Snyder Cove Creek Fish Passage

Location:

Olympia, WA - Mouth of Snyder Cove Creek in Eld Inlet

Project type:

Restoration

Status:

Active

Start Date:

12/13/2007

Completion Date:

Spring 2011

Description:

Snyder Cove Creek is a perennial fish-bearing watershed that flows into the east side of Eld Inlet.  The watershed is largely intact, protected within the Evergreen State College forest.  It offers excellent spawning and rearing habitat, and currently supports populations of cutthroat trout, sculpin, and lamprey (WFC 2007, draft report).  Sunset Beach Dr. crosses the creek at its tidally-influenced mouth through an undersized (3ft diameter) culvert, creating a full or partial barrier to the upstream migration of fish). In addition to blocking fish passage, the undersized culvert has interrupted the natural transport (sediment and wood) processes that were historically present. The watershed has the potential to support populations of coho, chum, resident and sea-run cutthroat, and possibly steelhead .  The watershed is used extensively by the college and local community for recreation including hiking and bird watching. Portions of the watershed are within the TESC Environmental Reserve.

Goals & Objectives:

1. Restore anadromous fish passage to almost one mile of functioning, well-protected perennial fish habitat.
2. Restore sediment transport processes that affect the quality of the nearshore environment at Snyder Cove.
3. Restore large wood transport processes that affect the quality of the nearshore environment at Snyder Cove.
4. Revegetate the riparian area within the project site.
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of the passage restoration project over time.
6. Perform outreach and education to encourage environmentally responsible behavior and generate interest in additional fish habitat protection and restoration opportunities.

Primary Habitats Impacted By Project:

One mile of functioning, well-protected perennial fish habitat starting at the mouth of Snyder Cove Creek.  Adult fish are denied upstream access, and juvenile salmon rearing in Snyder Cove are denied the nearshore benefits of a natural sediment and wood transport regime.

Managing Agency/Organization:

Wild Fish Conservancy

Project Contact:

Jamie Glasgow

Budget or Project Cost:

$214,000.00

Funding Source(s):

- Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program (ESRP)
- Sponsor match

Partners:

- Evergreen State College
- Thurston County Conservation District Lead Entity
- Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO)

Attachments:

Evaluation Proposal

Images:

Map:

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