What's Happening
Channel erosion in the upper segments of the creek combined with sediment deposits in the lower portions have contributed to a loss of habitat. Channel erosion also impairs fish passage and increases downstream maintenance costs.
The Puyallup Tribe of Indians has commissioned design efforts to address this problem. Pierce County is partnering with the Tribe to develop a project that provides stream bank stabilization and improves the habitat.
Additional project partners include Tacoma Metro Parks and Pierce County Parks, who are both donating land easements to facilitate project elements and support restoration efforts in this important area.
About the Project
This project proposes to use a combination of woody material, streambed gravel, and plantings to stabilize streambanks and provide sediment recruitment capacity within the channel. The intention is to slow erosion and allow the channel to return to a more natural state.
The proposed project reach begins immediately downstream of the 64th Street East culvert crossing and concludes near Swan Creek Park at Pioneer Way. Construction is tentatively scheduled for 2024. For more information, please download a copy of our project handout to the right.
Funding
Pierce County will build off of investments already made by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians by using grant funding from Washington State Department of Ecology's Floodplains by Design program and combine with Surface Water Management Funds to complete the project.