The Family Forest Fish Passage Program paid the private landowner’s cost to replace this fish-blocking culvert with a fish-friendly bridge.
Many miles of streams in Washington state are inaccessible to fish because improperly sized culverts have been installed where streams flow under forest roads. Lack of access to good quality stream habitat is one factor behind the declines in salmon and trout populations in Washington State.
Removing these blockages — usually culverts — and installing more fish-friendly structures isn’t always cheap, but it’s the law. DNR offers small forest landowners help to replace the barrier culverts on their properties. Since 2003, nearly 200 small forest landowners have taken advantage of funding from the Family Forest Fish Passage Program to replace 232 barriers and open more than 485 miles of stream for salmon and trout.
The Family Forest Fish Passage Program is popular. Here’s what small forest landowners have said about the program:
“I am absolutely tickled with the quality of the project. When the road was put in 50 years ago we had no idea the impact it would have on the generations of salmon. We are very thankful to have fish returning and a new bridge to access our tree farm.” – Herb and Delores Welch
“It’s a win win, the landowner gets a great structure that they never could afford otherwise, and the fish get a better stream.” - Holly Koon and Max Duncan
“All parties involved in this project were excellent to work with. We have a quality bridge that will last forever.” – Ron Roberts
Watch a video about the Family Forest Fish Passage Program.
Are you a small forest landowner who needs funding help to remove a fish barrier culvert? Apply online for funding help today.
Learn more about the array of services and programs offered by DNR’s Small Forest Landowner Office.
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Tags: DNR, forest, Washington, wildlife
