Riparia Environmental is continuing restoration and mitigation work along Spiketon Ditch in Buckley, Washington, where South Prairie Creek flows beneath the newly constructed Foothills Trail pedestrian bridge. The project, completed in partnership with Pierce County, supports mitigation requirements associated with bridge construction and focuses on stabilizing and restoring impacted stream banks.
Initial work included blackberry removal, erosion control cloth and wattle installation, seeding, planting, and mulching along both sides of the creek. The project also required ongoing coordination with easement landowners and Pierce County throughout construction and restoration efforts.
In December, major flooding significantly impacted the site, washing away a portion of the eastern bank along with some installed materials. Following the event, Riparia Environmental worked with the county to revise and strengthen the erosion control approach for the affected area. The updated plan incorporated additional stabilization measures, including live fascines and live stakes, to better support the steep and highly vulnerable bank.
Due to the challenging terrain on the eastern slope, specialized safety planning and fall protection measures were required before crews could safely complete the installation work. Crew members were trained on rappelling and fall arrest systems to allow safe access and movement along the steep hillside during erosion control installation.
The revised stabilization work was successfully installed this spring, and the team continues to monitor and maintain the site throughout the growing season to support vegetation establishment and long-term bank stability.
The next phase of the project will involve removing metal debris exposed within the bank and creek bed during flood events. This work is planned for the driest part of summer to help minimize sediment disturbance and reduce impacts to water quality within South Prairie Creek.
Projects like this highlight the importance of adaptability, field expertise, and long-term environmental stewardship in restoration work across the Pacific Northwest.
