Phase 2 of the Tolmie Clay Slide Stabilization for 2004 will be completed with ten more groynes by using bioengineering techniques to stabilize the clay slopes.

The work planned for the summer of 2004 is the main part of the stabilizaiton work. First of all, it will consist of constructing ten additional groynes, and adjustments to the four built in September 2003, to bring the total to fourteen. These groynes will be built with "large woody debris" (cedar stumps) anchored to granite boulders and protected by large riprap rocks. They will protect the slide toe from erosion, add biomass to the river system, and provide shelter for migrating salmon during fall floods. Then the bioengineering will take place with live pole staking of willows and cottonwood, wattles of willow whips, to help stabilizing the slopes with vegetation.

Erosion from the Tolmie Slide produces clay silt that causes siltation of 28 km of downstream Chilliwack River, sealing spawning gravel and smothering aquatic life so important for rearing healthy fish fry and smolts.

If we are able to aquire sufficent funding for 2004 the major part of the work will be complete.

Our major funding partner was the Pacific Salmon foundation and Habitat Conservation Trust Fund.