Large wood structures have been going in, and you may have seen them if you've been on the north end of the trail. What are they, and why are they important?

The kind being built now is a structure built entirely from natural materials; other types of structures are supported with chain and other materials like dolos (more on those at a later date).

Here's why they're important:

• Protection from Erosion: Placed on the banks of the newly built river channels, the structures help keep the channel from eroding while giving time for plants to establish.
• Creates Diverse Habitat: Large wood helps to form deep pools and gives space in between the wood that offer salmon resting places during migration and safe nurseries for young salmon to feed and grow, protected from strong currents, and predators.
• Provides Food: Decomposing wood releases nutrients, fueling the aquatic food web that feeds young salmon.

The project will install around 130 large wood structures and drive more than 1300 wood piles.

Our inspector with Parametrix shared these initial photos from the air. Phase 1 completed 2024 left the project in this state. Phase 2 will complete the work to connect the channels shown here in addition to installing large wood, plants, and more.

The existing Sumner Link Trail through the project is closed. The area where the existing trail is located is one of the first areas which will be excavated since it is closer to the river (we did almost all we could without closing the trail summer 2024). The unaffected sections of trail will remain open, and the contractor will work to avoid closing the section between 24^th and 16^th as long as possible. Please find alternate routes.

When the trail is replaced in 2027, it will be higher and further from the river. This will reduce both the risk of river erosion (which we’ve seen in sections) and flooding (which we have closed the trail for in the past). See the mockup of the before and after below.

Current Trail

Future Trail

Phase 2 of the White River Restoration has begun and is the largest phase of the overall project. The contract was awarded to Rodarte Construction who received notice to proceed May 1st, 2025. Construction will last until 2027 and will have impacts to the public primarily through trail closures. 200 Acres of floodplain will be reconnected to the White River for the 1st time in over 100 years.