East Fork McLane Creek Bridge Project

In late 2018, Thurston CD staff assisted with the removal of multiple failed culverts which were blocking streamflow and fish passage.

This project was done on a landowner's property along the East Fork of McLane Creek.

This is the state of the three culverts before their removal. They were degraded and were impeding flow of water from the creek, as well as the flow of fish.

During periods of high flow, the culverts would be overwhelmed and lead to flooding on the landowner's property.

This made travel along the driveway unsafe.

To protect fish and wildlife during the day-long construction project, a temporary dam was first placed on the creek.

Fish, like this Olympic Mudminnow (Novumbra hubbsi), were carefully removed from the site before construction began.

As the culverts were removed, it quickly became clear how due they were for a replacement!

Fill dirt around the culverts was removed, and supports for the new bridge were installed.

The pre-fabricated bridge was then brought on site and installed on the supports.

The bridge is now installed and water can flow freely again!

This will reduce water backup issues along the landowner's driveway and allow them safe and easy access.

Salmon and other fish along the East Fork McLane Creek can now easily pass.

After the installation of the bridge, areas around the bridge and stream were replanted by volunteers from local schools through the South Sound GREEN program.

Replanted areas along the creek will grow into a healthy riparian buffer.

See the next slide for a video of the construction process!