http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html On August 13 - 15, 2009, I had the opportunity to see low-impact fisheries restoration work along Hughes Creek, near the town of North Fork, Idaho. It’s an intriguing process that, for many, seems initially counterintuitive. Starting with an open, free-flowing stream, the biologists and their crew create various debris jams along the waterway. “If we do a good job, we make a real mess,” paraphrases lead fisheries biologist Jo Chirstensen’s explanation of the process. If you visit a wilderness area, however, it makes far more sense. In wild forests, trees and branches do fall into the creeks regularly. Biologists studying these stream ecosystems have discovered that the woody material that naturally falls into these creeks has crucial value to the stream ecosystem, changing the speed and direction of water flow, causing inorganic materials to sort, and adding nutrients to the stream. If you take a tidy creek and load it up with trees, branches, and boughs, the stream is almost immediately better suited for a variety of native fish. It’s a fairly straightforward process. A few trees are felled from a nearby hillside and then dragged to the streamside by a team of draft horses. The trees are still green, with branches intact, to better impact the water flows. Pulleys and cables are set so the draft horses can head away from the stream while pulling the cabled logs into precise locations. Trees are not cut right next to the stream, as healthy waterways need plenty of trees along their shores to reduce the speed of erosion and to create shade, which keeps the water cooler. Cooler water holds more oxygen, and salmonids (which include trout and salmon) require excellent water quality and high levels of dissolved oxygen. The constructed debris jams need to be well-anchored to withstand floodwater flows, and they need to be built with three dimensions in mind, as all streams will naturally rise and fall with the seasons and weather systems. Draft horses are used as the power source for moving the logs into place because they cause minimal impact on the environment and their cost of operation is far less than that of heave machinery. People enjoy watching the horses and the teamster at work, but it’s far more than an aesthetic pleasure, they truly do the best job for the least expense, both in terms of dollars and environmental impact. Many thanks to sponsors of the project, Salmon Valley Stewardship, a vibrant organization that promotes a sustainable economy and a healthy environment in the Salmon River Region of Idaho. The Trout Conservancy of Montana also played a key role in the planning and operation of this project, as they have with other stream restoration projects in the northern Rocky Mountains. http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#0 79164bc3-8505-4127-b84e-b13ca39084fa http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0325.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0325.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">A stretch of Hughes Creek with no habitat for fish.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#1 feaf7e3c-a4db-4a7d-ac7e-bbf0d51becf4 http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0417.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0417.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Reintroduction of large woody debris creates excellent fish habitat.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#2 14d60545-16f2-4132-a83d-fc226b362ca9 http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0400.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0400.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Draft horses move fallen trees with minimal environmental impact.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#3 a1903725-cd71-4e98-8d98-98c08a4bed8f http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0396.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0396.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Volunteers rig cables and pulleys to move and lock logs into place.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#4 2c1c6b96-1a86-41d4-8781-27b8e790cc55 http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0445.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0445.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Smaller items are placed or sometimes tossed in by hand.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#5 1d813b99-fda2-4d8c-add1-3c3120a46337 http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0327.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0327.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Cables are run through pulleys anchored on the far side of the creek.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#6 f0e35800-5315-45cd-a632-660b26e5100a http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0330.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0330.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Precise locations are selected and cables laid for pinpoint placement</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#7 01bcbcc2-4196-4592-8829-0cade0e54412 http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0369.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0369.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">One end of the cable is attached to the log, the other to the horses.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#8 0ee8df3f-094d-4e21-bb45-c10e806e9a4a http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0372.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0372.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">The team provides a mighty pull as onlookers marvel at the operation.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#9 30e51d3d-0041-474b-9cea-f6597fd0b380 http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0456.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0456.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Logs are interlocked to withstand high water flows.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#10 59cbc8e2-cf10-422b-8f67-c6de514364d2 http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0333.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0333.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">The placement of each log is double-checked.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#11 7782b097-6965-433c-ab4c-d147138272bc http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0384.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0384.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Since stream depth and flow vary with the weather, structures are designed to function at higher and lower levels.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#12 5e3bdfc2-2d19-4b89-af46-f70a19404572 http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0352.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0352.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Fisheries biologist Jo Christensen directs the operation.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#13 bdce3b41-7cc3-4fa8-9145-08352fad9835 http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0488.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0488.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Jo is a pioneering innovator in the field of fisheries restoration.