DESCRIPTION
This design project will plan how to restore tidal action and fish passage to an abandoned railroad site along the Middle Fork Hoquiam and mainstem Hoquiam Rivers, owned by the Chehalis River Basin Land Trust (CRBLT). This includes the potential to remove at least 6 culverts under the abandoned RR and provide fish passage to three railway impounded wetlands. We will also assess the need to remove 1 culvert under an adjacent forest road to prevent failure risk to the project site wetlands. We will use an alternative analysis process to consider options at each site and produce 30% designs for the preferred alternatives. This project will restore fish passage to 2.75 stream miles and provide fish access to 72 acres of surge plain restored to intertidal habitat. A neighboring industrial land owner upstream of the site intends to remove 5 other culverts on the Middle Fork railroad grade soon. Because the only access to the site is through the neighboring railroad grade, this project must be completed as soon as possible. Grays Harbor Conservation District will manage the project for CRBLT. GHCD staff have extensive experience managing salmon related restoration projects on the Washington Coast.
This design project will plan how to restore tidal action and fish passage to an abandoned railroad site along the Middle Fork Hoquiam and mainstem Hoquiam Rivers, owned by the Chehalis River Basin Land Trust (CRBLT). These watersheds have spawning populations of Chum, Chinook, Coho and Steelhead salmon species. This includes the potential to remove at least 6 stream culverts under the abandoned railroad grade and open two railway impounded wetlands. Work will include an alternative analysis process to consider options at each site and produce preliminary designs for the preferred alternatives. This project will restore fish passage to 2.75 stream miles and provide fish access to 72 acres of surge plain restored to intertidal habitat. A neighboring industrial land owner upstream of the site intends to remove 5 other culverts on the Middle Fork railroad grade soon. Because the only access to the site is through the neighboring railroad grade, this project must be completed as soon as possible. Grays Harbor Conservation District will manage the project for CRBLT. GHCD staff have extensive experience managing salmon related restoration projects on the Washington Coast.