Breakfast, blogging, home! July 25, 2015

David Matheson: Chief Executive Officer!

Home sweet home! Well, almost. Morning has come and it's time to pack everything to get on the road. First, inventory, then breakfast that was provided by Monet Becenti's grandfather.

Monet's grandfather, chief executive officer of the Coeur d' Alene Casino, was kind enough to invite us all for breakfast. From the kindness of his heart, he asks for nothing more than to visit with us as we enjoy a nice breakfast! From the fresh fruit, and pastries of every kind, the meals were delicious! There was so much food, my eyes became more hungry than my stomach!

We were all very thankful for such generosity shown to us. Even though David didn't know us at all, It's people like himself that show the rest of us, how wonderful people really can be. David Matheson cares about everyone and welcomes you with open arms. He didn't have to treat us to breakfast or even pay for our campsite, but he did out of pure kindness.

Sometimes we forget that our behavior and how we treat people can affect others in either a negative or positive way. We can can choose to make or break someone else's day without even realizing it. It's people like David Matheson that we need more of to show us that this world, the place that we live in, would only be better if we showed more kindness to others.

As breakfast is coming to an end, and last blogs are being posted, the excitement of going home has taken over every part of me! Yes, I'm a little sad knowing we're soon going to part, but nothing brings me more joy than knowing my grandpa will be waiting for me with open arms. Home here I come!

Who gives a dam?!? We do! July 24, 2015

Angelo Vitali: Fisheries Program Manager

When the last day of any given trip has come to an end, there's a bittersweet feeling that we all feel inside. It's knowing that soon you'll have to leave wherever you are and it may be long for your return (if there is one) but, also going back home and being with your family once again. Surprisingly, our last day kept was spent on our feet and on the go, I didn't have time to feel sad for leaving or excited to even be back home. The reason for this, is because we were busy building a dam for beavers. 

The day was hectic. Up and ready to go by 7:30, head to the dams by roughly around 10 am. As soon as we arrived, we were to gear up, and walk through obstacles of mud, water, logs, and sticks. A few of us, but not all, fell a time or two but no one was hurt and no phones were damaged. After seeing what a few of the dams looked like, it was our job to build one very similar that a beaver and its family could actually use.

After lunch, we were taken to where we were building this dam. There were two groups and we had one minute to discuss our plans. The buckets were to be used for mud and rocks, the mud to keep the hay in place, the rocks to help stabilize the dam as well as cover any holes, and the large branches were to hold everything together. Each of us had a different role. My job was find as many large rocks as I probably could.

Thinking it was going to be a simple task, we were wrong. Once coming together and sharing our ideas, things become a little more challenging. All of a sudden, gathering the materials didn't come so easy. We found ourselves in each other's way, confused, and yes, frustrated. Finally, team leaders put us in charge of different things making us need each other when it became more useful. 

Communication was a big part of completing this task. As soon as we learned to guide each other, building the dam became easier and the stress of not finishing was gone. In the end, we built the dam and completed it. Having so much to do in so little time nearly felt impossible. It was knowing that we did our very best together to finish that made us successful. 

People of Big River 2015 give a dam!

Wetland Enhancements! Canoe in the making! July 23, 2015

Laura Laumatia: Lake Management Coordinator

During our short stay in Couer d' Alene, we were asked to listen to goals towards the wetland enhancement project. Laura was kind enough to show us what she hopes to see in the future. Since the project began, Laura has seen many great changes that have helped improve the habitat.

A main goal is to create wetland habitats and hydraulic connections with the valley bottom. Wetland enhancements should reduce erosion along 5600 linear feet of streambank and should provide measurable increases in abundance and distribution on the Westslope cutthroat trout. The project should also enhance the property for the landowner by combining natural processes with an agricultural setting.

Of course, like any project, there are principles to obeyed by. Such as, prescriptions must be consistent with an ongoing natural process. Also, prescriptions should accelerate natural process time frames that lead to recovery or enhancement.

Hearing about wetland enhancements and what Laura expects to come out of it, was a relief. She truly cares about the habitats that live amongst the West Fork Lake Stream. Laura isn't alone, and her team is doing a great job.

After listening to Laura's plans for the project, we were given an opportunity to help build a canoe out of a tree that was over 700 years. We came together as a team not only build a canoe, but friendships as well. Each taking our turn, and paying very close attention to how we all handle a tool differently once it gets in our hands. We all shared a very special moment. Some more aggressively than others but all working towards building that same canoe.

It truly is moments like these that make you appreciate the company that you're with. Each of us were being recognized for being a part of something larger than large. Given permission to take with us wood shavings and cedar from this 700 year old tree, that was being transformed into something wonderful, was enough to make that day more amazing than it already was. Although our names were not actually carved into the canoe, they were carved in spirit, and the experience that came along with it is what really matters.