Pullen Creek Barrier Removal on the North Fork Toutle
About
During the summer of 2024, A barrier culvert on Pullen Creek, part of the North Fork Toutle Watershed, was replaced with a fish-passable structure, restoring access to 2.6 miles of habitat for coho, steelhead, and sea-run cutthroat trout.
The purpose of this project was to improve fish passage by removing a barrier culvert and associated fill from the creek and replace it with a 54’ concrete bridge. The site is also a drop point for fish transported around the North Fork Toutle Sediment Retention Structure.
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Since it's construction, the bridge has been utilized to transport over 10 beaver to a nearby wetland area and also for multiple site tours. LCFEG is proud to be have been a part of releasing this habitat for local salmonid populations.
Watch this video detailing work conducted during summer 2024!
Figure 1. The culvert that was removed and replaced on pullen creek.
Figure 2. LCFEG Staff, project partners and consultants on pre-construction a site visit.
Figure 3. A beaver release was conducted by Cascade Forest Conservancy during the Spirit Lake-Toutle/Cowlitz River Collaborative Field Tour (September 2024). Th Collaborative assisted and observed the release of 2 beavers into a wetland area nearby the newly constructed pullen creek bridge. We have been assisting with beaver relocations at this site since early May, and have now relased well over 20 beaver into the area. Our hope is that these beavers will get to work introducing organic material into the watershed, which would benefit local salmonid populations!
Target Species
Metrics
Partners | Consultants
Contractors
Funds
Sea-run cutthroat trout, Coho, Steelhead, and Lamprey eels
Restored access to 2.6 miles of habitat
Pacific Bridge Construction, Eco Park Resort
WA State RCO FFFPP #(22-2544) $65,000