Peterson Creek Fish Passage Culvert Improvements at Wachusetts Street

This project will replace a fish passage barrier at the road/stream crossing of Peterson Creek and Wachusetts Street that is currently failing, undersized, perched, and rated ‘red’ by Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) standards. In the summer of 2024, this crossing will be replaced by a new structure that facilitates natural stream function and provides flood resiliency. This is the final phase of a partnership between the City and Borough of Sitka (CBS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to design and replace two failing culverts that have blocked fish passage on Peterson Creek.

This project replaces the last fish passage barrier in Peterson Creek, reconnecting 1.09 km of high quality spawning and rearing habitat for coho and pink salmon. The new culvert will also be rated to accommodate 100-year peak flow, reducing the risk of large flooding events.