DESCRIPTION
Titlow Lagoon is a small, protected tidal embayment located within Titlow Park in Tacoma, Washington. Historically, the lagoon was relatively large (>5.5 acres), with extensive marsh and forested wetlands (>25 acres). Currently, the outlet to the lagoon is impounded by a 4 ft diameter culvert beneath the BNSF railroad grade, and a tide gate controls tidal flow. Portions of the shoreline have been filled or armored, and much of the native riparian vegetation has been cleared or is severely degraded by invasive species. Project efforts developed conceptual design documents for actions to restore natural estuarine processes at Titlow Lagoon by: 1) restoring fish passage, sediment transport, and tidal flow at the mouth of the lagoon through replacement of the existing tide gate/culvert structure with a large span bridge, 2) increasing the quantity and quality of habitat available to juvenile salmonids and other nearshore species through removal of fill and park infrastructure and planting of native riparian vegetation, and 3) improving beach structure and sediment transport function by removing of a bulkhead/seawall and house from the shoreline to the north of the lagoon. This project developed preliminary plans, specifications, and cost estimates to achieve these goals.