DESCRIPTION
The primary objective of this project is to restore stream processes by removing the derelict culvert from the stream channel. The secondary objective is to improve the riparian habitat along the right bank of the stream by removing invasive plants and planting native tree and shrub species.
This project lies within h SB01-1in the middle section of Springbrook Creek. Restoring channel complexity and fish passage and providing stream complexity are addressed through the implementation of this project.
The Rekow Stream Restoration Project occurs on Springbrook Creek, Bainbridge Island, and will result a final design, permitting and implementation of the removal of a small derelict culvert fish passage barrier, removal of invasive plants in the riparian area, planting of native plants in the riparian area, and fencing of the riparian area to exclude livestock on privately held land. At river mile 0.55 (low in the 999 acre watershed/stream system) Springbrook Creek crosses under a derelict field access road and culvert on the western edge of an 8.48 acre parcel belonging to Ken Rekow. The top of a 2 ft round and 9 ft long concrete culvert is fully exposed, is a 67% fish passable structure, yet it passes 100% of stream flow. Removing this small culvert benefits fish migration and restores stream migration, and natural wood and sediment transport processes in .14 miles of stream and 3.9 acres of associated riparian habitat. The project was identified in the Springbrook Creek Watershed Assessment (SWCA) as priority restoration project #3, and is directly upstream from the Fletcher Bay Rd Project (at stream mile .20 and currently under final design and implementation) and the Barnabee Farm Stream Restoration project (downstream at stream mile .39) and will help insure conditions in critical habitat for Puget Sound Steelhead are improved. Landowner is willing and there is opportunity for community engagement and volunteer opportunities in the implementation of this project.