Ranch Creek Project Pictures

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The first step was to cut logs which were then hand carried to the stream (no small chore in itself). The logs were then strategically placed as dams to raise the water level where needed and to divert water in order to get the correct flow over the bed locations. The logs are held in place with rebar driven into the stream bed with a sledge hammer and heavy rocks gathered from elsewhere on the stream.

With the logs in place, rock was gathered from the stream bed and filtered to get the ideal size gravel for spawning purposes. The gravel was then spread and racked at the bed location.

However, the beds won't do any good unless the fish are able to reach them. Barriers had to be removed at several locations and/or ladders created to by-pass obstructions.

A small pond on the creek is home to a number of resident fish but affords them virtually no protection. The fish immediately took advantage of logs were placed around the perimeter.