DESCRIPTION
Mid-Puget Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group proposes to develop preliminary and final design for restoration of the Point No Point barrier embayment in Hansville, WA, building upon the conceptual design, feasibility study, and landowner outreach already completed. The primary objectives of this phase are to (1) complete additional partner, community, and landowner engagement efforts; (2) complete the preliminary design alternatives analysis and selection; (3) develop designs for the preferred alternative; (4) complete geotechnical engineering and final design. The design alternatives will explore options to allow tidal inundation and fish access to up to 32 acres of freshwater wetlands that were historically salt marsh and have been cut off from saltwater for the last century by dikes and a tide gate. Restoration of tidal flow to the Point No Point marsh was the highest ranked project for restoration of nearshore habitat for juvenile Chinook salmon in the West Sound Nearshore Integration and Synthesis (2016). In addition to improving cross-shore connectivity and tidal flow, the project will improve sediment transport processes as well as remove physical barriers to fish passage by reopening access to the former salt marsh. The ultimate goal of this project is to restore tidal influence and fish access to the Point No Point marsh complex, improving habitat conditions for out-migrating juvenile Chinook salmon and other salmonids, as well as a suite of other species.