DESCRIPTION
HCSEG will develop a feasibility study of potential restoration actions in the Big Beef Creek estuary/lower mile. This study will analyze four (4) main elements limiting spawning and rearing habitat for ESA-listed Hood Canal Summer chum and other anadromous species native to Big Beef Creek.
Fill and armor associated with the current Seabeck Highway causeway and bridge, and options to replace it with an elevated structure that spans the embayment mouth. This action would recreate the historic opening to Hood Canal and allow restoration of most of the historic spit at the mouth of Big Beef Harbor. Tidal exchange and associated nearshore processes would be restored. An ecological benefit assessment (EBA) and bridge replacement cost estimate will developed from PSNERP's Big Beef Causeway Replacement and Estuary Restoration conceptual design.
HCSEG will develop a feasibility study of potential restoration actions in the Big Beef Creek estuary/lower mile. This study will analyze four (4) main elements limiting spawning and rearing habitat for ESA-listed Hood Canal Summer chum and other anadromous species native to Big Beef Creek.(1) Fill and armor associated with the current Seabeck Highway causeway and bridge.(2) Channel spanning weir in the Big Beef Creek estuary. (3) Spawning channel situated approximately 10 ft. below the grade of the existing main stem of Big Beef Creek. (4) Remnant UW research facility/hatchery buildings and access roads in estuary floodplainAddressing these elements could recreate the historic opening to Hood Canal and allow restoration of the estuary and lower river channel, where historically most of the summer chum production has been impacted negatively by the above elements. Tidal exchange and associated nearshore processes would be restored.
