March 11, 2008
Temperatures hit the mid-50s today and will be in the 60s later this week. It is nice to no longer be fighting sub-zero wind chill, but the rapidly melting snow does bring a new problem: MUD. Mud is everywhere around the construction site, sometimes 6 to 8 inches deep. Moving supplies and equipment is very hard, but work continues despite the new challenge.
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With the quick thaw the road into the park has become very rutted and slippery. I need to thank the Appanoose County Road crews that have been blading the road and adding gravel to make sure construction is not delayed. Here is a picture of my DNR Taurus covered with mud from the road.Only one thing is safe from the mud during construction - Rathbun Lake. It is very important to the Department of Natural Resources, and all our partners on this project, that we protect the Rathbun Lake watershed. |
| To date we have installed more than 25,000 linear feet of silt fence and put down thousands of square feet of erosion matting to protect the lake during construction. After construction is completed, many new erosion control and watershed protection measures will be in place including bio-retention basins and extensive use of rip-rapping that will actually improve water protection of Rathbun Lake. | |
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While driving away from the site today, I saw an American Bald Eagle circling over the lake. I frequently see eagles around the Resort Park, but whenever I see one I stop and look. This beautiful bird was near extinction a few decades ago, but now after concentrated conservation efforts it is a thrill to see the numerous eagles at Lake Rathbun. |