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#14 98e4e717-ef6d-4fed-acd1-faf33582badb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0418.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0418.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Pat and Bess are the two draft horses doing the heavy lifting.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#15 dc672216-626c-40c6-b0e6-8ed67a58aa39 http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0509.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0509.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">David Sturman handles the team.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#16 2c555aa0-270a-43c0-a51d-5b8d1f4995c2 http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0496.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0496.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">When it&#x2019;s time to work, they pull hard for David.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#17 f724d65e-9994-4b06-806c-a59121e0cc9d http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0510.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0510.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">There&#x2019;s always a little TLC for a job well done.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#18 086af75a-8f69-4293-8d67-1a8e1e2f20c8 http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0407.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0407.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Many visitors came to learn about these innovative methods.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#19 a0d0c8f9-1efc-413d-9a03-8963420408f4 http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0354.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0354.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">John Zelazny of the Trout Conservancy described the work in great detail.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#20 0733c5d7-faaa-4e83-86a3-19fa912e597d http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0460.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0460.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Salmon Valley Stewardship sponored the event and fed us all.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#21 db70ec6e-af48-4569-bf2c-45800d158321 http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0461.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0461.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">There was great camaraderie among workers, sponsors, and visitors.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#22 061c2104-7ce0-4d57-bf67-ac3a36d63957 http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0512.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0512.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">The setting was idyllic.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#23 aea1272d-efe0-4ae7-be8e-b20087237c8a http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0399.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0399.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Everyone was impressed with the work of David and his horses.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#24 7efcfd8c-6044-42d1-a7de-4d8b55fa869c http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0431.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0431.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Several structures were created along the creek.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#25 94d914d1-4584-4678-8974-bb3572347dc9 http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0478.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0478.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">In less than 24 hours young fish had found the new habitats.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#26 b136ccc0-7882-45ba-bc3b-65ebcf8ec56e http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0443.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0443.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">&#x201C;I saw a fish this big ...&#x201D;</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#27 8fd7c482-27f9-44cf-b32c-e6f816eae7f3 http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0442.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0442.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">The work was coordinated by isheries biologist Jo Christensen and teamster David Sturman</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#28 d5d83131-ced0-482d-a066-3093c447f428 http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0422.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0422.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Gina Knudsen, Executive Director of Salmon Valley Stewardship, a key sponsor of the project.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#29 91e0cc65-e5dc-4ae2-a8ee-e271ef549504 http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0435.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0435.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">John Zelazny, Executive Director of the Trout Conservancy, also an important sponsor.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#30 207af89c-7e8a-47b1-908a-29ebf69b4948 http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0538.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0538.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">This project benefited from the work of many eager volunteers.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#31 c30385fe-012e-41b2-aabb-6a4382079ee8 http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0342.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0342.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Jerry Myers, board member for the Salmon Valley Stewardship, was an eager and helpful volunteer.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#32 900f8aba-b1af-4eea-9daa-34924f01801d http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0434.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0434.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Billy Brann and Wyatt Hall provided youthful energy and enthusiasm.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#33 eea0d4dc-0254-4ade-8b77-bc11efb9bf02 http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0412.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0412.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Lily Coble helped with the horses and with the rigging of the cables.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#34 04747310-869c-4ccf-9de0-6d856354ee71 http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0448.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0448.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Steve Gerdes has coordinated other stream restoration projects, but for this one he was a hard-working volunteer.</p></div></div> http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration.html#35 11524075-3c30-44a8-a66f-d79167a45cdb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0424.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mgnature.com/Stream/Restoration_files/Media/DSCN0424.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_199_48"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">This beautiful valley will now provide better habitat for fish.</p></div></div>