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King County Watersheds

Large wood installation projects

King County’s procedures for considering public safety when placing large wood in King County rivers requires that the Department of Natural Resources and Parks develop and maintain a list of projects where large wood will be or is likely to be installed in a King County river or stream. This project list will be updated every year and made available by request and via the county website or e-mail notifications. For each project, the project manager will develop the following information for use in the public outreach process:

  • Brief project description, including approximate type and amounts of wood expected to be used;
  • Location of project;
  • Primary purpose of the project and its relative importance to the success of County programs and mandates;
  • Project goals and objectives;
  • Existing project site conditions;
  • Type, intensity and seasonality of recreational uses, if known;
  • Intended function of the wood, including identification of how wood meets project goals and objectives;
  • Project status and timing of conceptual design input opportunities; and
  • Timing of planned and completed project construction.
Project nameLocationDescriptionPurpose and importanceGoals and objectivesExisting site conditionsRecreational uses, timing, intensityIntended large wood functionProject status Project
manager

Anticiapated construction date

Belmondo Revetment Enhancement Project Cedar River RM 9.5-10.8 Reconstruct 370 linear feet of an eroding revetment facility with vegetated geogrids, two engineered log jams and two boulder clusters. Project enhances and extends an existing bank protection facility that protects regional trail, data cable, state highway. To continue and complete the bank stabilization and flood control that was initiated with the emergency repair performed in January, 2009. Project is located on an outside bend and protects communications, transportation and infrastructure. Trail has moderate year-round use by bicyclists. River has moderate seasonal use by floaters, boaters, fishermen. The large wood and habitat structures will increase the quantity and quality of aquatic and riparian habitat and provide mitigation for impacts to aquatic habitat associated with the Cedar Rapids project. Open for public comment through December 16, 2011. Mason Bowles Summer, 2012
Mason Thorson Extension Levee Repair Middle Fork Snoqualmie, RM 1.5, Left Bank 2-6 pieces of LWD placed extending from bank into channel. Anchored via earth surcharge and rock ballast. Wood will be on-site mitigation for repair of rock levee immediately downstream. This project is a repair of the upstream end of the Mason Thorson Extension Levee damaged during the winter of 2010-2011. Project goal is to repair damage to flood protection facility. The project site is located in unincorporated King County in an aggrading reach of the Middle Fork. Site has had repeated damage due to the levees adverse alignment with respect to the river. The river's right bank is wholey included in the Mt Si Natural Resource Conservation Area. Moderate summer recreational use by kayakers. Large wood will dissipate energy and provide hydraulic diversity for fish use, in a reach of the river with low wood density.

Open for public comment through Sept. 1, 2011.

(Acrobat pdfs)

