Volunteers and contractors worked to restore the bank of Brickel Creek where it was damaged when the bridge collapsed in 2023. In addition, a watering run was created for cattle that is designed to minimize bank erosion and keep the cattle from entering the creek. Inland Empire Paper Company provided logs and other materials for the restoration project. Hydrologist, Chris Hardy, planned the project, obtained necessary permits, and provided plantings and other materials needed for the project. Josh Clift, an expert landscape excavator operator, did most of the heavy lifting with a mini excavator. The SLPOA board allocated $3000 toward the project and provided volunteers. The weather was beautiful except for a wind and rainstorm on Friday, September 4th, which delayed completion into Sunday, October 6th. The purpose of the restoration is to stabilize the bank and reestablish some meandering to the stream to slow the waterflow. This will reduce erosion and to prevent silt from entering the stream and lake. Plantings also stabilize the bank and provide shade to reduce the temperature of the stream and cover for fish spawning. This is the fifth such restoration project SLPOA has undertaken over the past 10 years. Importantly, the work establishes new acquaintances, comradery, is fun and leaves the workers with a sense of accomplishment that benefits the watershed and lake. A big thank you to those who did the work!
