Some culverts at public roads and railroad crossings constrict flows which can cause flooding and water quality problems. These culverts also send juvenile salmon into warmer waters before they are ready. Young salmon sent downstream prematurely go into shock, cannot protect themselves from predators and therefore don't return to spawn.

Replacing or removing culverts is a key element in protecting and recovering native fish species. There were nine culverts on Crystal Springs Creek between SE 28th Avenue and the creek's confluence with Johnson Creek. These culverts inhibited fish from swimming upstream and downstream to reach spawning and rearing habitat. Replacing them with fish-friendly culverts opened up nearly three miles of prime habitat for these threatened species and helped improve water quality in Johnson Creek and the Willamette River.

The City of Portland maintains as many as 200 culverts around the city that may restrict fish passage and impede water flow. Environmental Services began replacing Crystal Springs Creek culverts in 2008. What started as a culvert replacement project is now a full-scale urban watershed restoration project to fully restore salmon access and riparian habitat in the entire watershed. Environmental Services worked with other city bureaus, agencies, and partners to replace all fish passage barriers in Crystal Springs.

For more project information, contact Ronda Fast at 503-823-4921.