Who removes fallen trees from rivers?!?

[Huron Angler]

My favorite river to canoe, boat and fish has 2 HUGE hardwoods that have fallen and blocked any hopes of getting past.

The question is(and I know the Michigan DNR isn't exactly rolling in cash) who takes care of this?

The trees would require 30+ inch chainsaws or dynamite to remove(it is a residential area so I'm leaning towards the saw) and a pretty stable boat or a crane.

Any thoughts?

 

[gonefishie]

Re: Who removes fallen trees from rivers?!?

I vote for chainsaw. Ask the DNR first to see if they object to you doing it.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Who removes fallen trees from rivers?!?

My problem is that my boat or canoe is not stable enough to take on a endeavor of this magnitude. The thing is heavy enough to sink/tip my boat so I'd probably have to roll out there with some waders to get at it safely.

Anyone have experience with this?

 

[i386]

Re: Who removes fallen trees from rivers?!?

Sounds like dangerous work, even with a barge. Is it not practical/possible to make a trail for the purpose of portaging around the obstacle? Does the river ever flood?

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Who removes fallen trees from rivers?!?

Sounds like dangerous work, even with a barge. Is it not practical/possible to make a trail for the purpose of portaging around the obstacle? Does the river ever flood?

Portaging would involve trekking about 60yds through private property and it was a mess of muddy tick-infested deer trails and my 12ft aluminum boat may not fit through the trees...so we opted to beach it and then head back.

With a canoe it may be easier but not by much.

The river's annual flood just dissipated and the levels dropped about 2 feet, probably eroding the soil a bit resulting in the trees falling.

The river is narrow and shallow(3-8 feet in the middle) so bringing a barge or even a larger boat than mine would be impossible.

Termites would be the best way to cheaply remove the obstacle

I guess I'll be heading upstream for the remainder of the year

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Who removes fallen trees from rivers?!?

technically, non navigable water. doubt any agency will touch it. just nature. if it would block natural flood drainage, then possible.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Who removes fallen trees from rivers?!?

technically, non navigable water. doubt any agency will touch it. just nature. if it would block natural flood drainage, then possible.

LOL, TD that's what I love about the river in the first place so I agree 100%.

Never see anything larger than a 15' jonboat back in that stretch. Lots of canoes and kayaks on the weekends though.

 

[Adjuster]

Re: Who removes fallen trees from rivers?!?

Any airboats in your area?

 

[fire831]

Re: Who removes fallen trees from rivers?!?

I would be careful about trying to move, remove it myself. If it breaks free and floats down stream and causes damage after you mess with it you can bet the people would be after you. If it does it on it's own, hello insurance company.

 

[aborgman]

Re: Who removes fallen trees from rivers?!?

technically, non navigable water. doubt any agency will touch it. just nature. if it would block natural flood drainage, then possible.

Actually if it is the Huron he's talking about, it is a "navigable" river in the legal sense.

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Water97e_142928_7.pdf

--
aborgman

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Who removes fallen trees from rivers?!?

Any airboats in your area?

I've seen one at a local lake that people shoot carp out of at night with recurve bows. Not sure if they would be interested in this venture though.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Who removes fallen trees from rivers?!?

Actually if it is the Huron he's talking about, it is a "navigable" river in the legal sense.

Thanks for the link, that's some good reading.

It's actually the Looking Glass river(Huron Angler refers to the big lake) and the trees are west of airport road in DeWitt. I called the DNR and they suggested that I call Clinton County to see what they have to say about it since the trees most likely fell from private property.

If it was state land the DNR would get involved according the lady I talked to.

Thanks for the replies fellas.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Who removes fallen trees from rivers?!?

How deep is the water? How wide is the river? How fast is the river (FPS)?

You would be surprised what a few well placed come-a-longs can move. Can they be pulled to the side of the river?

Were they dead trees or covered in foliage?

Sounds like a natural Abatis

 

[wajajaja02]

Re: Who removes fallen trees from rivers?!?

you might investigate what will make them rot a little faster then what nature will do on its own, that will take years. you might speed it up a bit with some chemicals, legal ones of course.

 

[lowkee]

Re: Who removes fallen trees from rivers?!?

See what the county says about it. They may have some fire fighters just dying to use some dynomite on it. All it will take is a drilled hole and a little bit..

They may also make the homeowner clean it up, being their tree and all. In which case, plan to never see it leave.

 

[gonefishie]

Re: Who removes fallen trees from rivers?!?

wade out there and cut the end of it off just enough for a passage. tie a rope to the part you're planning on cutting and then drag it to the bank. Tell the property owner that the county said he/she is responsible and you would like to make a passage. They might even help ya.

 

[angus63]

Re: Who removes fallen trees from rivers?!?

1-800-beavers

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Who removes fallen trees from rivers?!?

1-800-beavers

LOL...there used to be plenty of beavers that could've taken care of this in very little time but back in the day a bunch of French people decided that they loved hats made from the little guys.

Not many beaver left here and people are still claiming that the few left are a nuisance to be killed

 

[CN Spots]

Re: Who removes fallen trees from rivers?!?

Down here I'd call our district's Army Corps of Engineers and tell them about it. They do all the repairs and clean-up of stuff like that. When/if you call, use phrases like "impeding river traffic" and "potential flood hazard in residential area".

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Who removes fallen trees from rivers?!?

I vote for dynamite, and take lots of photos.

1-800-beavers

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