Restoration Projects

This was a restoration project put into place to restore habitat for fish and other aquatic species and help protect communities and landscapes from flood damage. The Chehalis basin is comprised of nearly 3,400 miles of streams and rivers that provide habitat for fish and amphibians. The ‘ASRP’ (Aquatic Species Restoration Plan) was initiated by the Thurston Conservation District in conjunction with representatives from the Quinalt Indian Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. These groups worked in accordance with the Washington State Department of Ecology’s office of the Chehalis basin, state agencies and local governments to implement the restoration strategy.
The Riverbend Ranch Habitat project consisted of 2.5 miles of river restoration. One of these miles was made accessible by correcting a fish passage barrier. During the duration of the project, many unknown challenges were faced. The dense ground and massive boulders made for harsh pile driving conditions. Brumfield Construction Inc. was able to navigate some of these unforeseen obstacles with the varying project teams. Along with the conditions, this project called for a 30 day in water work window. With the obstacles that were faced, Brumfield Construction was still able to complete logging procurement (roughly 1600 logs), install seventy-six large log jams, installed 800 driven pilings and moved 15,000 cubic yards of channel excavation. Due to the great cooperation from all project teams, this two-year project was completed in a single season and under budget.
Benefits of the project include reconnecting the flood plain, restoring natural river processes, lowering stream temperatures and diversifying the habitat. The work that was completed on this project will endure slowing of the river, erosion control and providing safe spaces for fish and other aquatic species during a flood, particularly the spring Chinook Salmon.

The middle for Hoquiam River Tidal restoration project was put in place by the Grays Harbor conservative district. The primary objectives of the project were to install a tide gate, removal of temporary ditch crossing and blockage of ditch channel, piling removal, debris and fill removal, including two major timed tidal breaches.

Brumfield Construction had to remove over 1000 timber pilings, while also removing and grinding timber along with other various grubbing and vegetation to construct an access road and staging areas for equipment and materials. Excavation of tidal channel and dumpsites. There was over 40,000 CY of material excavated below the OHWM and hauled to various dumpsites to create tidal access to wetlands in various locations within the project.

The middle for Hoquiam River tidal restoration project primarily benefits the fish populations, particularly salmon and steelhead. By restoring access to crucial tidal wetland habitat, increasing their rearing areas and improving their survival rates. Additionally, it contributes to overall ecosystem health by restoring natural tidal flows, and providing wildlife refuge within the restored wetlands.