This fish barrier removal a habitat restoration project on private property along Griggs Creek, a tributary of Schneider Creek (WRIA 14, Thurston County), removed a 0% passable culvert, and restored the downstream habitat by repairing a 2.5’ impassable hydraulic drop and regarding the reach to be accessible by chum salmon.

The project occurred 1 year after the 0% passable WSDOT culvert immediately upstream flowing under HWY 101 was replaced with a bridge, and these projects collectively opened up 1.09 miles of potential salmon habitat for the first time in more than 60 years.

The project required close collaboration with WSDOT and landowners, with WSDOT contributing over $40,000 of in-kind match in the form of modeling, technical assistance, and habitat surveys.

Aside from the culvert being replaced with a bridge, a degraded portion of the reach downstream was restored through: the repair of a 2.5’ hydraulic drop; the implementation of a bed control matrix and deformable grade controls as the stream section was regraded to allow for chum passage; banks pulled back and stabilized in this deeply incised creek; and the addition of Large Woody Debris.

This project showcases the impacts of state, non-profit, and private collaboration in restoring access to salmon habitat.