The Christmas Trees next to the Les Schwab parking lot now rest in Camp Creek. We were all thankful for Craig Beyer and his equipment. At 8:00 AM Craig loaded all the trees in Ean Wright’s dump truck, Jim Irvine’s dump trailer and Steve Godin’s dump trailer. We (Dave Davis, Will, Dave’s neighbor, Dave Brandon, Bill Harris, Bruce Harris, Jerry Noel, Matt Bolin, and Travis Barnum (apologies, if I missed someone)) all admired Craig’s effortless handiwork, effortless on our part.
Ron Frakes, Reedsport Science Teacher, arrived with ten students, and we drove out to Camp Creek. The trees were dumped at two locations along the shores of Camp Creek. The students took care of the rest, and in a matter of minutes had them down to the creek.
Normally, a Biologist from the Roseburg Office of ODFW would be there to instruct the students. Unfortunately, he was sick. So, Steve Godin with six years of experience on this project, instructed the students in what to do. The students dug right in, and the trees were jammed into and under logs and rocks. The water was low and the project went quickly and safely.
The Christmas Trees serve a couple of purposes in terms of fish habitat. The trees provide cover for juvenile salmon and trout from predators, birds and other fish. Additionally, the trees help to slow the water velocity, allowing gravel to build up which is what salmon and trout spawn in. This project is also an educational opportunity for all involved.
The students enjoyed sandwiches and refreshments and a bit of rest after the project completion. Thanks to Damon at Leona’s Café for the sandwiches at a discounted price. We all put our masks on and got together for the group picture.