A significant amount of effort is underway to restore the natural processes of Woodard Creek. Stormwater runoff from Lacey's South Sound Center and Olympia's commercial corridor along Pacific Avenue has impacted much of this stream's natural functions. The construction of a stormwater treatment facility will aid in alleviating the detrimental aspects of runoff, including water quality issues and increased flows. Despite this limiting factor, Woodard Creek originates in a large wetland complex that offers rearing for coho and cutthroat. A recently completed 70-acre riparian planting south of 26th Avenue will enhance the wetland complex. The stream runs through mixed rural residential developments to the mouth, an intact saltmarsh estuary protected by a DNR Natural Areas Preserve. The availability of spawning gravels throughout the system has not been quantified, however, the area north of 46th Avenue has been identified as having good spawning habitat. In other areas, fine sediment dominates. There is a lack of large woody debris throughout the system. Thurston County plans to replace a partial barrier culvert under South Bay road in the next five years. One partial barrier exists under 36th Ave and several more severe (67% impassable) barriers exist on the tributaries.

Woodard Creek empties into Woodard Bay, an intact saltmarsh owned and protected by a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Natural Areas Preserve. The remainder of the stream is in private development.

Description from the Salmon Habitat Protection and Restoration Plan for Water Resource Inventory Area 13, Deschutes. For more information see the previously stated document or the Salmon Habitat Limiting Factors Final Report Water Resource Inventory Area 13