Here’s why you may see low-flying helicopters transport logs over Birch Bay this week
Birch Bay residents can expect to see low-flying helicopters transporting logs in the area of Terrell Creek starting Monday, Aug. 10, as part of a habitat restoration project.
The helicopters will be carrying logs in the area between Kickerville Road and Jackson Road until Friday, Aug. 14, according to a Whatcom County Public Works Department news release. About 200 pieces of wood debris will be placed along a 2.5 mile stretch of the creek to improve fish habitats, the release read. “This aerial operation will be an unusual sight for local residents, so we want to remind people to stay away from the area for the safety of everyone involved,” said Project Engineer Cody Swan in the release.
The locally sourced cedar and fir logs weight between 5,000 and 9,000 pounds and include the tree root wad, according to the release. Tiger Construction will work the site, using helicopters to avoid damaging the area, the release read.
The operation this week is part of the Terrel Creek Restoration Plan from the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, a non-profit seeking to restore local salmon populations. Additionally, the work is a prerequisite for building the Birch Bay Drive berm and pedestrian improvements, the release read.
The Birch Bay Drive project aims to restore the natural shoreline, repair beach erosion, prevent and reduce the severity of storm surge damage and improve pedestrian access, according to the release.
Construction for the Birch Bay Drive project started December 2019 and paused in March this year, according to the project website. The project is expected to resume in later in August.
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