 Mark Ruebel Sept-11
McElhoe Pearson Levee Setback Project Snoqualmie River, Right Bank, RM 23.1-23.3 Levee and revetment rock removal with bank revetment and setback levee installation. Number and types of wood to be used still to be determined. This project will enhance rearing and refuge habitat for endangered Chinook in the Snoqualmie River and reduce flood facility maintenance requirements. Restore channel migration processes and floodplain connectivity by removing confining flood protection infrastructure. The project site is located in a reach of the Snoqualmie River that's been identified as the highest priority reach for salmon habitat. The existing levee however is preventing channel migration & habitat forming processes from occuring. The levee also requires frequent maintenance. Moderate use by floaters, boaters, fishermen. LWD proposed to be part of back revetment structures. LWD in structures increases stability and habitat value over similar structures without LWD. Fauna Nopp Summer, 2012
Upper Carlson Levee Removal Snoqualmie River, RM 34.5, R Bank Remove 1600 LF of existing levee and associated rock face. Construct 2000 LF setback log crib revetment and two engineered log structures on the left bank. Project is a prioritized action to implement Salmon Recovery Plan recommendations for the Fall City Reach of the Snoqualmie River. The Fall City Reach has been identified as one of the most important and productive reaches in the Snoqualmie. Reconnection of the Snoqualmie River to the floodplain and associated side channels and restroation of channel and floodplain processes, including: channel widening, channel migration, large wood recruitment and retention and natural distribution of sediment throughout the reach. The Carlson Upper Levee is a training levee. Its primary function is to confine the river to its current location. Floodplain landward of levee is forested, and includes a historic side channel. Neal Road forms the project boundary to the north and east. The existing channel is artificially narrow and deep with rock faced levees on both left and right banks. Wide variety of recreational users and crafts; WDFW access and parking located on downstream end of project site LWD will be used in bank protection structures. Log cribs will be constructed along approximately 2000 feet of Neal Road and 2 ELJ's will be constructed on the left bank near the downstream end of the site. Large wood has been incorporated in the design to improve the reliability of existing and new bank protection measures while providing more complex, higher quality fish habitat. Project is nearing 30% design for grant submittal. Work on 70% design is unlikely to begin until after reach wide 2-d modeling is complete in late 2011 or early 2012. 30% design may be influenced by additonal landowner outreach planned for spring/summer 2011. Will Mansfield If project is selected, no earlier than summer 2013, more likely 2014 or after.
Belmondo Bank Repair Cedar River RM 9.5-10.8 Construct approximately 200 lf of vegetated geogrids and with 80 lf of new rock toe that may include bank roughening engineered log jam (ELJ) structure. Project maintains an existing bank protection facility. The goal of Belmondo Phase 2 Revetment Repair and Bank Roughening Project is to construct approximately 200 lf of riverbank stabilization and mitigation for the 2009 emergency repar. 200 lf of new bank repair, including one ELJ and 170 lf of vegetated geogrids. Moderate use by floaters, boaters, fishermen. LWD will dissipate energy and help kick river across to right bank and provide hydraulic diversity for fish use 30% design plans July 2011 Mason Bowles Aug-12
Cedar Rapids Repair Cedar River RM 7.3 - 7.8 Repair or reconstruct stable setback levee, modify emergency repair work to comply with permit requirements, and manage natural large wood recruited to site during flood. Provide ongoing flood protection to homes and infrastructure located outside the project area, comply with permit requirements, address public safety needs. 80 LF of emergency repair constructed in January 2011. Moderate use by floaters, boaters, fishermen. Not yet designed. 30% design plans May 2011 Carolyn Butchart August - September 2011
Rainbow Bend Levee Removal and Floodplain Reconnection Cedar River RM 11.2 and 11.5 KC/Seattle acquired frequently flooded properties, removed existing homes and related improvements and plans to remove approximately 900 feet of levee and revetment. The project will also include grading to reconnect historic side channels and/or encourage side channel formation, the addition of floodplain roughness (large woody debris clusters), and planting native vegetation to restore a more natural floodplain community. The project is identified in the Flood Hazard Reduction Plan to reduce flood hazards and long term maintenance via buyouts and levee removal. The WRIA 8 Chinook Salmon Conservation Plan also identifies the project as an important component to salmon recovery in the Cedar River. Project will restore river processes that create sustainable off channel rearing and refuge habitat for Chinook and other salmonid species; restore floodplain connectivity, increasing habitat complexity and hydraulic diversity; maximize habitat availability across the range of flow levels while minimizing the potential for fish stranding; provide overall flood relief to reach - lower elevations and velocities; and eliminate the need for long term facility maintenance and emergency response.
 The site was previously home to a mobile home park. The property was purchased by King County and almost all of the mobile homes and other structures have been removed from the property in preparation for removal of the levees. This reach of the river had an estimated 250-500 floaters based on data collected during the 2010 Cedar River recreational study. Design is not complete, but large wood is planned to be used within the floodplain to increase roughness and limit the potential for broad, shallow sheet flow across the site. No wood will be placed within the mainstem. Design is underway – 30% likely summer 2011. Input into project starting with 30% and extending into spring 2012. Jon Hansen 2013
Fenster Instream Log Placement Mitigation site Green River, Left Bank, RM 31.9-32.0 Existing anchored logs will be repositioned and integrated with the addition of 31 additional logs, to be secured with driven wooden pilings. Project is a required mitigation element for previously completed levee clearing of trees and other vegetation; will supplement an existing habitat restoration and levee setback project constructed in 2008. Mitigate for impacts due to tree cutting on lower Green River Levees in 2009; interact with sediments and river flows to moderate channel migration rates and channel geometry; locally provide cover and refuge for adult and juvenile salmonids. An existing row of anchored wood placed as part of a habitat recovery project in 2008 will be integrated into the new wood and piling placement Moderate hot weather use by waders and swimmers; river closed to boating upstream. Some fishing and hiking in cold seasons Log placement is required as a permit condition for mitigation of impacts associated with tree cutting on Green River levees in 2009 The project is in preliminary design phase and anticipates being at 30% by July, 2011. Public input to design will be considered between 30 & 70% Andy Levesque Summer, 2012
Foster Golf Course Instream Log Placement Mitigation Site Duwamish River, Right Bank, RM 10.25-10.3 13 logs will be secured to wooden pilings driven along an eroded portion of the riverbank at the Tukwila Foster Golf Course Project is a required mitigation element for previously completed levee clearing of trees and other vegetation; will supplement an existing habitat restoration and levee setback project constructed a short distance downstream in 2008. Mitigate for impacts due to tree cutting on lower Green River levees in 2009; interact with sediments and river flows to moderate channel migration rates and channel geometry; locally provide cover and refuge for adult and juvenile salmonids. Logs will be secured with chains to pilings driven along the riverward toe of a steep and failing embankment along the golf course Extremely low; occasional canoeist or fisherman; constant golf play present upslope. Log placement is required as a permit condition for mitigation of impacts associated with tree cutting on Green River levees in 2009 The project is in preliminary design phase and anticipates being at 30% by July, 2011. Public input to design will be considered between 30 & 70% Andy Levesque Summer, 2012
Teufel Nursery - Green River Corridor Mitigation Site Green River, Left Bank, RM 19.9-20.8 85 logs will be placed at the site as an initial component of longer-term mitigation project planning and implementation. Project is a required mitigation element for previously completed levee clearing of trees and other vegetation; expect to supplement in upcoming years with similar flood mitigation efforts and with other river restoration work. Mitigate for impacts due to tree cutting on lower Green River levees in 2009; interact with sediments and river flows to moderate channel migration rates and channel geometry; locally provide cover and refuge for adult and juvenile salmonids. Large site presently occupied by plant nursery; acquisition and lease-back of site recently negotiated. Low to moderate use by floaters, boaters, fishermen. Log placement is required as a permit condition for mitigation of impacts associated with tree cutting on Green River levees in 2009. Site has capacity for additional mitigation and restoration in the future. Acquisition has only recently been completed; awaiting staffing; 30% design possible by December 2011; Public input to design will be considered between 30 & 70% Andy Levesque Summer, 2012 or 2013
Countyline to A Street Levee Modification White River, RM 4.9-6.1, L Bank Construct ~5,200 lf biorevetment along floodplain terrace, and ~6 ELJ's in left bank floodplain (~90' wide x 85' long supported with ballast and wood piling). Project accomplishes objectives of the adopted 2006 King County Flood Hazard Management Plan, including reduction of risk to public safety, damage to public infrastructure, and private structures, and meets goals set forth in the Salmon Habitat Protection and Restoration Strategy for the Puyallup and Chambers/Clover Creek Watersheds. Flood hazard reduction by increasing flood conveyance and storage capacity; restoring riverine processes and functions within the project area to enhance salmonid rearing habitat, in particular spring and fall Chinook, coho, and steelhead; and designing and constructing a project that best meets the goals and objectives of the project using the most cost-effective means. The project site is located on the White River in the vicinity of the cities Pacific and Sumner and is a highly confined alluvial system that is prone to flooding and large amounts of sediment deposition. River recreational use in the project reach is limited due to high turbidity/ limited visibility, and cold temperatures. Recreational use includes kayaking, fishing, boating, and occasional rafting. Active recreation at City of Pacific Park including river access, fishing, wading. The existing left bank levee is used for passive recreational use for walking and other pedestrian traffic. The primary function of the wood installations will be used to protect adjacent properties. The biorevetment will prevent erosion along the terrace. ELJ's will deflect and split flow coming into the project site.

