Save the eels, build an eel pass

More like "save the dam from eels, build an eel pass". Part 2 of the swamp dam reconstruction involved building wings on the downstream side of the dam, again to stop both turbulence and eel actvity. The reason for the dam construction is to hold back water that feeds our ponds and floods the eastern side of the river when the autumn rains come. The water levels held are artificially high in terms of historical levels, probably up to 10cm's higher than 'normal'. Rick, Jason me and dad were the available crew. I met Rick at the landing at 7.30 and we took off  and met the others at the hut. A couple of coffees were needed, I was feeling knackered having woken for no reason at 4.15.

First order of business was to put in a coffer dam, to drain the working area. The lads set about clearing the working area and in the process we discovered yet another eel hole. This one leaked constantly as we worked so looked like a well formed eel pass.

Der ex-Schwampenfuhrer salutes his minions. Heil!



We drove in the iron and 12 x 1" for the rear wings.

Then we mixed and poured concrete to fill the wings.

By now we were were 6 hours in and all done... well maybe not. The number of eels we had bailed out of the working area was staggering. So rather than wait for another day, we got stuck into building an eel pass. The most practical solution was to build a sluice which we carpeted... and the cut a slot in the dam face board.

Then we capped the wing area so that DOC would be happy that they can't be sued if someone stubs their toe.

And finally, we were done.

Next jobs needing completion:

1. Spraying back the spring/summer weed growth
2. Building new mai mai at McLennan's
3. Extending Puru mai mai
4. Chop firewood

You could ask if all the work is justified? Well all I can say is that the coming season will be my 33rd and not an off-season has gone by where plenty of effort has been required. When you see ducklings in the ponds and can take a decent bag on a regular basis, then yeah its more than worth it.