Cadron "Barking Dog Rapid" Tree Report

[Cowper]

After seeing this in person, I have to say, PLEASE DO NOT CUT OUT THIS TREE unless you have the permission of the landowner!

Cutting this tree would be the moral equivalent of taking a bulldozer into your neighbor’s yard and digging a large hole. You wouldn't even think of doing that without asking, now would you?

I made a quick trip up to Cadron this morning to see for myself what folks have been talking about. I had my chainsaw with me, but after seeing the situation first hand I changed my plans. The tree has fallen, but IMO the root wad is still helping restrain a large sandy embankment that looks ready to wash out in a future flood. On this same bank are 3 or 4 other large trees, already leaning out over the river with root systems being undermined by high water. My concern is that once the now-down tree is cut, the remainder of the bank could collapse more quickly. In effect, some of this landowners land is likely to be washed away by Cadron creek.

Anyone who cuts this tree could be responsible for future property damage. Yes, I know that the bank will probably collapse someday anyway. But if it does that now, it will be an “act of God”, not something we caused.

Although I decided no effort should be made to cut the tree, I did try to make it a little safer for boaters by cutting some of the small diameter branches that might snag a boater, and cut away some sticks that were protruding from the river right bank just before you get to the tree. Until the tree shifts again, we should be able to pass safely under the right side as was reported a few days ago. At some higher levels, we might need to portage. And of course, other trees could lodge here at any time, so we’re going to need to approach this area with caution.

[MStanley]

Portage on the right for kayaks and even canoes seemed to be OK when we first saw this several weeks ago. I hope you made a hole big enough for "rafts". We had to carry and push mine through the tree branches when we found this the first time

[Cowper]

I hope you made a hole big enough for "rafts".

Oh yee of little faith...

Of course it is big enough. Only one limb still projects down into the water, all others were cut flush with the main trunk. You could easily pass to the right of that. I'm assuming you mean where one would float under, when level is not too high. I did NOT clear a portage trail. I don't mean to make this sound like a big deal; most of the limbs I cut were pretty small and I was at it for only about an hour.

Paddle rafts should be able to go under much of the time; I'd be more careful approaching with an oar rig that had a fixed seat and oarlocks sticking up, as the oar rigs will require a lower level to pass freely under.

The good news is that this is all clearly visible from pretty far upstream; I don't think anyone should be caught by "surprise". If in doubt, land upstream and walk down to check it out.

[Jim Krueger]

Cowper,

That sounds like a very good job ,while still being considerate of the river ecology! Marlo, Gary, Karla and I floated the North Fork of the Saline R. near here recently and I really wanted to bushwhack a tree we encountered...
Thanks always for your and Debbie's efforts on so many fronts!


Best Regards
Jim Moose

[Lakefire]

Jim can you tell me what side of the steel bridge you put in at and where ? I live on off river ridge but I'm not sure where to put in on N Fork ,Scott

[Jim Krueger]

Scott,

The steel bridge the road and place is named after is long gone, replaced with a concrete bridge. At one time I'm sure the best place was on the upstream side of the bridge where there was a handy road right down to the river's edge. Currently, I put in on the downstream side of the bridge by just pulling up there and carrying the boats and equipment about 75 yards down the highway right-of-way to the stream. Until this last trip I've always had Marlo let me off there without having to worry about leaving a vehicle. However on this last trip I put us all in then drove my truck further West on Steel Bridge road to the next houses on the left. I took the time to visit with the man living at the second driveway and he was very gracious, letting me park within his fenced property. It was about a quarter mile walk back to the river and my companions, but 'no hill for a stepper'. I didn't learn the man's name but next time I'm out that way on my little motorcycle I hope to find him in to thank him again.


Best Regards
Jim

P.S. We live very close by so if I can assist you in the future with a shuttle I will be pleased to, with enough advanced notice. Marlo and I live not far away, 1/2 mile from the take-out on 'Scenic' Highway 5 near Riverside Grocery and Station.

Email at jm.krueger@att.net, or in a pinch, call 501 and 8608323

[Lakefire]

I'm old enough that I remember the steel bridge well , the only time I have done this section was years ago with my brother , we started just below the lake , I'm about 5 mins, from Riverside G , on Sunnybrook , 501-3161673 , you want to run it some day let me know , will be on the OT this week-end , trail work , Scott