Sullivan Creek tree tipping project underway

Colville National Forest staff and partner Seattle City Light, have begun the third phase of restoration along Sullivan Creek as the tree tipping project, part of the Boundary Dam Hydroelectric Project, on Sullivan Creek Road.

The work began in mid-September and is anticipated to be complete by Nov. 13 with substantial completion by Oct. 30.

Sullivan Creek is located near Metaline Falls on the Newport-Sullivan Ranger Districts in Pend Oreille County. The project areas begin approximately 1.5 miles up Sullivan Creek Road off Sullivan Lake Road and extends up to Gypsy Meadows. Five campsites along this stretch of Sullivan Creek will be impacted by this project.

This goal of this project is to restore native fish habitat to Sullivan Creek. Native fish habitat creation is accomplished by creating log jams to improving habitat quantity and quality, reduce erosion, and increasing floodplain connectivity. The project involves using cables and rigging to directly fell trees at twenty-two work sites along Sullivan Creek to form log jams. In addition, excavation at the head of a side channel will take place to increase connectivity of this waterway to Sullivan Creek.

During construction, several campsites along Sullivan Creek may be temporarily closed to reduce public safety concerns when the contractors are operating equipment. There may also be some delays on the road when the trees are being tipped. We ask our visitors to please be cautious in these project areas while under active construction.

For any additional questions feel free to contact the Colville National Forest online at https://bit.ly/32QYJTF, or call 509-684- 7000.