Sediment is the Number One Threat to the North Branch Watershed

On Saturday afternoon, October 13, two erosion survey teams floated sections of the North Branch to locate and identify erosion sites. Recently trained by John Bailey of Huron Pines, Tom Wessels, Neil Wallace, Greg Bierl, and Bill Anderson teamed up in two man teams and floated two sections. Greg and Bill surveyed from Kellogg Bridge to Wye Bend and Tom and Neil from Wye Bend to the Main Stream confluence.

Armed with 100' tape measures, GPS instruments, and cameras, the two teams identified 10 sites, 5 were above Wye Bend and 5 were below. These along with 3 previously identified sites off of Red Dog Trail brought the total to 13.

There were 4 sites determined to be minor, 5 moderate, and 4 severe. Many of these have been in existence for years, however several have just occurred in the last year. Those recent sites were probably made apparent by the severity of ice formations on the river last year.

At this time, remediation of these erosion sites will have to wait until next spring/summer. However, work will begin now on getting property owners' permission and permits for one or two selected sites. John Bailey was kind enough to assist us with establishing a plan for remediation at one of the sites that we hope to tackle first. As work progresses on the first site as well as other sites, we will keep property owners informed through the NB Foundation website and newsletter.