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Traverse Area Paddle Club

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Trip Reports

July 3 - 1st Attempt To Remove Flood Debris From The Boardman

Published on 7/4/2013

 July 3, 2013

1st Attempt To Remove Large Flood Debris From the Boardman River

After obtaining grants from Rotary Charities' Good Works and Adams Chapter TU, the BRCS with the assistance of Steve Largent of the GTCD and David Fred of the BRCS, devised a plan to remove the large docks, decks and other large debris from the Boardman River which was washed into it on Oct 6th, 2012 when the dam failed at the Brown Bridge Dam removal construction site



This type of project has never been done before and much planning and thought went into the implementation of the final plan.  Some special equipment was needed and had to be fabricated to do the work.



11 volunteers, 4 women and 7 men from the BRCS, GTCD, ACTU and TAPC, worked together to start this project.  Two had to leave early and are not in the group shot.



We worked hard and got very dirty but took about half of the pieces out.  It was not easy.



We removed 10 of the 17 pieces that we had identified on our first attempt - about half.



We pulled out this bridge section with the winch. Look closely - you will see the hook we used.



In all, we removed about 2000 pounds of treated wood, hundreds of nails, bolts and screws, two 20' steel beams from a washed out bridge, 2 pieces of steel cable and a 36" saw mill blade.



We wrapped a chain around it and pulled it up the bank to be deconstructed with a chain saw.




It was a fun but tiring day and we will hit it again soon.

If you can paddle a tandem canoe in a moderately fast river and you don't mind some hard work and getting your feet wet, your help would be welcome.  Kayaks are NOT useful doing a project like this.  We have all the boats and gear you will need beyond your own personal items. A light lunch will be provided.  This is not a relaxing day on the river.  If you come to help, be prepared to expend some effort.

Stay tuned.


Norm Fred