Add Water and They Will Come

In 1892, 2200 ft/670 m of Padden Creek just east of Fairhaven was buried in a brick tunnel, blocking salmon access to upstream habitat. About a year ago, work began to restore the creek to its rightful place above ground.

This $2.9 million bridge is the first stage of the project. It's almost complete, and the creek daylighting will begin soon. I'm hoping to see salmon swimming beneath the bridge next year, if not this fall.

The death by a thousand cuts metaphor would be very appropriate in describing the drastic decline in salmon runs due to habitat loss. There are many dedicated volunteers and organizations working to heal some of the wounds, but a complete recovery is not likely.