This project provides for the daylighting of approximately 150 feet of Woodland Creek, construction of a new channel for Woodland Creek, and the enhancement of over 60 feet of Clarks Creek. This channel will create habitat for salmonids and will range in width from 4 to 25 feet with an additional 10 feet of bench at the outside of the curves. The project includes soil excavation, removal of pipes and headwall, placement of large woody debris, keyed boulders and establishes native riparian vegetation along its banks.

The project was designed and partly funded by Pierce County Surface Water Management, additional funding was provided by a Community Salmon Fund grant. This project takes place at the Washington State University (WSU) Puyallup Research and Extension Center. WSU supplied support throughout the construction phase of the project and as the land owner will be responsible for the long term stewardship. The project was constructed in September 2009 by RV Associates Inc. The planting will be coordinated with WSU and occur in the winter/spring of 2010.

Final Plans and Specifications for Bid: June 17, 2009

2009 Bid Opening: July 2, 2009

Construction completed September, 2009

Planting: Scheduled for 2010

Project Benefits

• Provides slow water fish habitat with plenty of cover for juvenile salmon (Chinook, coho, chum and pink) and trout (steelhead and cutthroat) to rest, avoid predators and grow.
• Possibly provides some spawning habitat for adult salmon and trout.
• Establishes a zone of native riparian vegetation which helps support many native species of insects, amphibians and other wildlife as well as for fish.
• Placement of large tree snags will allow for bird of prey perches (eagle and osprey) as well as other birds (i.e., flickers and wood peckers.)
• Serves as a reminder/example of what the natural landscape can produce in a landscape dominated by agriculture.
• The site can become an important education opportunity for the community under the long term direction and stewardship of the WSU Research and Extension Center.