The next phase of the Ohop Creek Restoration Project is underway, and the first pictures are rolling in. Thanks to Kim Bredensteiner, of the Nisqually Land Trust, for taking these “before pictures.” The valley has been used for farming purposes for over a century; soon the creek will be closer to resembling its historical conditions – a bending, forested and salmon-filled stream.
Overlooking the Ohop Valley and part of Burwash Farm. Over a century ago, the trees in Ohop Valley were cleared to make way for farming, and the creek straightened. Now, the valley is being restored to resemble its historical conditions. The first step: re-meandering Ohop Creek.
Currently, Ohop Creek is straight and does not have nearby trees to provide shade or animal habitat. The goal of the restoration project is to add curves to the creek and eventually replant the flood plain.
The posts marked with pink flagging outline the soon-to-be new course of Ohop Creek. By re-meandering the Ohop, the creek will provide much better salmon habitat. The restored stream will feature a variety of in-stream habitats, including pools and eddies which will provide rest stops for migrating and rearing fish.
Construction equipment began to arrive onsite for the next phase of the restoration on June 30th. Here, machinery is being staged prior to the start of digging the new creek bed. Construction will take place throughout the summer of 2014.
