Middle Ross Creek
47°31'31.0"N 122°39'54.0"W
SITE OVERVIEW
Middle Ross Creek begins just south of Hwy16. The environment through which the creek flows changes drastically from that of lower Ross Creek. Conifers become more prominent, flow rates fluctuate seasonally, and human impacts become more obvious and pressing. There are sections of healthy spawning habitat throughout the creek system. However, there are also many places where the creek system is degraded and altered significantly, that pose deadly conditions for salmon, and degrade water quality downstream.
There is substantial potential for habitat restoration along middle Ross Creek that will aid in regional salmon recovery efforts and improve the quality of water flowing into Sinclair Inlet.
Project Site Drone Overview
Aerial footage displays upper Ross Creek as it passes under the industrial park and hwy 16.
PROJECT OVERVIEW BULLET POINTS:
Potentially healthy creek conditions exist between the industrial park and Hwy16 (approximately 1500+ feet of creek). There is gravel, shade, and lush vegetation.
The creek flows over 1,000+ through a culvert under the industrial park and presents an insurmountable obstacle for spawning salmon.
Salmon are obstructed by hanging and degraded culverts at multiple points.
Future development plans are being considered in and around the industrial park.
If Ross Creek were daylighted through the industrial park, invasive species removed, and the culverts fixed or replaced, the spawning range of salmon on Ross Creek could increase substantially.
At this point Ross Creek enters an underground culvert and traverses the industrial park.
Ross Creek exits the underground culvert behind Evergreen Lumber.
