Donkey Creek Tributary Fish Passage Design

The objective of this project phase (21-1122) was to produce a preliminary design for a replacement crossing that will meet RCO Manual 18 preliminary design deliverables and WDFW stream crossing design standards, and we/the sponsor has completed this objective. To complete the objective, the following was completed: site visits, site surveys, alternatives development, preferred alternative selected, preliminary design developed. This work included cultural resources compliance and planning (no ground disturbing activities took place during this phase but survey required on next phase). Sponsor organized and facilitated coordination and regular workgroup meetings with Quinault Indian Nation staff, Jefferson County engineering staff, WDFW staff, and other stakeholders to complete project deliverables.

The goal of the project is to restore access for native salmonids to their historic range of habitat use, including off channel habitat. Correcting the fish passage barrier at this site will increase the quantity of accessible rearing habitat and high flow refugia for coho, steelhead, and trout species. The designs will be engineered to accommodate increased peak flows anticipated from climate change and allow for natural sediment, wood, and nutrient transport. Creating this preliminary design will accelerate replacement of this barrier when funding becomes available.