Colewort Creek Tidal Wetland Restoration
Columbia River Estuary Task Force and National Park Service

Vigil-Agrimis, Inc. (VAI) assisted the Columbia River Estuary Study Taskforce (CREST) and the National Park Service (NPS) with the design for a 44-acre tidal wetland restoration project within the Fort Clatsop Unit of the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. The Colewort Creek site is adjacent to the Lewis and Clark River, a tributary to the Columbia River at Young’s Bay. For several decades, the site was managed for agricultural production which had altered the grade and prevented tidal process within the site.

The goal for the project is to restore degraded estuary habitat critical to the recovery of threatened and endangered Columbia River and tributary salmon species through the construction of approximately 3,500 feet of new tidal channels, excavation of dredge spoils to restore historical marsh elevations, enhancement of existing tidal channels, large woody debris placement, and reestablishment of native plant communities.

Prior to the Final Design Phase, VAI provided Phase I services that included: hydraulic analysis of the tidal system, development of design alternatives, presenting alternatives to a Technical Advisory Committee and public forum, and developing 30% Design Drawings, cost estimates, and a design basis memorandum. For the Final Design Phase VAI produced a 60% plan set with specs and cost estimate, and provided limited permitting support and construction documents.