Evaluation of multi-species salmon habitat needs in the Nisqually watershed have ranked lower Ohop Creek one of the highest priority freshwater habitats for restoration. Funded by a previous SRFB grant, a restoration plan for lower Ohop Creek was developed which summarizes habitat conditions in the project reach and evaluates restoration alternatives. Using that assessment, the most comprehensive restoration alternative has been selected and engineering designs developed. The 17 landowners in the project reach are all supportive of this option. Acquisitions will be pursued as opportunities arise to ensure permanent protection. The total project will re-elevate the 4.4 miles of severely channelized creek back into its original floodplain recreating a 6 mile long stream with its original meander pattern and restoring its hydrologic connection to the adjacent floodplain and wetland areas. Off-channel habitat will be created and the riparian areas will be planted with native vegetation. The project will also revegetate 400 acres of the surrounding valley floor which is dominated by wetlands. This project has been split into four phases to spread out the need for securing funding.

Phase IV: Restore over 2 miles of Lower Ohop Creek upstream of first three phases of project including channel
reconstruction and valley floor revegetation.