Pack River Delta restoration project under way

SANDPOINT — The Pack River Delta wants to be a delta.

But human land and water management practices have not made life easy for the 640-acre delta on Lake Pend Oreille, which is succumbing to streambank erosion, overland flow erosion and wind erosion.

Kathy Cousins, a mitigation biologist with the Idaho Department of Fish & Game, hopes a project currently under way in the delta will counteract the effects of human influences and halt the fading of the alluvial deposit’s ecological luster.

“It wants to be a delta — if we provide it that extra stability,” Cousins said.

To that end, Fish & Game is teaming up with Ducks Unlimited, Avista Corp. and other organizations to increase the geomorphic and vegetative diversity of the delta by installing a series of engineered log structures and bioengineering methods such as fascines, willow bundles and pole plantings.

Those log structures and vanes are meant to redirect and slow the flow of the Pack before it reaches the main part of the lake. The height and stability of a small network of disappearing islands will also be increased, which will improve their functionality and availability to waterfowl and other birds.

“If we don’t do anything, we’ll have no islands in time,” said Cousins.

The construction of the Albeni Falls Dam on the Pend Oreille River in 1952 altered the hydrology of the lake, which impacted the delta, also known as Pack River Flats. The delta had also been used historically to harvest hay.

The $800,000 restoration project is being sustained primarily through a North American Wetland Conservation Act grant awarded to Ducks Unlimited. Congress adopted the act in 1989 to conserve wetlands throughout the nation.

Cousins is by no means opposed to using grants to acquire lands to compensate for destroyed wetlands, but said restoration is a better option for the delta.

“It’s best, in my eyes, to protect what we have now,” she said.

Cousins is not alone in her desire to protect the delta.

The presence of excavators and track-mounted dump trucks in the flats this winter has some residents concerned that resort and housing development is occurring there.

Fish & Game is seeking volunteers for tree and vegetation planting initiative set for April 6-23. Students from Sandpoint High School will assist with the planting on April 13-16.

A second planting event will involve the planting of herbaceous plants and is set for the first two weeks of July.

Outfitter Cabelas is sponsoring a Dutch oven cooking contest during each day of the planting initiative. Each day a winner will be chosen by participating volunteers.

All the winners will be invited to compete in a final cook-off for a grand prize during a dedication ceremony on the last day of planting.

Those interested in volunteering are asked to call Fish & Game regional office in Coeur d’Alene at (208) 769-1414. Volunteers are encouraged to wear waterproof footwear and to dress according to weather conditions.

Volunteers needed

Idaho Fish & Game is seeking volunteers to help plant trees and plants for the Pack River restoration project. Planting events are set for April and July, and they include Dutch oven cook-offs.

Those interested in volunteering are asked to the department’s regional office in Coeur d’Alene at (208) 769-1414.