NPS Invites Public to Meeting on Muir Woods Salmon Habitat, Bridge Replacement Project

MILL VALLEY, CA — The National Park Service announced that it will host a public meeting Tuesday, Sept. 20 to share information and begin gathering public input on the Muir Woods Salmon Habitat Enhancement and Bridge Replacement Project.

The project at Muir Woods National Monument would restore habitat in Redwood Creek for aquatic life, including the federally threatened Coho salmon, according to a news release from Nathan Hale Sargent, spokesman for Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

According to the news release:

Coho salmon numbers in the Redwood Creek watershed have significantly declined for various reasons, and several efforts are continuing to restore this species to self-sustaining levels. The restoration of Redwood Creek in Muir Woods represents one of the best opportunities in the watershed to improve conditions for salmon.

The project calls for the removal of selected large boulders called riprap that were placed on the banks of Redwood Creek more than 80 years ago to stabilize the stream banks. Following the riprap removal, large woody debris would be installed in the creek. These two actions will significantly improve the conditions needed to help young fish survive.

The project would also replace four pedestrian bridges that are reaching the end of their lifespan. New bridges would continue to provide accessible creek crossings but be designed with longer spans and more durable materials to improve public safety and enhance the way water flows in the creek to support habitat restoration.

The public meeting, to be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mill Valley Library, 375 Throckmorton Ave., will provide updates on other projects in the Redwood Creek watershed, including the status of Coho salmon in Redwood Creek and a project to replace water and wastewater systems. The meeting will also introduce the Golden Gate National Recreation Area vegetation team.

The Muir Woods Salmon Habitat Enhancement and Bridge Replacement Project was first introduced at a National Park Service public meeting June 27 in Mill Valley. A 30-day public scoping/comment period will begin Wednesday, Sept. 21.

Written comments can be submitted online at this link, or mailed to:

GGNRA Superintendent
Attn: MUWO Salmon Habitat Enhancement &Bridge Replacement Project
Fort Mason Building 201
San Francisco, CA 94123

Comments received during scoping will be used to inform project planning and prepare an environmental assessment (EA) in compliance with the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA). The EA is expected to be released for public review and comment in 2017. The public is also invited to provide comment on issues and concerns regarding cultural resources within the project area in compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

Images via National Park Service