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Squalicum Creek Riparian Restoration
In 2003, the City of Bellingham was awarded a state grant to improve fish habitat in and along Squalicum Creek, one of three major creeks in the city. Several salmonid species, including coho, steelhead, cutthroat, and chum, use the creek. Catfish, lamprey, and muskrat have also been found in Squalicum and its tributaries.

The project will replant nine city-owned acres along Squalicum Creek, from West Street (near Pacific Concrete) to where the creek empties into Bellingham Bay. In addition to improving habitat and water quality, the project should also reduce the chance of flash flooding along the creek.

At the beginning of 2004, the City of Bellingham’s two Washington Conservation Corps crews began working along the creek. The first stage of work is removing trash and invasive plants. Part of the creek is near a dead-end road and has been used for years as an illegal dump site. “The work crews have taken out three truckloads of tires alone,” says Renée LaCroix, the project manager. In addition to 47 tires, the crews have hauled away 15 tons of concrete that once formed a bridge deck, 37 gallons of paint, and 20 cubic yards of other garbage and recyclables.

The riparian restoration project will tie into other work along the creek, such as culvert replacements. In 2004, the City will retrofit several culverts under Squalicum Parkway, to allow fish to use more habitat upstream, and is looking at improving culverts affecting Baker Creek, a major tributary to Squalicum. In addition, in 2004, the City purchased Bug Lake to provide an overflow area for Squalicum Creek during rainstorms.

*photo taken by Scarlet Tang

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