March 2002;

                 Frank Plona, Western Projects Manager, Farmington Valley TU

Phase I of the Pequabuck River boulder project was completed in March, 2002.
Cornerstone of the rock project was construction of a rock weir. The weir is a horseshoe like structure of multiple boulders, built in and on the sides of streambed, lower in the middle and higher on the sides. The weir will channel high flood water into the center of the streambed creating a plunge pool and a deeper water hole for trout and other adult species of fish which inhabit the Pequabuck River.
To construct the weir you first have to remove streambed gravel material about equal to the volume of rocks you will be putting in. Next a row of "footer" boulders are set into the cut out streambed. Footer rocks won't move in high water flows and provide the base on which another layer of boulders will be placed. Rocks placed in a stream without a base are liable to bounce and slide on the gravel bottom.

Extra boulders were initially intended to be used for several boulder cluster placements in other nearby shallow flow sites. However the south side bank had no trees. We used boulders there to help stabilize bank

Erosion control hay bales were removed back to streamside at end of day on March 1

Overnight rain of 1.3" brought river about 1' on the morning of March 2nd. Immediately out the tail out of the weir pool TU members had placed two large "cover" boulders which can be seen here.

                              River site before and after construction                  

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