Double R Annual Members’ Barbecue

Friday, June 27, 2014:

MEMBER ALERT !   Annual Members’ Barbecue  . . July 5

Just a reminder that the annual Members’ Barbecue starts at 4:00 p.m., on Saturday, July 5, 2014 at the Gazebo.  We will be dedicating the newly restored Purdy/Kilpatrick Pond and Dam.  The customary Roast Pig and Prime Rib dinner will be served after cocktails, beer and wine.  Please bring a covered dish, dessert or hors d’oeuvres.  The festivities will include a Calcutta sporting clay shoot for both men and women.  There will be an art showing by local artist J. Ken Spencer with 10 percent of the proceeds donated to stream restoration; consider picking up one of these fine paintings.  For further information call Nick (208.720.5150) or Sherri (208.309.2313). 

At the Members’ Barbecue your Stream Keeper is launching the Silver Creek Willow Project, the goal of which is to plant streamside willows and native trees along the Double R stretch of Silver Creek.  I am hoping that each Member will become a Project Sponsor by purchasing at least one  5 gallon bucket of rooted willow or a native tree.  

Next Spring we will be planting 5 gallon pots of rooted willows along the east bank of the Ranch water from Beat #6 all the way down to Beat #1, and elsewhere as contributions permit.  Mature willows and other woody vegetation:  (1) stabilize the stream bank; (2) provide shelter for trout; (3) moderate water temperature by shading the creek; (4) reduce sediment runoff; (5) favorably influence nutrient processing, specifically nitrogen; (6) and create wind breaks which benefit the angler.  Native trees shade the water, break the wind and create buffers between the creek and adjacent agricultural lands .  According to the Nature Conservancy’s report entitled, Silver Creek Watershed: An Ecological Enhancement Strategy for Silver Creek, Idaho, re-vegetating the riparian zone is the best passive strategy for achieving long term benefits to the ecosystem and its fishery.  

You can purchase a 5 gallon bucket of rooted willows or a native tree for $30, or four buckets for $100.  All sponsors will receive a snazzy car window decal.  Donations may be made at the Members’ Barbecue or by contacting Stream Keeper Doug Andres at his on-site trailer or by phone (503.939.7657). 

Doug Andres

Stream Keeper