This project will remove a barrier culvert located on Birch Street and the west fork of Hylebos Creek, and replace it with a structure that will allow fish passage for all species and life stages. Habitat surveys conducted by WDFW have revealed 9,138 meters of potential spawning and rearing habitat, providing immediate and long-term benefits to salmon. Habitat made accessible by this project will be suitable for Chinook, coho, chum salmon, steelhead, and sea run cutthroat. The project was identified in the Pierce Conservation District Culvert Inventory for WRIA 10. The Pierce County fish passage committee consisting of PCD, WDFW, Puyallup Tribe and Pierce County SWM considered this site a priority project. Re-establishing fish passage will not only provide additional habitat for salmonids but will also have other benefits, including transport of marine nutrients upstream - salmon carcasses. Construction of a properly sized structure will also enhance downstream migration of streambed 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. Federally listed species potentially benefiting from habitat made accessible by this project include the Puget Sound Chinook salmon. The PCD will be partnering with the City of Milton, South Puget Sound Enhancement Group, and the Puyallup Tribe.
