After a hectic summer of construction on Haig-Brown Kingfisher Creek, the top of the new stream channel has finally been reached. The large excavator is constructing the uppermost pool in the kilometer-long stream channel. However, there are still several finishing touches in the overall stream channel design that need to be completed. For now, the excavation of the full length of the stream channel has been completed, and this is quite an accomplishment.

On the lowest end of the new channel, a short distance - no more than 20 meters - separates the bottom end of the new channel from its confluence with the west branch of the creek. On the top end, about the same distance separates the soon to be diverted east branch and its new course.

These two short connections will hopefully be completed next summer. The need for this delay is largely due to ecological reasons. There is currently no vegetation established on the banks, therefore, a threat exists of soil eroding into the new stream course, and washing into already existing fish habitat. It will take at least one more season to get the proper water diversion structures in place, vegetation established, and all of the stream complexing secured in position.

Although the aforementioned details are important functional aspects of the project, compared to the incredible amount of work that has already been completed this summer, these matters should be easily accomplished.

The project has been blessed in many ways. For example, not one delay has been caused by weather. However, the project staff and the Haig-Brown Kingfisher Creek Society Board members have faced one challenge after another, and deserve much credit for dealing with all the obstacles efficiently and effectively.

The new branch of Haig-Brown Kingfisher Creek (background) is just meters from meeting with one of its water source:
the east branch of the creek (foreground).

Appreciation for the effort that has been put into the project will be felt by a large number of people and agencies. Communities and visitors will soon have access to a beautiful stream channel. Elementary students will be able to learn about watershed ecology with a hands-on approach. Furthermore, with the help of this web site, other restoration projects will be able to use this project as an example or precedent to familiarize them with some of the issues that they will inevitably face.

Thank you to all of those people that have shown support throughout this project. Without it, this new stretch of Haig-Brown Kingfisher Creek would never have been possible. As I've noted, this project is not yet complete, making the need for continued support far from over. The Society will always need political, financial, and even physical support to complete its goals. So come see the new Haig-Brown Kingfisher Creek, and while in the area, stop by the Haig-Brown Heritage House and purchase a membership for you and your family. Proceeds will be forwarded to the coho salmon of the Haig-Brown Kingfisher Creek watershed. On their behalf, thank you.

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