Driftwood Campground Fish Cover Project
This project was finally completed in July 09. It had been delayed from the initial target date of Oct 08 due to the heavy spring runoff that year and the 11" rain of July 08. These factors dictated pushing back the Oct date until Dec; but, Mother Nature stepped in and winter came hard on the heels of Thanksgiving causing additional delay until 09. However, all that may be; the project was successfully completed, and some 25 fish cover additions to that stretch of river are now in place. They not only enhance the natural beauty of the river and provide additional quality cover for fish; these structures were installed so as to adjust and direct river flow in order to deepen and narrow the channel. This should over time accomplish two important additional benefits. One being removal of sand thus exposing more gravel for spawning; and, two decreasing water temperatures. The lower the temperature, the greater the amount of dissolved oxygen that can be in the water which is directly attributable to a more healthy ecosystem (i.e. the fish and bugs they dine upon). Additional information is being put together about this. So, if you get a chance take sometime to float this section and enjoy the beauty of our river. Who knows, you may want to stop and do some fishing as well!!
Tim Phillips
