All content © Robert Williamson

All content © Robert Williamson

Thursday, June 10, 2010

RAGING FLOODWATERS!

The wet spring (raining yet again today) and the transition from cool temperatures to hot a few days last week has the rivers, streams, and creeks bank full and flooding in some places. I hate when this happens. To help stop the flooding, big backhoes end up in the rivers dredging them--not a good thing for pristine trout habitat. I know what's more important, trout habitat or human habitat? I took several physical geography and geology classes in college and we discussed the pros and cons of building homes in flood planes, alluvial deposits, and mountain side slumping areas. If I remember right, it just wasn't the smartest thing to do. I wonder if the landowners who were so adamant that fishermen stay out of "their" streams and helped pass House Bill 141 last legislative session ( which keeps fishermen out of public waters flowing through private land) are happy to have their privacy invaded by sandbaggers. Funny how the tables can turn. Maybe the flooding is God's way to show them they were being selfish?

I hope they don't have to get into the middle Provo River and dredge. That area was ruined back in the early 80's and the last few years it was rebuilt to put the river back into its historical, meandering bed. Sandbagging is in full force on the upper Weber. I drove past the lower Weber today and it is bank full and chocolate flavored. The Ogden is prime for kayaking and running silted green. On a good note: the Logan , Blacksmith, and streams and creeks up north seem to be okay--so far.

I'll be dreaming of late summer and fall fishing, patiently waiting for the waters to drop. It seems I have to be patient for lots of things this year--waiting for the waters to recede and waiting for the air to clear. Patience!

1 comment:

Unknown said...

I've read about the rebuilding of the Provo River, and it's great that they were able to restore it back after it has been ruined back in 1980s. This time, I learned that they're also rehabilitating the Ogden river, wherein Gadi Leshem is the consultant of the project. It's very inspiring to know that Ogden River will also become clean, useful, and fully rehabilitated in the near future. Thanks for writing about rivers! I appreciate it so much.