Project Overview
The Little Squalicum Estuary project (EN052) in Little Squalicum Park helps improve water quality and restores essential coastal habitat that has been lost to development by creating an estuary and removing a fish passage barrier. This project fulfills a community vision identified for the site in the 2010 Little Squalicum Park Master Plan.
Project Status – February 2024
Project construction and site planting is complete. All trails in Little Squalicum Park open, including a new trail and pedestrian bridge that offer views of the Little Squalicum Estuary.
In February 2024, the Little Squalicum Estuary project received the 2024 Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). This esteemed award, given annually to projects demonstrating exceptional innovation and complexity, highlights the dedication and expertise poured into restoring this essential coastal habitat. The award specifically recognizes the unprecedented complexity involved in navigating various challenges, including securing funding, site cleanup, land acquisition, permitting, and construction.
Thank you for your patience during construction of this project. While enjoying the trails, please help us take care of this important new habitat by keeping pets and people out of the estuary and picking up and disposing of dog poop in the trash.
September 2023 Update – Little Squalicum Estuary connected to Bellingham Bay
July 2023 Update – Successful fish re-location
Trained restoration crews successfully relocated 1,100 fish – including three-spined stickleback and coho salmon – in Little Squalicum Creek over the course of three days in early July to prepare for in-water construction work. Sign up for email updates on current Public Works projects.
More Information
Construction Photos
Contacts
Freeman Anthony, P.E.
Project Engineer
Phone: (360) 778-7924
Email: fanthony@cob.org
Analiese Burns, Habitat and Restoration Manager
Phone: (360) 778-7968
Email: acburns@cob.org
Media inquiries: AskPW@cob.org