Currently Harper Estuary is a pocket estuary with most of the habitat being salt marsh and intertidal mudflat. The estuary has one main channel and a disconnected fresh water wetland. As it stands Harper Estuary provides little habitat for migrating juvenile salmon due to periodic barrier caused by high ebb tide velocities with in the existing 36" culvert and very little habitat within the main channel of flow. Restoration opportunities in the estuary are related to improving the hydrologic function, geomorphic composition and specific habitat that is found within the estuary.
The Harper Estuary Culvert Feasibility/Design is a project, which will provide all analytical information, design plans and permits needed to do a culvert replacement project in Harper Estuary. The feasibility and design will build upon an Army Corps of Engineers study(Harper Estuary Section 206 Restoration) and incorporate an analysis of both upstream and downstream habitat.We will do engineering to determine gradient. drainage, flows and bank full width. A feasibility study will allow for geomorphic analysis to be conducted, which will be important in determining bed load for road and culvert design. This project would include a final design and would allow for monies to be located for acquisition of permits. Feasibility would also include county input on future road improvements, and tribal collaboration in identifying culturally sensitive areas in or adjacent to project premises.
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