, and other factors, more large trees became large woody debris in the river during the spring and summer of 1995.
As directed, the Large Woody Debris Committee opened the river and constructed more trout habitat. This informal system, where fishermen, land owners, and canoe liveries notified members of the committee regarding downed trees was utilized better than it was in 1994. Members of the committee and other volunteers did their best to respond to these calls as soon as possible. This type of response prevented others from removing obstructions with little or no regard for the maintenance of the natural aesthetics of the river and for the construction of better trout habitat.
A few of the projects which were addressed were:
(1) A large ash fell in early spring several bends downstream from Smith Bridge. A channel of approximately eight feet was opened. This appeared to provide a safe passage for riverboats and canoes, and was within the guidelines of the U.S. Forest Service. Apparently someone disagreed because later in the summer several more feet were removed from the trunk of the downed tree.
(2) A very large white pine fell across the South Branch just below the Castle. While the water was low a passage was maintained under the top of the tree. This left the river with a very natural appearance. However, as the water became higher in early fall it was impossible to float under the tree and some of the top had to be removed. We knew that this was going to be necessary as soon as the high water of fall and/or spring develops; however we wanted to keep the more natural appearance as long as possible.
(3) A dead jack pine fell on the Mainstream upstream from Rayburn's in the late summer. This was cut close to the bank and wired to allow the tree to be swung parallel with the current and secured near the bank. This procedure provided what appears to be an excellent piece of trout cover.
Readers with questions concerning the activities of this committee should feel free to contact me at 517-348-8858.
RWOL
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