The project is located in the Salmon Creek Watershed and is north of Vancouver in the Hazel Dell area. The project consists of removing a partial barrier on Salmon Creek at Highway 99. The barrier is a 6 drop that has scoured downstream of the bridge. A fish ladder will be constructed to allow passage past the falls. A grade control structure will be constructed to prevent further erosion at the falls. Providing passage past this barrier will open 35 miles of habitat and will enhance rearing and spawning opportunities leading to an increase in survival and reproduction rates for salmon. The draft letter dated November 1, 1999 on limiting factors for WRIA 28 developed by the Washington Conservation Commission identifies Salmon Creek as one of the two principle salmon-bearing streams in the WRIA (the other being the Washougal River). The project site is identified in the Clark County culvert survey developed in 1997. Steelhead, coho and sea-run cutthroat trout are known to utilize the project area. Steelhead are listed as threatened, coho are candidate species, and the sea-run cutthroat are proposed for listing. In addition, there may be chinook salmon present in the vicinity of the project. Chinook is listed as threatened. All four species are considered depressed by the WDFW.
