[brcs-announce] BB Dam update

[Norman R. Fred]

Tuesday (9/11/12)  First off I’m happy to announce that we saw the entire 
family of Trumpeter Swans flying low over the pond and landing this 
morning before our Construction Team meeting.   Prior to this we had 
reports that the cygnets were exercising their wings but no one had 
actually seen them in flight until today.   It was obvious by a couple 
face plants that they still need to work on their landing technique.   
As of yesterday Molon had dredged 53,810 cubic yards of material.   That number should surpass 55,000 by the end of the day today.  The Molon 
crew opened the new section of channel below the East Overlook to water 
today and hope to have water flowing through the remainder of the new 
channel by noon tomorrow.    After this they will  commence with the 
remaining 2.5 foot drawdown that can be obtained using the existing 
gates in the lower part of the power house.  This will help dry up the 
east delta area so Molon can begin to shaping the flood plain along the 
banks of the new river channel while the crew working on the sheet pile 
finishes up the temporary drawdown structure.   It’s anticipated the 
temporary drawdown structure will take a couple weeks to complete.  At 
that time Molon will proceed with the final drawdown of the pond.   The 
young swans should be strong fliers by then.  I’ll be on vacation 
starting tomorrow for a week so this is the last update you’ll receive 
from me until I return.  In the meantime, check out the progress from 
the East Overlook in person if you have a chance.  S.
 Steve Largent
Boardman River Program Coordinator
Grand Traverse Conservation District
231.941.0960 Ext - 16
231.883.9960
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