What is Large Woody Debris? 
Large woody debris refers to trees that have either fallen or been placed into river systems. It includes all types and sizes of trees.
Historically, trees entered the river system as they died and fell along the riverbank. However, during Michigan’s logging boom, most of the trees were removed to allow downstream transport of timber. Land development and the construction of dams also contributed to the loss of this critical debris.
For years, fisheries biologists have identified a lack of in-stream “large woody debris (LWD)” as one of the major problems facing the Au Sable River’s fishery. The popular river system brings millions of recreation dollars into the area, but without the investment of stream enhancement programs, the quality of those recreational opportunities is diminished.
Why is Large Woody Debris Important?
The fish love it; large woody debris structures serve a number of functions in the river system including critical fish habitat. And, the trees prevent future erosion. In addition to providing habitat diversity for numerous species of fish, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians, the debris protects streambanks from erosion and buffers the effects of high water flows.
View a view a LWD video on 9&10 news, click here.
Stream Restoration
Huron Pines annually coordinates a number of Large Woody Debris projects. Huron Pines uses a combination of techniques to improve stream habitat. Throughout the field season, a Restoration Crew works on a variety of projects including the placement of Large Woody Debris. In addition, we coordinate one week during which a helicopter is used to place whole trees in river systems.
Fortunately, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) recognizes the need for active habitat improvement efforts and is providing $400,000 in funding (2008-2009) to do large woody debris stream enhancement. The funding was initially allocated several years ago, but put on hiatus due to budget cuts with the Fisheries Division.
Huron Pines originally started the LWD program on the Au Sable River in the late 1990s and in partnership with the Au Sable North Branch Area Association, was the first to pioneer the use of a heavy-lift helicopter for stream habitat improvement east of the Mississippi. In recent years, much of the LWD effort has focused on the North Branch with great results.
To accomplish the goal of placing whole trees into the river, the helicopter lifts the downed tree with the root mass still intact. By keeping the root mass and the tree together, the complexity of the structural habitat increases for both terrestrial and aquatic species.
Partners
We would like to thank a number of our project partners, including the U.S. Forest Service and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. During times of strict budget cuts in the state department, Huron Pines has been able to continue adding LWD to the river through the support of its members and from generous contributions from several angler and conservation organizations.
For more information, contact Patrick Ertel.
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