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The Machine Lake (also known as the Knudson Marsh) originated in the early 1900s and was part of a larger tract of land owned by the Knudson family. The Machine Lake name stuck in reference to an old horse-drawn hay-cutting machine that was stuck in the lake when the water rose and was never recovered. The marsh has been the subject of several studies starting in the 1940s and was identified as one of the most productive Redhead duck (Aythya Americana) breeding grounds in the United States. On any given day, one may find large flocks of migrating birds on the site. It truly is a waterfowl and bird lovers’ paradise.
The Machine Lake Mitigation Bank is located in Brigham City, Utah. The bank is part of a large wetland complex that includes several properties and eventually leads into the Great Salt Lake Complex. It is located in the Bear River Watershed. Its neighbor on two sides of the property is the famous Federal Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge (a 74,000 acre complex). Like the refuge, this complex is on an international flyway as well. The bank will eventually consist of over 2,000 acres and is being developed in phases. Phase 1 will be slightly over 1,000 acres. Phase 1 was approved by the Army Corp of Engineers in late 2007. Work commenced soon thereafter and continued for 10 years. Phase 1 has reached maintenance level and the ongoing war with invasive species continues. Below is a photo of the Phase 1 management unit.
Before: The Machine Lake marsh, along with the surrounding Federal Migratory Bird Refuge, was severely flooded by the rising Great Salt Lake in the mid-1980s by what might be considered a 100-year flood event. The flood, in addition to altering the hydrologic regime, damaged existing water control structures, eradicated existing non- saline vegetation (this was and is a freshwater system), and provided a foothold for several invasive plant species. The most invasive and concerning plant is the Phragmite which has almost completely choked out other native plants vying to reestablish in the years after the flood. Many Phragmite stands are 15-20 feet tall and cover hundreds of acres. Invasive plant growth, coupled with poor management following the flood, has degraded this once premium complex. Restoration will require the investment of hundreds of thousands of dollars resulting in a fully functioning wetland ecosystem.
After: The bank and its sponsors have expended every effort to utilize modern technology and the best professionals (Stantec Engineering and the Frontier Corporation) to assist in restoration of the site. It is very much a natural complex and efforts will be expended to try and maintain it in as natural a state as possible without many human inputs once the “ideal” has been established. The sponsor is utilizing a new 3-band multispectral aerial imaging system (developed by Dr. Christopher Neale of Utah State University). This imaging system allows vegetation analysis of three-foot-square sections from aerial photography. The analysis identifies specific plant species, concentrations and changes through time. This analytical tool is a key part of the sponsor’s management plan to ensure that the 2,000-acre site is appropriately restored meeting the banking criteria. Below is a photo using the 3-band multispectral imaging system. Imagery Wetland Vegetation Classification- Photo June 2007.
These pictures are taken periodically and matched in order to track changes on the ground.
June 2007 – 3 Band Multispectral Image of Machine Lake Mitigation Bank.
The Machine Lake Mitigation Bank sponsors are the principals of RP Wetlands and Waterfowl, LLC (RP Wetlands). This group is comprised of wetland and waterfowl enthusiasts who are also active in the construction and development industry. The group believes that private commitment and involvement is critical in the restoration and preservation of critical wetland habitat environments. The private sector can be relied on to make sound restoration decisions and the Mitigation Banking System provides a private, rather than publicly-funded mechanism whereby industry and development can protect, restore and perpetually preserve critical wetland ecosystems and aquifer rechargers. The sponsors (RP Wetlands) have worked for many years in securing approval of the bank in order to preserve this legacy for future generations. RP Wetlands have proven this theory in completion of phase 1 of the Machine Lake Mitigation. Arguably one of the finest banks in the western region of the United States. RP hopes that this example can be used throughout the state of Utah and throughout the west, saving habitats and critical wetlands for future generations.
Kim Rolfe, Partner. Kim is also Vice President of Rolfe Construction.
Scott Parson, Partner. Scott is also President of Staker Parson Companies.
Kerry Rolfe, Partner. Kerry Rolfe is also President of Rolfe Development.
John Parson, Partner. John is also President of the Oldcastle Materials Group—West.
Kurt Rolfe, Partner. Kurt Is President of Rolfe Construction.
(Late) Jack Parson, Partner. Jack was founder and chairman of Jack B. Parson Companies.
(Late) Verl Rolfe, Partner. Verl was founder of Rolfe Construction and Rolfe Development.