The project is between 30% and 60% design completion. Public comment during the SEPA process will be solicited at 60% design.

 Deborah Scheibner May, 2013
Singer Judd Creek Pond Enhancement Judd Creek The proposed project will involve sealing an old culvert that presently serves as the pond’s outflow and creating a new channel connecting the south end of Singer Pond to Judd Creek. Woody debris will be placed in Judd Creek and consist of 40 to 60 logs, 10 to 12 inches in diameter and 20 to 25 feet in length. Improve water quality and create habitat for the Judd Creek basin and Paradise Valley. Both the pond and the new channel will be planted with native plants and emergent vegetation. Woody debris and native plants will be installed in and around Judd Creek, helping to restore instream habitat and degraded riparian areas Degraded riparian land due to grazing and agriculture None. Other than hiking on nearby trails. Bank stability and fish habitat The project is pre-30% design and is intended to be constructed this summer. Cody Toal Sept. 2011
May Creek Drainage Improvement May Creek at 148th Ave SE Sediment Removal from Channel Improve flow capacity of stream channel and reduce inundation of surrounding properties Woody debris and native plants will be installed in and around May Creek, helping to restore instream habitat. The project is in May Valley and the surrounding properties experience frequent periods of surface water inundation Low or no use by floaters, boaters, fishermen. Bank stability and fish habitat 70% design Doug Chin Summer2012
Long Marsh Creek Drainage Improvement Long Marsh Creek at May Creek confluence Sediment Removal from Channel Improve flow capacity of stream channel and reduce inundation of surrounding properties Woody debris and native plants will be installed in and around Long Marsh Creek, helping to restore instream habitat. The project is in May Valley and the surrounding properties experience frequent periods of surface water inundation Low or no use by floaters, boaters, fishermen. Bank stability and fish habitat 70% design Wes Kameda Summer 2012
Tate Creek Drainage Improvement Tate Creek at North Fork Rd SE Sediment Removal from Channel Improve flow capacity of stream channel and reduce inundation of surrounding properties Large wood was installed to reduce erosion on banks of channel The project was an emergency response to a beaver dam break and flooding outside of the channel. Low or no use by floaters, boaters, fishermen. Bank stability and fish habitat Complete (emergency repair) Shannon Kelly Completed 2011 (emergency repair)

For more information about projects with large wood installations, please contact Laird O'Rollins, ecologist, WLR Ecological Services and Engineering Services Unit.