What's Happening
Pierce County is continuing its efforts to improve floodplain connectivity and fish habitat along Fennel Creek, upstream from where it joins the Puyallup River. Previous phases included property acquisition, a 40-plus acre floodplain restoration project, and a channel restoration project covering over 1,900 linear feet.
About the Project
On this project we are partnering with Forterra, a non-profit conservation organization, to acquire a piece of property from willing sellers. The site is adjacent to the first two project phases. Buildings and roads will be demolished. Previous fill-areas will be removed. Plantings and fish habitat features will be installed as the area is allowed to return to more natural condition. Pierce County is also collaborating with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians in selecting native plants with cultural significance to the Tribe. Property acquisition was completed by Forterra in 2020. Demolition was completed in 2022. Habitat improvements and project construction are planned for 2024.
Funding
Property acquisition and design were funded in part by a Salmon Recovery Funding Board grant from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office. Pierce County will seek additional grant funding to combine with Surface Water Management Funds for the construction of this project.