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UPDATE!!! I will be cutting willow and cottonwood stakes around March 28 to 30th. Since Work Weekend has been moved, I will be planting willows around April 11-13th. If interested in helping, contact me.
Pat
719-244-7605Still plan to be up at the Falls for willow harvesting this March 28-30th. Willows cuttings will be stored in Cabin 6.
pat stout
Gary Craft and I cut 400 willows April 1 for planting as well as ~ dozen cottonwoods. We will meet Friday April 11 at Cabin 6 at 10:00 a.m.
Turkeys were forming large groups between the dam and Steer Creek. Also, many turkey seen South of the Boardman and down to Mullen. Quite a few whitetail between the golf course and the dam. Had to stop due to muleys around Merritt.
During the week, maybe 8/10 of an inch of rain and snow wetting the area.Walleye action on the dead side, but should be close!
Cabin 5 gaining traction – see photo
Keith Dittrich, Tim Petersen and myself planted ~ 400 willows on the Lil’ Sandy on both the east and west sides. The plantings were densely placed in areas where bank above was lacking vegetation and at high risk for erosion. So, watch your feet for 4-6 inch high cuttings. On the west side, the plantings are associated with alluvial fans of sediment and cattle cuts.
jp stout
In July, the willows from 2025 & 2024 are showing good growth and adding to the necessary diversity to strengthen a bank. At least one cottonwood cutting has budded.On both sides, I have put red/pink flags to alert anglers and watch where you step. The willows planted on the meander above the Little Sandy also show good survival and growth. This is really encouraging given the past cattle damage in this area and sensitive vertical banks. A few Peach Leaf willows have been found as well due to seed migration downstream from the Stout property. Peach Leaf is a native plant and tends to grow tall. A few pics of willows…
Willow and cottonwoods, along with other deciduous plants, shed lots and lots of leaves ending up in the river as leaf litter. While some anglers complain about how messy it is, it is essential for the health of the benthic macroinvertebrate community. Leaf litter in and around rivers and streams is a vital habitat for various insects, providing both food and shelter. These insects, often called “river bugs,” play a crucial role in the ecosystem, influencing the food web and overall stream health. I added a pic of a decomposing leaf in the river.
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