DESCRIPTION
The objective of this project is to conserve and restore the site's pocket estuary. The ~13 acre property includes tideland, 500' of armored shoreline and a historic pocket estuary. Behind the rock bulkhead, a series of three ponds have been dug and are fed by water from the channelized stream. The site includes an old house and several outbuildings, which will be removed as part of the acquisition phase (23-1067). This phase of the project will create design and alternatives assessment for restoration of the site. This will include design alternatives for 500' of shoreline currently armored; restoration of a historic ~1 acre pocket estuary; 400' of Johnson Creek; and ~5-acres of wetland and upland reforestation. Located only 3000' from Big Beef Estuary, the project site is expected to be heavily utilized as a near-natal estuary for juvenile Hood Canal summer chum, as well as multiple other salmonid species.
Located in Seabeck, Kitsap County, the Johnson Creek Estuary Design project is the second phase of the project to restore an important pocket estuary at the mouth of Johnson Creek. Phase I of the project acquired a ~13-acre property that includes extensive tidelands, 530' of armored shoreline, and a historic pocket estuary. The estuary is currently non-functioning behind a rock bulkhead and altered into a series of freshwater ponds fed by water from the channelized Johnson Creek and artesian wells. This second phase will complete preliminary restoration design, including conceptual design and alternatives analysis. Located only 3,000' from Big Beef Estuary, the project site will provide excellent rearing and feeding habitat as a near-natal estuary for juvenile Hood Canal summer chum, as well as multiple other salmonid species.
