Log-faced Stone Deflector
Log-faced Stone Deflectors are devices used to create in-stream fish and aquatic macro-invertebrate habitat as well as provide stream bank stabilization. A Log-faced Stone Deflector can be appropriately installed in a riffle, run or pool habitat, but should not create a dam-like effect on the stream. These devices are used to provide some immediate overhead cover for fish in a stretch of creek that was lacking in this type of habitat while potentially being used to narrow an unnaturally widened stream channel. Overhead cover is important for fish to provide areas where they can protect themselves from fishing pressures applied by birds and other predators. These devices are constructed in the basic shape of a right triangle with the right angle (90°) out in the stream channel. The materials used to create this device are hardwood logs and large stone. The device should be constructed using either two or three hardwood logs. Each of the logs must be trenched into the stream bank and anchored firmly in the trench with large stone and possibly even pinned in the trench using long pieces of re-bar. One or two logs, depending on the size of the device, will be used as sill logs. These sill logs should pointed at an upstream angle with the face log resting on top of these logs at a downstream angle. The downstream log creates an area of water under the log to offer cover for fish. The frame of the device is then backfilled using large stone, covered with a layer of soil and then planted using native vegetation to provide long-term stabilization. These devices will create immediate habitat for fish while also creating long-term stabilization and habitat when vegetated.
