Johnson Creek Dam Removal and Hatchery Improvement

Completed: September 2005

Cost: $ 15, 000

Funded by: North West Indian Fisheries Commission via NOAA

In July 2004 the Tribe removed a dam just north of the hatchery ponds on Johnson Creek. The Johnson Creek facility was constructed inthe 1950s as a trout fishing and stocking hatchery. A channel spanning diversion dam, 15 ' wide by 5' high was built in Johnson Creek to supply water for the hatchery and rearing ponds. The Tribe acquired the property in 1990 and has operated the facility to rear coho smolts as part of their salmon enhancement program. In summer 2004 a new hatchery shed was installed, see photos below.

The Johnson Creek system contains approximately six linear miles of spawning habitat connected to more than 110 acres of rearing habitat. The diversion dam blocked anadromous fish passage to approximately half of the system's total habitat. Other components of this project include maintaining the water supply to the hatchery rearing facility and striving to reduce the labor required to maintain the current system.

Dam after five foot wall was removed.

New culvert downstream of removed dam.

New shed at rearing facility. View of rearing ponds below.