This restoration project corrected a complete fish passage barrier on an unnamed tributary to Newskah Creek at mile 3.4 on Newskah Road, southeast of Aberdeen, Washington. The original culvert was 0% passable, blocking all upstream movement and disrupting a key ecological corridor in the Chehalis Basin.

The barrier was removed and replaced with a structure designed to support passage for all aquatic species and life stages, restoring year-round connectivity. The new crossing opened access to 1.34 miles of high-quality spawning and rearing habitat in forested headwaters, featuring cool, shaded waters and stable substrates ideal for salmonid development.

Four salmonid species—coho, chum, steelhead, and cutthroat trout—benefited directly from the improved habitat access. These species are ecologically important and culturally significant, supporting recreational fisheries and contributing to overall watershed health.

Construction activities included site preparation, culvert removal, installation of the new crossing, and post-construction monitoring. The project was a key step in regional salmon recovery efforts and aligned with long-term strategies for habitat resilience in the Chehalis Basin. It reflects a strong commitment to collaborative, science-based restoration and contributes meaningfully to improving fish passage throughout the watershed.