Conservation District and Bridge Grant Week 6

This week I met with Robin Buckingham from the Thurston Conservation District office, and bridge engineer Pat Powers to discuss options for replacing the failing culverts under my driveway. McLane creek runs through my property and each November we witness the return of salmon as they make their way to their spawning grounds. I applied for a grant to replace the culverts with a bridge, which will alleviate the flooding and provide an easier passage for the returning salmon during the fall and winter months. Robin Buckingham has done a wonderful job of coordinating with various agencies such as the Department of Fish and Wildlife to help move this project forward. I learned last month that my grant was approved!

McLane Creek spilling over the driveway.

My driveway was temporarily transformed into a waterfall!

Salmon were washed up and trapped in my lower field.

The portion off driveway where flooding occurs.

February 9th I accompanied Robin and Pat on a bridge tour to look at the options available for my project, the three bridges we visited were all within a five mile radius of my home.

Our first stop was Beatty Creek, Pat had worked on this project back in 2001, he was surprised to see the sign still standing and undamaged!

Fish Pond Creek, this is a box culvert, which is a prefabricated concrete box which is set into the creek , Department and Fish and Wildlife had discouraged this design, it creates an unnatural stream bed. I had originally favored a box culvert because it would require raising the level of my driveway less than the other options. I changed my mind when I saw the box culvert in person, it does not fit with my riparian restoration project.

Wood bridge at Michelle Creek, Pat designed this project last year. I like the low profile, and the span, which allows the creek to flow more naturally, unlike the box culvert. Pat Powers on bridge with TCD technician Robin Buckingham.

I’m leaning towards the wood bridge, I like the design and use of natural materials, however it does have a shorter lifespan and we have concerns about slippery footing. Pat and Robin were very helpful in pointing out the pros and cons of each design, next week we plan to visit a steel bridge before I make a final decision. We all agree that whatever the choice it will be a vast improvement to the rusting pipes we currently have!

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