The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is sponsoring five river restoration projects as part of the Aquatic Species Restoration Plan. These projects are taking place on the Skookumchuck, Wynoochee, Satsop, and Newaukum rivers, and on Stillman Creek, a tributary to the South Fork Chehalis River. Funding is provided by the Washington State Legislature through the Department of Ecology’s Office of Chehalis Basin.
The Stillman Creek Restoration Project will start construction in Summer 2022 and is expected to be completed in 2023.
Habitat restoration features
The key to a healthy, thriving region starts with our lands and waters. The Stillman Creek Restoration Project is part of the new science-based Aquatic Species Restoration Plan. The plan was designed to rebuild and protect a productive ecosystem that is resilient to the impacts of climate change.
- Streamside plantings: Native trees and shrubs provide shade, insects, nutrients, and wood for the river system. Invasive species will also be removed.
- Engineered log jams: Large woody debris helps stabilize stream banks and keeps our rivers healthy, improving the survival of salmon and other native fish and wildlife.
- Reconnecting floodplain and off-channel habitats: Allowing the flows of the river to connect with side channels and wetlands helps to keep cool water in the rivers when fish need it most, enhance salmon spawning grounds up and down the river, and support overall ecosystem resiliency.
What to expect
Construction activities
Construction will take place July through October 2022 and 2023, with in-water construction taking place from Aug. 1 to Sept. 15.
- Work hours: During the in-water construction period, construction is expected to occur up to seven days a week from approximately 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Noise: Expect to hear noise from construction work associated with pile driving, moving materials, and various heavy machinery.
Restricted river access
During the in-water construction window there will be limited or restricted access within river miles 0.0 to 3.3. This includes the bridge on Lost Valley Road that is within the construction footprint.
Contact
For questions, please contact ChehalisHabitatRestoration@dfw.wa.gov.