The scene in the Haig-Brown Kingfisher Creek watershed has been a continually changing one over the past few months. Surveyors, excavators, and hard labour have already reshaped the lower wetland areas into a meandering creek channel with significant pool, woody, and wetland habitat.

From August 24 to September 7, the second phase of this summer's restoration project continues. It is aiming to complete the construction of the entire channel within this time-frame.

Due to the presence of the existing
water and gas lines, the excavation
of this higher section is a delicate one.

Construction of the creek channel is progressing on schedule. However, as much of the summer staff leaves for the fall and winter seasons, and considering the relatively long length of creek channel still to be completed, pressure on the project's staff to finish the required work is obviously.

That said, the upper reach of the restoration project is looking fantastic. Large pools with significant large woody debris have been constructed on both sides of the 16th Street access to the creek, and one S-shaped meander is currently being worked on above the higher of the two pools.

Within this meander, several weirs are being constructed. So far, two large notched log weirs, and one large rock and cement weir, are being constructed. These weirs are important in controlling the flows that will be moving through the section.

Just above the upper pool, two separate
notched logs will help control the waters
in this sloped part of the stream.

Just above the meander, the large excavator is clearing the path for the next section of stream habitat. This is a delicate task, for several utility lines are installed directly below this area. After their exact whereabouts is marked, care must be taken not to break, crush, or damage any of the lines. This, however, should not be a problem so long as the machine operators are fully aware their presence.

This week will no doubt be a busy one. Between digging, weir construction, hydro-seeding, maybe a little complexing, and co-ordination, the staff of the Haig-Brown Kingfisher Creek Restoration Project definitely have more than enough work in front of them. Even without the daily challenges bound to arise, everyone's hands are fully occupied, at least for one more week.

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