Helicopter flying 200 logs to Terrell Creek this week

A low-flying helicopter carried an estimated 200 logs between BP Cherry Point Refinery and Terrell Creek from August 10-12 as part of fish habitat improvements on the creek.

“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,” project engineer Cody Swan said in a news release before the project started.

The project placed logs and woody debris along 2.5 miles of streamside private property between Kickerville and Jackson roads, according to a press release form Whatcom County. The locally sourced cedar and fir logs weighed between 5,000-9,000 pounds and included the tree root wad. The project was part of the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association Terrell Creek Restoration Plan and aims to benefit salmon and other aquatic species.

Tiger Construction, the county’s contractor for the project, used a helicopter to avoid damaging the site, according to the news release.

This work was part of the required mitigation to build the Birch Bay Drive berm and pedestrian improvements. The Birch Bay Drive project is one of the largest projects ever undertaken by Whatcom County Public Works. It will restore the natural shoreline, repair beach erosion, improve pedestrian access and reduce the severity of storm surge damage. More information is available on the project webpage at whatcomcounty.us/publicworks, click on Birch Bay Drive and Pedestrian Facility.