DESCRIPTION
"This project seeks to facilitate feasibility and conceptual design efforts to pursue the following high priority actions listed in the strategy for this priority geography: Restore floodplain connection and off channel habitat in small estuaries. Restore fish passage between freshwater, estuary and nearshore habitats. Restore tidal hydrology and sediment inputs to shoreline. Restore estuarine and marine riparian function. Restore and protect rearing, foraging, osmoregulatory habitats for juvenile salmonids, particularly Chinook salmon. Restore submerged aquatic vegetation such as eelgrass and kelp. Restore habitat diversity and complexity including that which supports forage fish, which are important prey species for salmonids."
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/fff51e14e2ef4ae4a9d50f4b7f1a7591
This project analyzed site specific conditions and a suite of design alternatives to restore the Sequalitchew Creek Estuary. In-depth geotechnical, hydraulic and cultural resources investigation were undertaken as a main component of this project. These findings were used to determine the most feasible and ecologically uplifting restoration approach. The alternatives identified were; do nothing in terms of the BNSF railway, but remove beach armoring, habitat enhancement of the estuary, and installation of two box culverts vs three box culvert. These alternatives all went through a conceptual design phase, while two other alternatives (full spanning bridge and retrofit of existing pedestrian tunnel) where discussed, but ruled out as infeasible. Periodic fish sampling took place on the north side of the railway by the Nisqually Indian Tribe, and on the south side via snorkel surveys by SPSSEG. This document will serve as a guide for stakeholders to determine the best restoration alterative to move forward for further design and implementation funds. The overall goal of the restoration is to restore tidal connectivity and nearshore process, improve fish passage through the 5'x5' box culvert, and improve habitat conditions of the current 1-acre pocket estuary.
