Keeping the drainage ditch flowing

Pierce County has an easement on the north 15  feet of our property that requires us to maintain a drainage ditch:  keeping it free of brush and trees so that water can drain freely, and building dams at regular intervals to slow down the flow of water, (allowing silt to settle, rather than to rush into streams an lakes).

When we bought the property the drainage ditch was clogged with grasses and trees that impeed the flow. We had these cleared.

Weeds and brush grow back quickly so maintaining the flow requires clearing away new growth. The regular buildup of silt means that the the dams require rebuilding from time to time. Both of tactics dictate an annual refresh of the drainage ditch.

All to keep the water flowing and the streams and lakes clean.