Project Effectiveness Monitoring

PUR closely monitors completed projects for several reasons. First, we need to ensure the continued stability of structures and designs. In this process, we also build on the existing knowledge in the field by experimenting with new methods and materials. For example, when log structures are interlocked and well secured withstand heavy winter storm waters, yearly effectiveness monitoring captures this success. This information is then shared with other organizations and agencies. Of course, we are not always reinventing the wheel, but when a challenge is overcome we like to share what we have learned.

Another purpose for this monitoring is to report back to the fiancial backers of projects and provide them with updates on the projects status. Not only can they see the durability of the projects, but they can also see the changes that occur over time. For example, boulder weirs, as seen in Image 1, slow fast moving water, allowing gravel and sediment to settle out of the moving water and create spawning habitat for salmon and other fish. As you can see, the continued monitoring of this site, clearly shows the accumaltion of gravel - a clear success. 

Effectiveness monitoring often includes pre- and post-project photo documentation and notation. However, this monitoring can also include physical measurements of the projects to determine gravel depth, movement of structural components, and other information. Combining physical measurements with water quality monitoring has also provided interesting project effectiveness results in the Wolf Creek Monitoring Study.