DESCRIPTION
The culvert crossing on Kitsap Creek at Northlake Way NW has been classified as a 33% passable fish passage barrier by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), with a Priority Index (PI) score of 44.78. The culvert is a 193 ft. long concrete pipe that is undersized, with a slope drop barrier in the downstream plunge pool that appears to be deepening. Removal of this culvert would result in reestablishment of 104,170 M2 of rearing habitat and 1,082 M2 of spawning habitat. Remediation of this barrier is recommended in the Suquamish Tribe's 2014 Chico Creek Watershed Assessment for the Identification of Protection and Restoration Actions (page 124). The goal of this project is to improve fish passage for coho, chum, East Kitsap DIP steelhead, cutthroat, and residential trout.
Bremerton received a grant for preliminary design in 2018 from the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO). The preliminary design was completed in February 2021. If awarded, It is anticipated that final design would occur in 2024-2026 and construction would occur in 2027.
Kitsap Creek, a tributary to Chico Creek, begins at the outlet of Kitsap Lake. Immediately downstream of the lake, the creek enters a 192 foot long 72" culvert that is bedded 35 feet below the surface of Northlake Way NW. This long, steep culvert is undersized and is a partial fish barrier with 33% passability (WDFW PI rating, 2001). A 100% design report will be completed, consistent with Manual 18 to provide the designs needed to construct a fish passable crossing. Completing a fish barrier removal project at this location will require a plan to support coordination with various property owners, state and local agencies, and significant financial assistance. Removal of this culvert would result in opening up 104,170 M2 of rearing habitat and 1,082 M2 of spawning habitat. This project is a part of the Chico Creek Watershed Assessment for the Identification of Protection and Restoration Actions report created in 2014. This project is the last major barrier in the eastern portion of the Chico Creek watershed. Numerous other projects have already occurred within this priority watershed addressing barriers, habitat improvements and stream/watershed function.
NOTES
This project is identified in the Suquamish Tribe’s
2014 Chico Creek Watershed Assessment (pg. 124) and the City of Bremerton
Comprehensive plan CIP list (ranked #8). Preliminary design for this project is
identified on the PPFL for WSPER and was a PSP NTA in 2018 (NTA# 2018-0186).
