Nooksack, N. Fork

Whatcom County Public Works has informed us that Construction of Engineered Log Structures (ELS) is scheduled to begin in early July 2024 for the Truck Road Bank Stabilization Project. The site is on river right downstream of the Welcome Bridge Access and downstream of the confluence with the Middle Fork Nooksack. River users should be aware of the construction hazard this summer. Following construction, yellow reflective warning signs will be placed upstream of the ELS and warning markers will be placed on the ELS, to aid river users in identifying the hazard.

As part of the ongoing engineered log jam construction downstream of Milepost 27 near Maple Falls, low bridges have been placed over the channel and are impassable with limited to no portage around the upstream bridges. We advise all boaters to avoid the reach downstream of Milepost 27 from 8/2/2022 until 8/20/2022.

Please see the notification previously emailed to known river user lists for additional project information:
In an effort to ensure all river recreationists' safety and enjoyment on the river this summer, the Nooksack Indian Tribe’s Natural Resources Department would like to inform you that we will be constructing Engineered Log Jams (ELJ’s) and Flood Fence Structures as part of the North Fork Nooksack Maple Phase 2 Restoration Project this summer. The ELJ’s will be constructed within the active channel of the North Fork Nooksack River on both the right and left sides of the river.

The project is located between river miles 50.1 to 50.5 near Maple Falls, downstream of the informal river access at SR542 Milepost 27 and upstream of Maple Canyon near the Glen at Maple Falls development. Construction will occur July thru early September 2022. This is the last of two phases for the Maple Restoration Project.

Please be aware that bridges have been installed over the active channel as shown in the notification sign at the link below. In addition, please watch for heavy equipment, construction, and coffer dams (super sacks) in the channel. Large warning signs will be placed upstream of the bridges to warn boaters to exit the river.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/30kvf2cqqj4uwx9/River%20User%20Notification%20Sign\_Maple%20Phase%202.pdf?dl=0

The River User Notification Sign will be posted at popular river access locations and community boards in Glacier and Maple Falls. We will also be posting this information on the American Whitewater Association website. Please share this information with your club forums and/or share it with your fellow river users, guides, and clients. Please contact us if you or someone you know would like to be added to our river-user contact list for future updates.

Additionally, if you have suggestions for other river access sites where signs would be helpful or how to improve our notification process, please let us know; we’re open to feedback!

Thank you and have a safe and fun season on the water!

Lindsie Fratus-Thomas
Watershed Restoration Coordinator
Nooksack Indian Tribe
Natural & Cultural Resources Department
Office 360.592.5140 Ext 3135
lfratus@nooksack-nsn.gov

Downstream of the Maple Falls canyon (downstream of Maple Creek/The Glen) in what I refer to as the Kendall Braids, the river has changed significantly during these last major flood cycles. Lots of new wood, enormous trees, and the engineered log jams are doing their job very well and racking up lots of wood. We floated at 2,000 cfs and were able to get through numerous tight channels, but at lower water there will likely be additional smaller blockages to watch out for.

There is one major complete blockage logjam about halfway through the braids when the river hooks and hugs right up next to the left bank. Portage required! Stay on your toes through this section. Another smaller jam downstream closer to Nork Fork Road.

In an effort to ensure all river recreationalists’ safety and enjoyment on the river this summer, the Nooksack Indian Tribe’s Natural & Cultural Resources Department would like to inform you that we will be constructing Engineered Log Jams (ELJ’s) as part of the North Fork Nooksack Maple Phase 1 Restoration Project this summer. The ELJ’s will be constructed within the active channel of the North Fork Nooksack River on both the right and left sides of the river. The project is located between river miles 49.8-50.2 near Maple Falls, downstream of the informal river access at SR542 Milepost 27 and upstream of Maple Canyon near the Glen at Maple Falls development. Construction will occur July thru September 2021. This is the first of two phases for the Maple Restoration Project. Please be aware that bridges have been installed over the active channel. These bridges are low and impassible to boaters, please plan to portage around by exiting river left. In addition, please watch for heavy equipment, construction, and coffer dams in the channel. Large warning signs will be placed upstream of the bridges to warn boaters to exit the river. Please plan to portage around the project site! Photos of the bridges along with the River User Notification Sign are available upon request. Notification Signs have been posted at popular river access locations and community boards in Glacier and Maple Falls. Please post this information to your group forums and/or share with your fellow river users, guides and clients. If you or someone you know would like to be added to our river-user contact list for future updates, please contact us at the emails below. Additionally, if you have suggestions for other river access sites where signs would be helpful, or how to improve our notification and warning signs; please let us know, we’re open to feedback! Thank you and have a safe and fun season on the water! Eric Stover (Maple Project Manager)- estover@nooksack-nsn.gov Lindsie Fratus-Thomas (Farmhouse Project Manager)- lfratus@nooksack-nsn.gov 360-592-5140

**PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE: Please note that the 3-mile reach downstream from the Maple Canyon has been the focus of salmon habitat restoration by the Nooksack Tribe in recent years. Numerous engineered log jams, often indicated by the presence of yellow diamond-shaped signs, have been constructed in the active channel. Please exercise caution in navigating this reach.