Chinook Bend work to limit public access on Snoqualmie River near Carnation

Published 1:48 pm Tuesday, July 12, 2011

A summertime project to improve habitat conditions for fish and wildlife along the Snoqualmie River, while maintaining flood protection for nearby landowners, will require temporary public access restrictions at King County’s Chinook Bend Natural Area.

To ensure public safety, the county’s 59-acre natural area near Carnation will be closed to all access during staging and construction, expected to begin July 11.

Work this summer includes removing approximately 500 feet of a bank constructed to prevent erosion at the downstream end of Chinook Bend. The in-water work must be done during the summertime low-flow season on the Snoqualmie River before the fall rains and adult salmon return to spawn.

While construction is estimated to last for about three weeks, the actual duration of the work could be longer as it is dependent upon the flow levels of the Snoqualmie River.

Temporary traffic delays, increased noise and truck traffic are expected during construction. Flaggers will be on-site to direct traffic as needed. This is the final phase of the Chinook Bend Floodplain Enhancement project.