Libby Dam, USA – In a significant milestone for the Kootenai River ecosystem, EWN Researchers Zac Corum and Andy Goodwin, alongside a dedicated team, successfully initiated the first year of large wood nourishment as part of the EWN funded pilot project. The project aims to improve habitat conditions in the Kootenai River, specifically below Libby Dam, where the natural supply of large wood has been impeded due to the dam’s presence.
The primary goal of the pilot project is to beneficially reuse woody debris, which traditionally has been managed through contract burning and firewood production, impacting USACE operation and maintenance (O&M) costs. Instead, the project aims to place the woody debris in the river to enhance habitat conditions. Drawing inspiration from the successful large wood nourishment project at Howard Hanson Dam, the team is optimistic that this approach will yield comparable benefits on the Kootenai River.
This week marked a crucial step in the implementation phase, as the dedicated team at Libby Dam, led by Mr. Josh Baltz and Mr. Donald Baney, successfully completed the necessary work. Supported by the expertise of Libby Dam equipment operators and park rangers, they laid the groundwork for the large wood nourishment project.
Similar to the outcomes observed at Howard Hanson Dam, the project team anticipates substantial improvements in habitat conditions along the Kootenai River. These enhancements will be achieved at a considerably lower cost compared to traditional engineering and construction methods, making the project a cost-effective and sustainable solution.
The successful initiation of the large wood nourishment project at Libby Dam showcases the collaboration of the research team and the partnering organizations involved. As the project progresses, it is expected to contribute significantly to the ecological health of the Kootenai River and serve as a model for similar endeavors nationwide.
