Overview: This summarizes a site visit by Ron Jenkins to the Margaree River, highlighting channel changes, erosion, and sediment management issues.
Site Visit Overview
- Conducted on May 21-22, 2025, covering two main tributaries of the Margaree River.
- Ten sites visited: Carmichael cottage, Cemetery Pool, Portree, Edsel’s property, Nile Brook, Brown’s Cottages, and others.
- Focused on channel changes due to climate change and increased high-water events.
Channel Changes and Erosion
- Notable lateral channel migration and deposition creating point bars and mid-channel bars.
- Bank erosion observed at approximately four meters per year at sites like Carmichael cottage and Edsel’s property.
- Accumulation of sediment and woody debris affecting channel function and habitat quality.
Woody Debris Impact
- Significant volume of woody debris observed at almost every site, affecting flow and habitat.
- Accumulation leads to poor channel function and potential warming of river water.
- Altered tributary confluences, such as Nile Brook, causing upstream flow and additional erosion.
South West Branch Observations
- Channel bed aggradation noted, with visible gravel bars despite high water levels.
- Poorly installed culverts and eroding banks contributing to sediment load.
- Human interventions have created weak points in river banks, exacerbating erosion.
Recommendations
Focus on establishing channel function based on fluvial geomorphic processes for effective rehabilitation.
Conduct a new fluvial geomorphic assessment as the 2017 report is outdated.
Immediate removal of woody debris at certain locations to help redistribute gravel and improve channel function.