Skagit CD is partnering with USFS on an erosion reduction project to reduce the risk of road failures, erosion and their negative effects to Finney Creek, Cumberland Creek and the Skagit River. Finney Creek, once a WDFW index stream for Chinook, has 11.5 miles of anadromous fish habitat and 11 miles of resident fish habitat. Cumberland Creek has one mile of anadromous and 4.4 miles of resident habitat. Sediment from Finney Creek has negatively affected the water quality of Skagit River since the mid-1980s downstream of RM 47.5. Finney Creek currently is an impaired water body for elevated temperature. This project consists of culvert replacement, ditching and fill stabilization. The roadwork was first identified in 1992 during a road deficiency survey and again in 1995 following storm activity. Road prioritization is based on high-risk ratings and inventoried drainage deficiencies. This proposal is the last in a series of projects that addresses 23 miles of road segments by completing treatment of high-risk road segments and drainage deficiencies for the upper 60% of the watershed. Expected results: Water quality will improve and the risk of landslides/sediment delivery will be incrementally reduced. The primary limiting factor targeted is to increase the egg to fry survival rate by reducing the sedimentation of spawning redds for Chinook, Coho, Steelhead and Dolly Varden.
