DESCRIPTION
Re-establishing native forest is crucial to the long term restoration of the stream corridor. Recent efforts to remove abandoned buildings from the property create opportunity to re-plant riparian vegetation. The addition of large wood to the stream will not only increase the number of pools and cover, but raise water elevations and improve floodplain connectivity. Minor excavation work can restore ephemeral side channels and wetlands along the left bank floodplain that were filled when the site was farmed. Beavers have been very active in the area and restoration designs at this site (as well as some other locations in the watershed) will need to consider how beavers utilize the area and alter the channel, floodplain, and riparian characteristics of the stream corridor. The site may be ideal for public access where visitors can see a very rare Puget Lowland stream in near-pristine condition (upstream of homestead) and see a locally impacted area in the process of being restored.
The proposed project will complete the preliminary design, final design, and permitting of the Chico Creek confluence project. The overall goal is to improve stream, riparian, and floodplain habitat over 1,000 feet of channel length for coho and chum salmon, steelhead, and cutthroat. The site provides passive recreation and public education opportunities. The preferred alternative (3b in attached 30% design report, June 2017) restores channel habitat complexity; stabilizes banks; restores riparian vegetation to provide shade, a source of wood recruitment, and organic matter; partially reconnects the floodplain; increases channel sinuosity and capacity at flood flows; and provides flood flow refuge for salmonids. In response to TAG feedback, the preferred alternative minimizes site disturbance compared with full connection with the floodplain yet accelerates recovery to full connection. The next step is to seek preliminary design review comments from the Suquamish Tribe and stakeholders based on the June 2017 report “Conceptual Design Evaluation and Basis of 30% Design” by NSD, included as an attachment to this application. We will adapt and revise the permit application and final design direction based on feedback received on the preliminary design. Design and construction of the pavilion and the pedestrian bridge, mentioned in the June 2017 report, will be funded privately. However, their locations are informed by the channel and riparian restoration final design.
