This project continues the City’s decades-long commitment to improving fish passage, recently formalized in a voluntary Memorandum of Agreement with Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, and Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. The two partial fish barriers on Squalicum Creek near West Street are high priorities for improvement based on the City’s Fish Barrier Implementation Plan. Improving fish passage helps increase survival of salmon and trout in the Squalicum Creek watershed by allowing fish to access to upstream quality habitat for laying eggs (spawning) and rearing. This project also helps fulfill the stream restoration component of the Squalicum Creek Park Master Plan . This project benefits anadromous Chinook, coho, and chum salmon, steelhead and sea-run cutthroat trout, and resident fish species. Both Chinook and steelhead are currently listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The project builds upon previous fish passage improvements that were completed at James Street and I-5 and provides fish access to restored upstream habitat completed as part of the Squalicum Creek Re-route restoration projects . Existing Culverts This project improves partial fish barriers at two crossings near West Street at the entrance to Squalicum Creek Park. The upstream culvert goes diagonally under both West Street and then Squalicum Way, and the downstream culvert goes under Squalicum Way just downstream of the confluence of the Willow Spring tributary. Both culverts will be replaced with 100% fish-passable structures. Squalicum Creek Culvert at West Street and Squalicum WaySqualicum Creek Culvert at Squalicum Way and Willow Spring

A NOAA grant was awarded to the Nooksack Indian Tribe for $300,000 to be used for 30% design for two high-priority fish passage solutions on Squalicum Creek. The City of Bellingham was able to identify an additional $90,000 to meet the contract requirements for the 30% design. In March 2025, 30% Design was awarded to Osborn Consulting for $385,067.63.

Parks and Trails Archives

Squalicum Creek at West Street Fish Passage Improvements Project

Old culvert with stream running through it and overgrown vegetation around it

The Squalicum Creek at West Street Fish Passage Improvement Project is part of a coordinated, strategic approach to fish barrier removal in Bellingham, and one of many projects completed or in the works in the Squalicum Creek watershed. This project will replace two partial fish passage barriers in the main channel of Squalicum Creek adjacent ... Read more

Bellingham Waterfront Skatepark

Downtown Waterfront Skatepark Conceptual Design

Jills Court Trail

The Jills Court Trail project includes design, permitting, and construction of a multi-use trail from Jills Court to Telegraph Road. The trail will be approximately 1,500 linear feet and consist of 9- to 10-foot-wide crushed limestone surface with multiple retaining walls. The trail will provide a connection from Sunset Pond Park and Bay to Baker ... Read more

Primrose Lane Trail

The Primrose Lane Trail project includes design, permitting, and construction of a multi-use trail and bridge to complete a connection from Telegraph Road to East McLeod Road across Baker Creek. This trail segment is part of a proposed connection from the Bay to Baker Trail to the future Bakerview Neighborhood Park. Status Design is anticipated ... Read more

Big Rock Garden Park Fence and Irrigation Improvements

Wind in tree top sighsAbove garden’s peaceful soulCity’s gentle hush This project will replace the existing fence with a site appropriate fence, which will complement the garden style while maintaining security to protect the collection of art and plants. The existing irrigation system will also be improved with the addition of automatically controlled irrigation zones, ... Read more

Middle Fork Spring Open Space Trail

The Middle Fork Spring Open Space Trail project proposes to design and construct a multi-use trail to connect Cordata Park to West Stuart Road and Meridian Street. The trail will be approximately 1,300 linear feet and consist of crushed limestone boardwalk segments. Additional elements include a sidewalk extension and entry from West Stuart Road. This ... Read more