DESCRIPTION
The Pressentin Park Side Channel Feasibility analysis and preliminary design project evaluated options for restoring and enhancing historic and existing side channel habitat in Pressentin Park located near Marblemount, Washington. Pressentin Park is part of the Skagit County Parks system, and is largely undeveloped, providing open space and hiking trails for local residents. The park contains both existing functional side channel habitat as well as a relict Skagit River channel that was likely active prior to construction of the Highway 20 bridge, and development of Seattle City Light's Skagit hydroelectric projects, which resulted in flow controls and flood reduction starting in 1925. SFEG and Skagit County Parks worked with Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc. to evaluate 3 alternatives.
The Pressentin Park Side Channel Feasibility analysis and preliminary design project evaluated options for restoring and enhancing historic and existing side channel habitat in Pressentin Park located near Marblemount, Washington. Pressentin Park is part of the Skagit County Parks system, and is largely undeveloped, providing open space and hiking trails for local residents. The park contains both existing functional side channel habitat as well as a relict Skagit River channel that was likely active prior to construction of the Highway 20 bridge, and development of Seattle City Light's Skagit hydroelectric projects, which resulted in flow controls and flood reduction starting in 1925. The feasibility assessment indicated that it would be possible to re-establish off channel habitat at the site that can be activated by the current flow regime, providing increased salmon habitat for Chinook, steelhead, chum and other salmonid species. SFEG worked with the Skagit County Parks Board and Upper Skagit Indian Tribe to select an alternative that optimized the potential for fish and recreational benefits while ensuring protection of cultural resources. Preliminary designs were developed for the preferred alternative.
