The City of Bellingham has just completed the final phase of its habitat restoration project on Willow Spring. The spring is now connected to Squalicum Creek via an open channel.
The project dates back to 2010, when the city built the Willow Spring channel. The construction created about 1,000 feet of habitat for rearing salmon, as well as new wetlands, and 1.5 acres of forest at the side of the stream.
However, Bellingham was unable to complete the lower section of the channel that would connect it with Squalicum Creek because the land is owned by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNFS) railroad, and no legal agreement was in place. Last month, Bellingham secured approval from the BNSF to go ahead and complete the project. Funding for the completion of the work was provided by Bellingham as well as BNSF.
Now that a channel connects Squalicum Creek and Willow Spring, fish will be able to access the Spring’s habitat, a diverse area that includes native plants, riffles, pools, large woody debris, and bends.
People who are interested in visiting the restoration project site can access it from the footbridge and trail in Squalicum Creek Park, which are west of the playground. Officials responsible for projects like this could use poster printing to create Signs encouraging people to remain on the trails, and take care of the fragile environment.
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