DESCRIPTION
The goal is to achieve fish passage by designing a correction for a barrier culvert for a replacement structure that allows all life forms and stages of aquatic life access to critical habitat. Correcting the fish barrier culvert is to restore physical, biological and hydraulic functions, including substrate and large woody debris transport, provide habitat access to five species of anadromous adult and juvenile salmonid fish as well as other aquatic species, and enhance nutrient availability and biological diversity for the watershed. The objectives include completing a topographical survey, identifying a preferred alternative for the replacement structure in coordination with WDFW, completing engineer-stamped design plans and estimated construction budget, and applying for and obtaining necessary permits. This is for the 33% passable concrete culvert where Taylor Creek passes under Grays Harbor County's South Bank Road at road mile 14.74 near Elma, Washington as described above under Project Description. The result would be used to apply for future grants to complete the construction phase.
This project produced final designs and permits that addressed two fish barrier corrections, one on the Taylor Creek South Bank Road crossing southeast of Elma, Washington, and another about 75 feet downstream on an abandoned railroad grade crossing on private property. No cultural resource report was required by governing agencies. The resulting project design and permits were used to apply for construction fund, which were provided by ASRP return funds. The projects were constructed in August 2017. Five species of salmonids will benefit from the access to additional habitat in the Chehalis Basin including Chinook, Coho and chum salmon as well as steelhead and cutthroat trout.
