Posted: August 07, 2008 14:20:03 PST
Colacurcio Brothers, Inc., under a contract with the City of Bellingham, has begun work on the Red Tail Reach Salmon Habitat Enhancement Project to improve 1,550 lineal feet of the Whatcom Creek stream bank and floodplain. The project area is located on the south side of Whatcom Creek between I-5 and Racine Street. Funding for the project comes from the Olympic Pipeline settlement.
Red Tail Reach Salmon Habitat Enhancement Project will increase rearing habitat for juveniles and holding habitat for adults by improving pools. In addition the project will increase winter rearing habitat by creating backwater areas that will provide refuge during high flows. The project will increase overall complexity of the habitat which will benefit all salmon lifestages.
Construction elements include removing approximately 26,000 cubic yards of fill along the creek, re-contouring sections of the existing streambank, creating new backwater areas that emulate the appearance and function of channel oxbows, placing large woody debris throughout the site, and planting native riparian vegetation. Funding for the project comes from the Olympic Pipeline settlement.
This is a very active construction site and citizens are asked to stay out of the area until after the project is finished, which is expected to be in October. As with all restoration sites, re-vegetation of the site takes many years and the new plants are very sensitive. Citizens are asked to stay on established trails at all times when in the area.
For more information, visit the city's website at www.cob.org/government/departments/pw/projects/index-current.aspx or contact Renee LaCroix at rlacroix@cob.org or call 778-7900.
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Media Contact:
Clare Fogelsong, Environmental Resources Manager
Public Works
778-7900
cfogelsong@cob.orgDepartment
