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That explains
everything--it's the sturgeon!
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May 20, 2014 |
SOS (Save Our Sturgeon). Here we go
again!
(Note: Photos included below)
Oh how we love Spring in Bonners Ferry! The
trees, bushes, flowers and blades of grass seem
to be reaching up to the blue sky above in
thanks and adoration to their Creator. We too
are in awe of the beauty that surrounds us here.
Not a day goes by that we don't appreciate
living here.
Last fall the protective fencing along our
stream was completed thanks to the cooperation
of the USDA. Last week we planted and watered
dozens of seedlings and several larger trees. I
recently placed an order for River Birch,
willows, Red Maple, and some bushes to be
planted in about two weeks. Not only would these
efforts beautify the acreage, but the new
habitat would be beneficial to the birds and
other wildlife.
Working with advice from the UI Extension
Office, the weeds are controlled and the pasture
is healthy and green. We have so enjoyed the
horses (and the deer) grazing in the lush and
firm pasture. I am raising three bottle calves,
and we look forward to turning them onto the
pasture in mid-July. The posts arrived last week
to begin building the horse round pen.
So, what's wrong with this picture? Last Friday
as I awoke and went outside to greet the
morning, check on the horses and tend to the
calves, I was shocked to see that 75% of our
pasture was gone, the recently planted seedlings
were nowhere to be found, and the proposed
location of the round pen was under water. What
natural disaster had caused this calamity?
Unlike the 200-year flood from two years ago
(with three feet of water in our driveway), I
soon learned, thanks to NewsBF.com [click
here to read the story], that the sturgeon
were unhappy. So to make their sex life
more satisfying, the dam people at Libby decided
to flood my pasture. Note that as I rowed my
boat throughout my pasture, I did not see even
one sturgeon, endangered mosquito, nor even a
minnow. I did see several green frogs, however I
would guess that their appearance had nothing to
do with this man-made disaster.
I understand that in a week my pasture will
start draining as the sturgeon take a much
needed break from their strenuous activities,
but my pasture will then turn into a mud bog,
then a week or two later the sturgeon will be at
it again.
p.s. If someone could loan me some diving gear,
then I could start planting when the trees
arrive.
Joe Ward |
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