Restoration of sections of Redwood Creek in Muir Woods National Monument aim to improve habitat for endangered coho salmon/NPS, Jace Ritchey

Muir Woods National Monument, a setting of towering trees, also harbors an overlooked habitat that is valuable to endangered coho salmon. Enhancing this habitat is the focus on a stream project set to begin next week.

On Monday, July 10, crews will work to restore natural creek features that support the survival of young fish. Improving fish habitat will enhance the wildlife viewing visitor experience for future generations, according to the National Park Service. The project is scheduled to run through November.

Muir Woods, located north of San Francisco in California, will remain open during this project, and there will be no changes or decrease in visitor parking. Visitors should expect some dust, noise, and detours at the park entrance and on some trails. The entrance plaza will be used as a staging area and a route for visitors to bypass the staging area will be fenced. A few trail segments will be closed during parts of the project. Park rangers will be on site to answer questions about the project and signs will be posted indicating trail status.

During Phase 2 of the Salmon Enhancement Project, fish and other aquatic species will be relocated to other sections of Redwood Creek and then the work zones will be drained of water. Visitors will see heavy equipment removing portions of the rock walls, or “riprap,” that line the creek banks and an old segment of asphalt trail that is at the top of the creek bank. Fallen trees from the forest floor will be used to create more fish habitat. After work is completed, the restored creek banks will be re-vegetated with native plants.

Eventually, the natural movement of water will renovate Redwood Creek from its current channelized state to a more complex, natural, and healthy creek ecosystem. With the natural meandering pattern restored, more woody debris, and deeper pools to hide in, Redwood Creek will provide the habitat that young fish need to survive. Visitors will have a better chance to see more fish in Redwood Creek.

The Salmon Habitat Enhancements are part of a family of projects collectively referred to as “Redwood Renewal” that are designed to ensure the preservation and long-term health of Muir Woods. Phase 1 of the Salmon Habitat Enhancement project occurred in 2019. Fish monitoring from winter 2021 – 2022 indicates that the Phase 1 Salmon Habitat Enhancement project has vastly improved Redwood Creek’s ability to support coho salmon juveniles.