Project Overview
Padden Creek 24th-30th Street Restoration Project is a multi-phased project to address impaired conditions. The goals of this project are to improve water quality and aquatic functions in Padden Creek through enhancing floodplain, instream, and riparian functions between 24th and 30th Streets.
The project is divided into three phases. Phase 1 was constructed in 2022 and is located in the center of the reach, roughly between Padden Creek’s confluence with Connelly Creek upstream to the Happy Valley Park footbridge. Phase 1 enhanced the floodplain as well as instream, off-channel, and riparian buffer structure and function. Phase 2 is the downstream section, running from the Connelly Creek confluence down to 24th Street. Phases 2 and 3 include stream relocation and buffer restoration.
Project Status (Phase 2) – October 2024
Water is now flowing through the new section of stream channel that we built as part of this project, and the channel is open to fish. This improved section of stream includes important habitat features such as pools and large woody debris — perfect places for fish to hide and rest. We still have a bit of work left to do outside of the water. A section of sidewalk on Old Fairhaven Parkway remains temporarily closed with a detour in place as we wrap up construction in the area. We will be re-planting the site in the fall and winter with native plants to provide shade, shelter, food, and other benefits for fish and wildlife.
As part of this project, loads of invasive species were removed, including reed canary grass, hawthorn, and Himalayan blackberry. Before the new channel was constructed, fish were successfully relocated downstream of the project area by trained staff in late August to allow for filling of the old stream channel. 500 fish were relocated, including coho salmon, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and stickleback. A gravity bypass was in place during channel construction. Construction began on Phase 2 of this project in mid-August. Thank you for your patience!
Phase 2 Details
Phase 2 creates approximately 1000 feet of new channel with pools and large woody debris to remove the creek from the existing highly channelized – or straightened – section between 24th Street and the confluence of Connelly Creek. This work will improve water quality and aquatic function within the creek, as well as enhance the riparian buffer.
More Information
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Resources
- Padden Creek Daylighting Project
- Padden Creek Estuary Habitat Enhancement Project
- City Restoration Sites Map
- Water Quality
- Fish Studies
- Habitat Restoration Technical Assessment (HRTA)
Contact
Craig Mueller, P.E.
Project Engineer
Public Works Department, Engineering
(360) 778-7922, camueller@cob.org
Analiese Burns
Habitat and Restoration Manager
Public Works Department, Natural Resources
(360) 778-7968, acburns@cob.org
Media inquiries: Email pwmedia@cob.org