Shoreline stabilization project continues along Pend Oreille River

A shoreline stabilization project which started in August 2019 will continue this year.

The project is taking place at several sites a few miles south of Tiger on the Newport-Sullivan Lake Ranger Districts in the Colville National Forest.

Currently, U.S. Forest Service crews are removing and stockpiling trees in the area. Earthwork is anticipated to begin Aug. 15 and will likely take eight to 10 weeks, officials said in a press release.

Work is not expected to affect travel in the area.

The project is part of the Box Canyon Dam relicensing and mitigation efforts to stabilize almost 2,000 feet of shoreline impacted by wave action and the seasonal fill and release of water. The goal of the project is to prevent the continued erosion of National Forest Service lands into the river, while also restoring the natural sloping banks and habitat along the river edge.

The stabilization process will begin by slopping back the now vertical banks. Then, logs with their root wads attached will be taken from nearby USFS land and placed in a configuration providing roughness to slow the flow of water into the bank. Rocks, sand, and native soil will create the foundation for the restored bank vegetation. From there, native plants will be hand placed and a slurry of seeds and mulch, and the area will be hydroseeded to encourage faster regrowth.

During construction, the area will be closed to reduce public safety concerns while the contractors are operating equipment.

Information: 509-684-7000 or fs.usda.gov/contactus/colville/about-forest/contactus