Peterson Creek

Started: 7/2020 Completed: 11/2020 

Cost: $1,109,787 

Peterson Creek is a low-gradient stream with a variety of in-stream habitat types and a high percentage of pools that provides excellent spawning opportunities for coho with a high level of channel sinuosity, high wood complexities (including several log structures), good pool formation, and a high pool/riffle ratio per stream mile. Miami-Foley Road, carrying an average 1700 vehicles per day, is one of Tillamook County’s “Priority 1 Lifeline” designated roadways, representing a critical transportation feature, an emergency alternate route to US101, and a designated tsunami escape route. 

Miami-Foley Road crosses Peterson Creek just upstream from its confluence with the main stem Miami River. The culvert crossing was substantially undersized, in poor condition, and at risk of failing, and was a passage impediment to at least 6.2 miles of upstream habitat. This project replaced the undersized, deteriorated 7’ culvert with a 48’ clear span bridge, and restored access to important habitat for ESA listed threatened coho, Chinook, chum, steelhead, cutthroat trout, and lamprey along with other aquatic species. The streambed was reconstructed using streambed simulation methodology. This technique emulates the stream’s natural bed form, including gravels and boulders, to create optimal fish habitat and passage. Within weeks of project completion, TEP staff noted numerous spawning salmon upstream of the new bridge structure. 

The successful implementation of this substantial and costly project was only possible thanks to collaboration of Trout Unlimited Salmon Super Highway partners as well as Federal, state and county partners including: the US Forest Service, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, and Tillamook County Public Works.