This proposal involves constructing a sediment trap in Woodland Creek near the Martin Way crossing. Coho and Chum salmon have been found stranded in this stream reach because the channel is braided due to accelerated bank erosion and excessive bed load. It is expected that this project will improve salmon access to spawning and rearing habitats both upstream and downstream from the structure, and decrease the incidence of strandings. This project addresses one of the limiting factors affecting salmon in Woodland Creek: excess fine sediment. In the 1993 Woodland Creek Enhancement Plan prepared by WDFW biologists, installation of the sediment trap was identified as the best option for addressing fish strandings and passage problems in this reach. The streambanks generating the excess sediment are extensive, 15-20 feet high, vertical, and located in a well-vegetated, undisturbed area. Therefore, treating the symptom of excess sediment with construction of a sediment trap is considered to be a more feasible and effective option, creating less disturbance, costing less, and providing more immediate benefit, than attempting to address the source of the sediment. This project will compliment other enhancement activities being implemented on the creek by the City of Lacey and Thurston County, including gravel bed enhancement, bank stabilization, fish barrier removal and stormwater infrastructure improvements.
