Lindsay Creek Coho Barrier Removal Project

The purpose of this project was to accelerate salmonid fisheries recovery by upgrading 2 separate culverted stream crossings, both located on a privately owned parcel in McKinleyville, CA; 1 on the Lindsay Creek mainstem and 1 on a tributary of Lindsay Creek (Crystal Creek). Prior to implementation, the Lindsay Creek culvert was a temporal barrier to adult salmonids and a complete barrier to juveniles, while the Crystal Creek culvert was a complete barrier to all life stages of salmonids. Both culverts were severely undersized, with the mainstem Lindsay Creek crossing having plugged and overtopped the road, resulting in approximately half of the road prism being washed out. 1 mile of additional habitat is now accessible on Lindsay Creek and 0.33 mi on Crystal Creek.

FY20 funds spent within award window.

The expected benefits include restoring year-round unimpeded access to cold anadromous rearing and spawning habitat for juvenile and adult coho salmon in Lindsay and Crystal Creek. Approximately 1 mile of potential year-round habitat in mainstem Lindsay Creek is currently limited by a temporal road-crossing barrier for adult coho and a complete barrier to juvenile salmonids. Similarly, 0.33 miles of habitat are being excluded by a complete road-crossing barrier on Crystal Creek.