Thomas Creek Restoration
Location:
King County, WA - Thomas Creek is a tributary to Covington Creek (then Big Soos, then Green River)
Project type:
Restoration
Status:
Active
Start Date:
10/01/2008
Completion Date:
01/15/2011
Description:
Thomas Creek is a tributary to Covington Creek (then Big Soos, then Green River) in King County, WA. A damaged culvert on private property is blocking upstream fish passage. Coho and cutthroat are present past the project site. Soos Creek hatchery about 3 miles downstream partially blocks chinook, chum, coho, steelhead, all of which are documented present at the confluence of Thomas Creek with Covington Creek. Bull trout are present in Big Soos Creek (TAPPS Hatchery Report). Only coho and resident cutthroat are documented present in Thomas Creek. Upstream of the culvert the stream is very clear, with excellent shrub and forest cover, good flow indicating springs and low gradient wetland and stream habitat. No evidence of flashy flows. At about 1.66 miles upstream the stream turns east and becomes intermittent and less defined all the way to Grass lake. There is 1.66 miles of good quality habitat. Resident cutthroat are documented present to 188th Ave (2.08 miles).
Goals & Objectives:
The Wild Fish Conservancy will remove a partial barrier to fish passage on private property on Thomas Creek and install a 10' span x 15' long x 5' wide precast box culvert. The deck of the culvert will serve as the road surface. Some resurfacing of the road will be necessary, but the road elevation doesn't need to be altered as it may affect the wetland hydrology and increase the footprint area into the wetland. Correction of this barrier will open up 2.60 miles of habitat for coho salmon and cutthroat trout.
Primary Habitats Impacted By Project:
2.60 miles of habitat for coho salmon and cutthroat trout - springs and low gradient wetland and stream habitat
Managing Agency/Organization:
Wild Fish Conservancy
Project Contact:
Jamie Glasgow
Budget or Project Cost:
$60,080.00
Funding Source(s):
Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) - Family Forest Fish Passage Program (FFFPP)
Partners:
- Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO)
- WRIA 9 LE (King County)
Attachments:
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