Those
watching will see excavators moving material
from the river bed to create a pool and build
out the bank, and large cranes will be driving
timber piles in the river to create two
pool-forming structures. Grading work will also
take place along the south bank of the river.Excavation of the pools through the river's braided reach will provide feeding and resting areas for Kootenai River white sturgeon and other native fish species, and the placement of wood piles will create eddies and other complex habitat areas used by fish. In addition, the structures are designed to redirect water flow to both protect the bank and maintain the pools.
Work
on the south bank is designed to limit erosion
and to provide flood plain surfaces. After
grading, the bank will be planted with native
plants to create a riparian buffer and enhance
the food web in the area.The Bonners Ferry Islands project, started last year with completion expected before this year ends, will also include construction of two islands on existing mid-channel bars, and it's just part of the tribe's 15-year, 55 mile Kootenai River Restoration Project, designed to revitalize the river and restore it as a viable habitat for the endangered sturgeon, ling cod and other aquatic species.
The projects are funded by the Bonneville Power Administration through the Northwest Power Council's Fish and Wildlife Program. To learn more, visit www.restoringthekootenai.org.