This project will provide unimpeded fish passage to the headwaters of Coal Mine Creek (WRIA 10.042A). This project will remove two passage barriers and replace them with structures that will allow passage for salmonids at all life stages. Approximately 350 linear meters of habitat will be made accessible by this project, including 202 square meters of spawning habitat and 1083 square meters of rearing habitat (PCD habitat assessment survey, 2000), providing immediate and long term benefits to salmon. Stable spring fed flows and a network of wetlands above the barriers will provide critical rearing habitat for all species. Coal Mine Creek is one of WDFWs index streams for coho spawning escapement in the Puyallup River Basin. This right bank tributary is part of the Wilkeson Creek drainage, which is regarded as one of the most productive creeks in the basin. The WDFW Priority Index Number for this site is 13. Habitat made accessible for this project will be suitable for wild chinook and coho salmon, steelhead, and sea-run/resident cutthroat. Re-establishing fish passage will have other benefits, including transportation marine nutrients upstream i.e. salmon carcasses. Construction of a properly sized structure will enhance downstream migration of stream bed-load, increasing diversity of substrate size and quality of downstream spawning habitat. Finally, woody debris will be allowed to migrate downstream to provide cover for fish and enhance channel diversity.
