This grant funded project will enhance salmon habitat in the 3 streams that merge on this site. The 12.85 acre site was purchased by Pierce County to help meet some of the larger salmon recovery goals within the Puyallup River watershed. Currently, Chinook, coho, chum, pink and some sockeye salmon along with steelhead, cutthroat and bull trout use South Prairie Creek. The spring fed tributaries are especially important for the rearing of juvenile salmon, but some mature fish, like coho and chum salmon, will use the small streams for spawning.

The project includes:

• Constructing approximately 1,300 feet of new meandering stream channel.
  
• Installing logs and other large woody debris in the new stream channel to improve fish habitat.
  
• Removing fish passage barriers.
  
• Wildlife habitat features such as standing 'snag' trees for birds.
  
• Planting native vegetation to enhance the wetlands and stream channels. Once established, the irrigation system will be removed.
  
• Constructing a flood protection fence adjacent to South Prairie Creek.

This project is funded primarily by grants from the Salmon Recovery Funding Board and the Pierce County Community Salmon Fund. Pierce County Surface Water Management manages these grants and also provided additional funding.

Public access will be limited for the first 3-5 years as the plants become established. The site will remain as a natural, undeveloped area.