Downey Farmstead Side Channel II

The City of Kent will continue this multi-phased project to construct a side channel, reconnect floodplain, and enhance riparian habitat on the left bank of the Green River between river mile (RM) 21.5 and RM 22.3 on property acquired by the city in 2008 (SRFB 02-1601). The restoration project is designed, permitted, and shovel-ready, and limited only by the amount of construction funding available. By the end of 2020, the city will have cleared 18 acres of former tree farm, excavated 135,000 CY of material, installed 6 habitat structures and relocated Frager Road away from the river. With this additional increment of funding, the City will excavate an additional 18,750 CY of channel (as shown in the designs attached in PRISM ”Partial Funding Plans (No PSAR Large Cap)”), install 6 interpretive signs, and place 6 additional in-channel habitat structures in the excavated channel. Once the project has been fully funded to complete the restoration work, the site will provide complex off-channel rearing and refuge habitat to benefit ESA listed Chinook salmon and Steelhead trout, as well as chum, coho, and pink salmon.

The goals for this Lower Green River restoration project are as follows: Increase quantity and quality of juvenile salmonid rearing and refuge habitat for use in the winter and spring months to support Chinook salmon recovery goals. Increase the amount of fully functioning riparian habitat to support Chinook Salmon recovery goals. Improve habitat for life stage diversity and salmonid productivity Reduce impacts of increased summer water temperatures on Chinook salmon migration Restore lost floodplain habitat and increase floodplain storage capacity Encourage public engagement and interest in the Salmon habitat and riverine restoration work