FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 10, 2020

Contact:         Marie Duckworth
Phone:           (360) 778-6209
Email:            [email protected]

  

Restoration Project will Deliver Logs to Terrell Creek via Helicopter;
Public Should Not Approach Operations

 
BELLINGHAM, WA – Residents in Birch Bay may see a low-flying helicopter carrying logs in the area of Terrell Creek between Kickerville Road and Jackson Road as part of fish habitat improvements to the waterway. The habitat improvements will take place Aug. 10-12 on private property, and the public should not attempt to approach the area.

“This aerial operation will be an unusual sight for local residents, so we want to remind people to stay away from the area for the safety of everyone involved,” Project Engineer Cody Swan said.

Around 200 pieces of woody debris will be placed along 2.5 miles of Terrell Creek. The locally sourced logs of cedar and fir weigh between 5,000-9,000 lbs and include the tree root wad. The project is part of the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association Terrell Creek Restoration Plan and will benefit salmon and other aquatic species. Work is being done by Tiger Construction using a helicopter to avoid damage to the site.

This work is part of the required mitigation to build the Birch Bay Drive berm and pedestrian improvements. The Birch Bay Drive project is one of the largest projects ever undertaken by Whatcom County Public Works. It will restore the natural shoreline, repair beach erosion, prevent and reduce the severity of storm surge damage, will improve pedestrian access. More information is available on the project webpage at www.whatcomcounty.us/publicworks, click on Birch Bay Drive and Pedestrian Facility. 

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