(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
