Weirs for Pool Development

 

In 1994, the Puyallup Tribal Fisheries conducted an assessment on Puget Creek that uncovered several failures in the ecological system, including low-dissolved oxygen levels and insufficient pool-to-riffles (rapids) relationships, both of which are necessary for fish survival.

 

In 1995, Youth for Earth Services (YES) installed five weirs for pool development and oxygenation in conjunction with Puyallup Fisheries, Metro Parks, and many volunteers. They also planted numerous native plants in Puget Gardens, the riparian area at the low end of the creek.

 

Log weirs create pools by slowing the flow and causing the water to back up and flood a small area. The weirs work to oxygenate the water because they create turbulence in the water as it flows over them. PCRS plans on installing more log weirs as well as placing more recycled Christmas trees for the same purpose.

 

Both adult and juvenile salmon need pools for survival. The adults use them as rest areas during their journey up the creek to spawn. The young salmon use the pools for their depth in which to hide from predators and to forage for food.

 

Back to Salmon Habitat and Population Restoration

 

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